Introduction And General Information:
The Department of Communication Disorders is a graduate department within The School of Health and Human Services. The Department serves three Deans; The Dean of The School of Health and Human Services, The Dean of The School of Education (for teacher preparation programs), and The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. The Department offers the Master of Science Degree in Communication Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology).
The Department offers an Undergraduate Specialization in Communication Disorders. Courses in this specialization are prerequisites to graduate program courses.
The Department houses The Center for Communication Disorders, a public service, University-subsidized, clinical facility for the diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. The Center serves as a training facility for the Department.
The academic program in Speech‑Language‑Pathology (SLP) is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
University Mission Statement:
The mission of SCSU is to enhance its position as the preeminent comprehensive metropolitan public university of the State of Connecticut. As a learning community grounded in the values of liberal education, SCSU is committed to students distinguished by their intellectual competencies, their skills for flexible adaptation to global change, and by their habits of cultural enrichment for life-long inquiry. As the lead institution for advanced study in the CSU system, SCSU is committed to the professional preparation of graduate learners for success in their careers and in service to their communities, including applied doctoral degree programs consistent with its historical mission. As an academic environment, SCSU is committed to innovative teaching strategies and to scholarship and creative activity that produce knowledge, refreshes faculty expertise and amplifies teaching effectiveness.
(School of Graduate Studies 2005-2006 Catalog)
School of Health and Human Services Mission Statement:
Vison: The School of Health and Human Services is dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of well-being and empowerment through professional interventions with individuals, families, communities and populations with diverse backgrounds.
Mission: The School of Health and Human Services is a multi-disciplinary school that prepares undergraduate and graduate students for professional careers in Communication Disorders, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Public Health, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Social Work and Urban Studies. The School is committed to educating students through state-of-the-art teaching strategies that integrate and emphasize discipline-specific and interdisciplinary research, scholarship, professional practice, and community service. The professional programs within the school rely on an integrated liberal arts and sciences foundation and specialized knowledge to prepare beginning and advanced practitioners who demonstrate mastery of knowledge in their field, are able to communicate effectively, develop creative solutions to problems, are flexible and adaptable to changes in their professional field, are cognizant of local and global environmental effects on their practice and are committed to continuing their professional development.
Department of Communication Disorders Mission Statement:
The mission of the Department of Communication Disorders is to prepare graduates for professional careers in speech-language pathology. The Department is dedicated to excellence in academic and clinical education and is committed to an outcome-based education that facilitates students’ professional growth. The Department emphasizes the importance of a diverse student body and recognizes its obligation to promote communicative health through professional service to individuals, families, communities and populations representative of our urban setting and a multicultural society.
The Department prepares the graduate learner for professional competence, life-long inquiry, leadership and adaptation to change through exposure to state-of-the-art instructional techniques including case-based teaching and integration of current technology, supported clinical practice and opportunities for original research. Detailed understanding of normal as well as disordered communication provides a base on which clinical skills, problem solving abilities, and professionalism may be developed.
As an academic environment, the Department is committed to supporting faculty and professional staff in teaching, research, clinical service and creative activities in a continuing quest for innovative instructional techniques, scholarship, and the production of knowledge in our discipline. The Department supports interdisciplinary professional development and encourages faculty and staff to be both receivers and disseminators of current information in our field and in related fields.
Department of Communication Disorders Objectives:
The overall objective of the graduate program in Communication Disorders is to prepare professionals to be knowledgeable, clinically skillful, and capable of applying that knowledge and those skills to diverse clinical settings and situations in a cooperative, compassionate, and ethical manner.
