Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
CSD Graduate Student Handbook
Master of Science
Clinical Speech-Language Pathology
March 1, 2017
Students are responsible for following all policies and procedures associated with Northern Arizona University and the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders.
Policies and procedures may be changed at the discretion of Northern Arizona University and/or the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders.
CSD students are responsible for following the most recent handbooks.
This CSD Graduate Student Handbook is a living document and is posted on the CSD website.
When students enter the CSD program, they sign a document attesting to having read the CSD Graduate Student Handbook and the CSD Website.
Equitable Treatment
Northern Arizona University is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free from unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation. In support of this commitment, the Arizona Board of Regents and Northern Arizona University prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and genetic information.
Contents
IMPORTANT NOTE: This Handbook does not have an Index. If you want to locate something quickly, just click Cntrl F > Navigation > enter the topic. The page number will be displayed.
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
SECTION 2. NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY AND FLAGSTAFF
SECTION 3. COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
SECTION 4. MISSION STATEMENTS
SECTION 5. NAU STUDENT HANDBOOK
NAU Student Handbook
SECTION 6. NAU GENERAL INFORMATION
Academic Catalog Website
Student and Departmental Account Services’ Website
Registrar’s Website
SECTION 7. NAU GRADUATE COLLEGE
Course Load
Course Repeat
Grades of Incomplete
Leave of Absence
Transfer Credit – Graduate Students
Requirements and Time Limits: Master’s degrees
Safe Working and Learning Environment
Emergency Textbook Loan Program
Professionalism and Professionalism Letters
Addressing Student Behavior (General)
SECTION 8. ACCREDITATION
SECTION 9. CSD DEPARTMENT
CSD Faculty and Staff Contact
Home
Forms
Contact Information
Speech-Language Hearing Clinic
Changes to Student Information
Program Overview – Courses Required to Enter and Complete the Program
Badges for All Students
State Licensure/Certificate Forms and ASHA Forms
Student Resources – Financial Aid, Assistantships, and Other Financial Opportunities.
CSD Complaint Process
Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA)
Mailboxes
Lockers
Switching CSD Tracks
Forms that Require a CSD Signature
Office of Curriculum Learning Design and Academic Assessment (OCLDAA)
Office of Regulatory Compliance
Injuries
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
CSD Awards
Registration Problems
Dress Code
Spa
Computers and Printers
SECTION 10: CSD TUITION AND FEES INFORMATION
SECTION 11. PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAM
A.CSD COURSEWORK
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Overview – Courses Required to Enter the Program
Foundational Course Requirements
Deficiencies in Foundational Science Courses and Statistic Course
Program Overview – Courses Required to Complete the Program
Electives
Graduate Research and Independent Study
Graduate Certificates
Praxis Review
ETS Praxis Examination
Praxis Test Code
CSD Comprehensive Exam
Academic Remediation Plans
B.CSD CLINICAL ROTATIONS
Number of Clinical Rotations, Sites, and Prerequisite Coursework
Number of Clinical Clockhours Required of Clinical Experiences
Auditory Processing Hours and Aural Rehabilitation Hours vs. Hearing Screening Hours and Audiological Assessment Assistance Hours
New Implementation Language from the CFCC Regarding Alternative Clinical Education (ACE)
More Information Related to Observation Hours
Required Supervision during Clinical Experiences – ASHA Standard V-E and V-F
Registering for CSD 602 and CSD 608 / Clinical Rotation Documents
Additional Information about the Registration Checklist for Clinical Experiences
Extra Site Requirements
Filling in Forms
Logging Clinical Clockhours: CALIPSO
Considerations Regarding Site Placement
CSD 602: Clinical Practicum
CSD 608: Externship
Externship Site Concerns – Breadth and Depth of Clinical Experience
Externship Site Concerns – Affiliation Agreements
Receiving a Grade in CSD 602/608
End-of-Session Paperwork for CSD 602/608
If you Receive an “Incomplete” in CSD 608
Withdrawing from a Clinical Rotation and/or Requesting to Switch Sites
Clinical Performance Plans
Dismissal from a Clinical Rotation
C.GRADUATION
Graduate College Website
Graduation
Applying for Graduation
Graduation Commencement and Hooding Ceremonies
Additional Information Concerning Graduation
D.POST-GRADUATION CONSIDERATIONS
Clinical Fellowship Experience
Temporary Licensure
After the CF Experience – Initial Licensure
Obtaining the Certificate of Clinical Competence
Non-Professional Teaching Certificates
Summary of Documents Requiring Signature from CSD
SECTION 14. ADDITIONAL INFO FOR CSD PART-TIME SUMMERS-ONLY STUDENTS
Required Documents for CSD
Observations in the NAU Clinic
Clinician Workroom
Updating Individual Pictures for the CSD Hall Bulletin Board
Celebrating Accomplishments - Pictures for the Summer Track Websites
Coursework
SLPA
Availability of Summer Track Coordinator
SECTION 15. AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING ASSOCIATION (ASHA)
ASHA’s Website
Proficiency in English
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
This handbook has been prepared to assist students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Master of Science degree program at Northern Arizona University in their professional education. The handbook provides the department’s policies, procedures, requirements and conditions that must be met in order to satisfactorily complete the Master of Science in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology degree program.