Academic objectives include the following:
a. Upon successful completion of an appropriate course of study, each graduate student will:
1. Understand the role of a specialist in communication disorders;
2. Understand the legal and ethical standards of the profession;
3. Demonstrate knowledge in the following areas: linguistics; socio-linguistics; normal developmental processes; hearing science; speech science; diagnostic audiology; rehabilitative audiology; research in the field of communication disorders; diagnostic and remedial principles in communication disorders; learning theory, cognitive development;
4. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate collaborative practice and team functioning involving families, consumers, and other professionals;
5. Demonstrate effective expressive and receptive communication skills in speaking, writing, listening and reading;
6. Demonstrate knowledge of research findings and an interest in continuing education in order to develop and maintain clinical competencies to meet the needs of the speech-language-hearing impaired person;
b. To contribute to and advance knowledge in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology through basic science and applied research;
c. To maintain the academic program, clinical activities, faculty and professional staff accomplishments, contributions and development, and the general conduct of the business of the department at a level consistent with or surpassing university review boards, state accreditors, and the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Clinical objectives include the following:
a. Upon successful completion of clinical practice each graduate student will:
1. Demonstrate skills in goal setting, motivation, evaluation, interpersonal management, counseling and professional report writing;
2. Exhibit professional behaviors and ethical attitudes appropriate to the professional discipline;
3. Implement appropriate clinical services in a variety of settings including multicultural/multiethnic communities;
4. Select appropriate diagnostic approaches and execute procedures for modifying communication behavior;
5. Establish appropriate collaborative practice and team functioning involving families, consumers, and other professionals;
b. To provide the public through our on-campus clinical training programs, appropriate speech, voice, language and hearing services;
c. To maintain the clinical program and clinical services, at a level consistent with or surpassing university review boards, state accreditors, and the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
University Non-Discrimination Policy:
Southern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, disability, race, color, national origin, or sexual orientation in admission to, access to, employment in, and treatment in its programs and activities.
Disability Resource Office (DRO):
The DRO ensures educational equality for students with disabilities. The office provides and coordinates individualized accommodations and support services for all students with disabilities, learning disabilities/ADD, vision and hearing disabilities, mobility-related and orthopedic disabilities, head injuries, emotional and psychiatric disabilities, epilepsy, and chronic health related disabilities. Services include assistance with registration, arrangements for course and testing accommodations, assistance from a learning specialist, adaptive computer technology, peer support, advocacy referrals to on- and off-campus resources, accessibility information, and assistance in arranging for sign-language interpreters, personal assistance, readers and note takers. Call: (203) 392-6828 (voice) or (203) 392-6131 (TDD), visit: Engleman Hall, room C016.
Center For Adaptive Technology (CAT):
The CAT helps individuals with visual, physical, and learning disabilities become independent computer users through the use of adaptive applications, and reading and writing aids. The CAT provides computer access evaluations and training in an accessible, supportive environment. Call: (203) 392-5799, visit: Engleman Hall B017.
New Student Orientation:
Once each academic year, at the start of the fall semester, the Department holds a new student orientation meeting. All newly matriculated students are required to attend. You will be informed by regular mail of the date, time, and location of the event.
The ASHA Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA) Summary Form for Speech-Language Pathology.
All students who apply for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology must use the KASA form to track their acquisition of the knowledge and skills required for ASHA clinical certification. During program planning and new student orientation, the KASA form will be reviewed and questions regarding departmental and student responsibilities concerning the form will be addressed. Please see Appendix A for a copy of the KASA summary form.
Student Folder:
Students are advised to develop a folder containing copies of all documentation concerning the Department, University, ASHA, State Department of Health Services (licensing), the State Department of Education (teacher certification) and other professional agencies. Copies of all information which refer IN ANY WAY to program activities, clinical clock hours, or any of the certifications or licenses you will be responsible for in the future should be retained.
The Department and University attempt to maintain all critical documentation, however, they cannot be held responsible for lost or misplaced documents.
You should retain copies of all University catalogs and semester bulletins which pertain to all semesters in which you were taking courses. Course dates, titles, instructors and course catalog descriptions may be required by certification and/or licensing agencies after you graduate.
The National Student Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (NSSLHA):
The Departmental NSSLHA Chapter is subsidized by the University through student fees. It maintains a slate of officers and holds to student generated, University approved, by‑laws. Regular meetings are held during academic semesters. Activities are planned for the benefit of the Department, student, clinical community and University. NSSLHA maintains a bulletin board across from the Departmental entrance on which events and other important information are posted. Membership in NSSLHA is strongly encouraged.
NSSLHA membership is open to any University master's degree candidate or undergraduate student who is interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior. NSSLHA dues are very reasonable. Some advantages of NSSLHA membership are:
1. receiving the “ASHA Leader" and one other ASHA journal of your choice;
2. ordering ASHA publications at reduced rates;
3. registering for ASHA conventions, conferences, and workshops at reduced rates;
4. qualifying for savings ($150.00) in ASHA's Student‑to‑Certified Member Conversion Program.
NSSLHA Membership Applications may be obtained from the NSSLHA faculty advisors, NSSLHA officers, the Departmental Secretary, or by writing, calling, or contacting on-line, NSSLHA at the following postal address, phone number, or URL:
National Student Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike,
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone # (301) 897‑5700 ext. 3358
Web site: www.nsslha.org
Connecticut Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (CSHA) Student Membership:
CSHA currently offers free membership for current graduate students in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You must have the signature of the Department head on your application verifying student status. You may obtain application forms from the Departmental Secretary, or by writing, phoning, emailing, or visiting on-line the:
Connecticut Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association Office
Office Manager: Maria Parker
213 Back Lane
Newington, CT 06111
Tel: (860) 666‑6900
Fax: (860) 667‑0144
e-mail: csha.assoc@snet.net
For more information on The Connecticut Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association please see the, "Membership In The Connecticut Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (CSHA)," section under "Professional Development" in this handbook. The Department strongly encourages CSHA membership.
Departmental Scholarships:
During the beginning of the Spring semester, competition for several Departmental Scholarships is announced. Those who request scholarship information (after the announcement date), will receive a packet which contains all necessary forms and instructions for scholarship application. All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted to the scholarship coordinator on or before the posted deadline date in order to be considered in the scholarship competition.
The following scholarships are currently being offered:
1. The Geraldine Garrison Scholarship ‑ awarded to an undergraduate student in Communication Disorders;
2. The Ruth Landow Markle Scholarship ‑ awarded to a female undergraduate student in Communication Disorders;
3. The Carol Druckman‑Satosky Scholarship ‑ awarded to a graduate student in Communication Disorders;
4. The Kenneth T. Gist Promising Professional Scholarship ‑ awarded to a graduate student in Communication Disorders;
5. The Connecticut Speech and Hearing Foundation Scholarship ‑ awarded to a graduate student in Communication Disorders;
6. The Robert and Lesley Herbst Endowed Scholarship - awarded to a graduate student in Communication Disorders;
7. The Besse and Harry Satosky Memorial Scholarship - awarded to an undergraduate student in Communication Disorders.
For more scholarship information please contact:
CMD Scholarship Coordinator
Department of Communication Disorders
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515
Phone # (203) 392‑5954
Departmental Lockers:
The Department has several lockers for graduate student use. Students who are participating in clinical practicum will be given priority in locker assignments. The lockers are located at the far end of the main ground level hallway in Davis Hall, through the double doors.
If you wish to be assigned a locker please check with the Departmental Secretary for a lock, combination and locker assignment.
Departmental Equipment And Supplies:
The Department maintains many pieces of office equipment and office supplies for the exclusive use of the Departmental Secretary and her staff, the faculty and the professional staff. You are asked to refrain from using any of the Departmental office equipment and supplies unless formally requested to do so by faculty or staff. The Departmental office equipment includes: all office computers, typewriters, copy machines, FAX machines, and any incidental equipment such as staplers, punches etc. You may use office phones only in an emergency situation, or for clinical work with supervisor approval. We ask your full cooperation on this matter.
The Department requires that you supply all school supplies and equipment you feel will be necessary for successful work in the academic and clinical programs.
Clinical Equipment And Supplies:
The Department maintains clinical equipment and supplies for your use. The supervisor(s) to whom you are assigned is responsible for monitoring your proper and appropriate use of clinical equipment and supplies. You may not use clinical equipment and supplies without the expressed authorization of your clinical supervisor. Procedures for obtaining use of clinical equipment and supplies are presented in initial clinic orientations and may be found in the "Center for Communication Disorders Manual of Operations."