Each student is encouraged to become familiar with the contents of this handbook. Students should use this handbook as a reference throughout their education in the graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students are responsible for adhering to the contents of this handbook. If there are points that are unclear, please obtain clarification from the department head, clinic director, or your academic advisor.
The Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders(CSD) is located in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). The Master of Science degree program in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Elise Lindstedt, PhD, CCC-SLP
Department Chair
SECTION 2. NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY AND FLAGSTAFF
Northern Arizona University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its main campus is in Flagstaff, Arizona. NAU is governed by the Arizona Board of Regents.
For information about University statistics, and how they affect NAU goals:
For information about the Arizona Board of Regents:
International students:
International applicants applying with F1or J1 visa status may apply for the CSD Full-Time Regular track or the Full-Time Leveler track only. F1 or J1 students may not apply to the Part-time Summer track. For detailed information, contact . For more information, please refer to the following link:
SECTION 3. COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
The College of Health and Human Services allows individuals to pursue careers in a variety of healthcare fields, including Athletic Training, Communications Sciences and Disorders (CSD), Dental Hygiene, Health Sciences, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies
The Master of Science degree program in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology offered by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is one of several career paths in the College of Health and Human Services. It has three specialized tracks, all leading to a Master’s degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology.
For the College of Health and Human Services:
SECTION 4. MISSION STATEMENTS
Mission Statement of the CSD Department
The Mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northern Arizona University is to advance the knowledge and practice in human communication and its disorders, to prepare our students to lead in the professions of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, and to enable all individuals to communicate, read, write, think, and learn, in order to succeed in a changing world.
To accomplish this mission, we intend to...
- acquire new knowledge through empirical research
- promote scholarship and other creative works
- contribute to the profession at local, regional, national and international levels
- foster critical thought in a learning-centered environment
- incorporate technology to enhance classroom and clinical teaching
- mentor students to achieve professional competence in serving individuals of all ages
- serve as a local and regional clinical resource for individuals with communication disorders
- foster interdisciplinary collaboration
- excel in professional service
The Program of Communication Sciences and Disorders is committed to enriching research, teaching, learning and the professional service environment by embracing the cultural and linguistic diversity of our region and nation.
Mission Statement of Northern Arizona University
Mission Statement of the College of Health and Human Services at Northern Arizona University
SECTION 5. NAU STUDENT HANDBOOK
NAU Student Handbook(online)
Northern Arizona University's handbook is updated continuously; check the website for the most up-to-date information. The appendices listed on the website provide a number of university policies that should be helpful to you. Students at the university need to be aware of these policies, understand, and abide by them. Many policies that exist within this handbook relate to rules and regulations regarding student behavior. Some of these policies were developed by the Arizona Board of Regents and others were developed by Northern Arizona University.
SECTION 6. NAU GENERAL INFORMATION
LOUIE
LOUIE (Lumberjack Online University Information Environment) is the online database at NAU for academic, financial, employment, and personal information. Students can log into LOUIE to register for courses, check grades, schedules, financial accounts, and other information regarding academic life at NAU. Sign in at
Academic Catalog Website
Students are responsible for following all policies.
Police emergencies
- Emergency call: 911 OR 928-523-3000
- Non-emergency call: 523-3611
- To sign up for NAU alert text messages visit:
Safety Escort Service (Safewalk)
- 928-523-3611.