Speech Science and Voice Laboratory Regulations:
The Department equips and maintains a Speech and Hearing Science Laboratory and a Voice Laboratory for faculty, staff and student use. In order to keep the laboratories in working order the following regulations are presented:
1. Bringing or consuming food or drink in the laboratories is prohibited;
2. The laboratories may be used only during official operation times;
3. Individuals may not use equipment unless they have been instructed in its use;
4. Individuals are responsible for restoring equipment to its original condition and place unless it is part of a research project;
5. When leaving, remove all belongings. Materials will be disposed of if left in the laboratories.
Student Workroom/Departmental Library:
Room # 009B has been equipped for student use. A small refrigerator and a microwave oven are available for student use.
Books, journals, software, and some clinical materials are located in the student workroom and may be used by students.
It is the students’ responsibility to keep this room clean and neat.
Buley Library On-Line Departmental User Guide:
For assistance in your research or grant related projects (references, book and journal holdings, Internet resources, funding agencies), help in writing papers (APA on-line help, School of Graduate Studies guidelines for theses, writing labs), and other library services, visit the on-line Departmental User Guide for Communication Disorders at the Buley Library website.
Online go to www.library.southernct.edu. Click on Research Guides, then click on Communication Disorders in User Guides.
Student Mailboxes:
Mailboxes for all graduate students are located in room # 012C.
School of Graduate Studies Commencement and Departmental Pre-commencement Activities:
The Department expects all graduating students to take part in formal commencement activities presented annually by the School of Graduate Studies at the end of the spring semester. Those who complete degree requirements in the prior fall semester, the spring semester, or will complete requirements at the end of the summer session of the same year as the spring graduation ceremony are eligible to participate in the commencement. The Graduate Commencement is a gala affair held in the Lyman Center for Performing Arts. A hooding ceremony is the keynote activity of the commencement. Those graduate students participating, receive a medallion with the year of graduation imprinted across the State of Connecticut shield surrounded by the University name and “Graduate Commencement.”
The Department and our NSSLHA chapter host graduate pre-commencement activities for parents, family and friends. At this social gathering, faculty are introduced and all graduating students are individually recognized for their successful completion of the program. A formal invitation to the dinner is sent to each student according to the eligibility guidelines indicated above.
Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC):
The University GSAC is responsible for developing procedures for the use of student activity funds collected from graduate students. Through its activities, the GSAC supports educational, social, and cultural activities directed toward enriching the experiences of graduate students. The Departmental Chapter of NSSLHA is sponsored by the GSAC. The committee is made up of graduate students and a faculty advisor. If you are interested in becoming involved with this committee please see the Departmental Chairperson.
Use Of University Computers:
The Department does not maintain computers for student use except those for clinical, teaching or research work. Word processing and scholastic activities which require computers must be completed using personally owned devices or the University Computer Centers’ equipment. There are several Computer Centers for your use throughout the campus. One University Computer Center (Educational Resource Center) is located on the first floor in Davis Hall in room #118. You are advised to become familiar with the location, operating hours and procedures of the center.
Student Email Account:
Each student is automatically assigned an email address during matriculation. You may access your email from the SCSU home page (www.southernct.edu) Click on SCSU Web Services, login, click on Personal Information, then, View Email. Your SCSU email address(s) will be shown. After you have determined your address please register your SCSU email address with the Departmental secretary. You must check your email at your University address frequently because the Department and the University may contact you through it. Check it even if you have another email address. (Your SCSU email account has a feature that allows you to auto-forward mail to your preferred email address.)
Miscellaneous:
The Departmental Secretary is responsible to the faculty and staff of the Department and performs tasks associated only with the operation of the Department. You are requested to refrain from making demands of the secretary.
Pay telephones are available for student use in the first floor hallway and outside the main entrance to Davis Hall.
Next to the pay phones in front of Davis Hall, there is an emergency box with a push button. When the button is pushed it will summon the campus police. The campus police phone number is 392‑5375. From on campus, dial 25375. In an emergency, dial 888 from any campus phone or pick up any red phone.
A directory of faculty and Departmental phone numbers may be found in Appendix B.
The Department maintains an active website. Information regarding programs, admissions, clinical activities, facilities, courses, and departmental current events among other things, may be found at the site. Please visit. Offer comments.
URL: www.southernct.edu/departments/communicationdisorders.