Information Technology Services
- IT services are located in the Du Bois Center basement
- Student Technology Center: 928-523-9294 or 888-520-7215
Learning Assistance Centers
Student and Departmental Account Services’ Website
For information about Payment Dates, Tuition and Fees, and other financial questions please visit:
Registrar’s Website
The Office of the Registrar manages student academic records and course enrollments. Here you will find important dates and deadlines, forms and policies, and information about transcripts and verifications.
SECTION 7. NAU GRADUATE COLLEGE
The Graduate College webpage has information concerning all of NAU’s policies. We strongly recommend that you visit the page and become familiar with these policies.
Course Load
Graduate students are expected to pursue graduate degrees with a minimum of interruption and maintain continuous enrollment. Students who are in a Master’s degree program and who do not enroll for three consecutive semesters (excluding Summer), will be considered withdrawn from the university and must reapply for admission to resume their degree program.
Course Repeat
If you wish to repeat a course, you must submit the Graduate Course Repeat Enrollment Form, available on the Registrar's Office website.
Additional CSD Course Repeat Policy:
A student not meeting course learner outcomes or clinical competencies at any time during their Course Sequence may have a documented “Academic Remediation Plan” or be placed on a “Clinical Performance Plan”. These actions are designed to help a student acquire the knowledge, skills and clinical competencies expected from the academic or clinical course. The focus is to meet each student’s needs and delineate how the student will demonstrate mastery of learner outcomes. Academic remediation may include (a) supplemental oral or written tests or quizzes, (b) written assignments (c) special projects, (d) demonstration of a clinical competency or (e) repeat of the course or clinical rotation. The course instructor sets the conditions and is responsible for verifying that the learner outcomes or clinical competencies have been met. The Academic Remediation Plan documentation is used to document interaction with the student. Clinical Performance Plans specifically target ASHA’s Learner Outcomes and the items on the Clinical Competency Evaluation form.
A student who has not adequately met course learner outcomes by the end of the session, and receives a grade of “C” in a CSD course, is required to repeat the course. Policies regarding course repeats are set by each course instructor and stated in each course syllabus. See each course syllabus for the instructor’s policies regarding demonstration of learner outcomes and course retake requirements.
A student receiving a grade of “C” in a clinical rotation must repeat the course, unless this is the student’s third grade of “C”. At that time, the department may recommend the student’s dismissal from the program to the Graduate College.
A grade of “D” or “F” will result in a possible “Academic Remediation Plan” or “Clinical Performance Plan” as well as a repeat of course. The subsequent grade must be an “A” or “B” or the Department Chair may recommend the student’s dismissal from the program to the Graduate College.
If a graduate course is repeated at another university, the grade from that course must be submitted on an official transcript from that university, with the Graduate Course Repeat Enrollment form found on the Graduate College website. Provide the information to your advisor. If the course is repeated at NAU, an official transcript is not necessary, but the form must be given to your advisor. All graduate college policies pertaining to grades of “C” or below apply to the course. A student’s Program of Study will be increased by the number of repeated courses required.
Grades of Incomplete
A student who, for reasons beyond the student's control, is unable to complete course requirements during the instructional period, may petition the instructor for a grade of Incomplete. The student must be passing the course and must have completed a majority of the course. Non-attendance, poor performance, or intentions to repeat the course do not justify issuance of an incomplete grade. Instructors cannot assign an incomplete grade unless agreed upon before the course ends.
Leave of Absence
In extenuating circumstances, graduate students may petition for an exception to the continuous enrollment policy. The petition form, Petition for Leave of Absence, which is available on the Graduate College Website, must be approved by the student’s advisor, graduate coordinator, and/or department chair and sent to the Associate Dean of the Graduate College for final approval. The request must be filed and approved before the anticipated absence.
Transfer Credit – Graduate Students
To be considered for transfer credit, the student’s courses must:
- demonstrate that the course meets and/or contains equivalent core learning competencies for the requested transfer, shown through a course syllabus and/or other official course material;
- have been earned at an accredited or recognized institution;
- have been earned with a grade of "A" or "B." (The Graduate College will accept a "Pass" grade if the course is graded only on a pass-fail basis.);
- be applicable to a graduate degree at the institution where the credit was earned;
- meet the Arizona Board of Regents’ requirement for credit. A minimum of 45 hours of work is required for each unit of credit. (Note: An hour of work is equivalent to 50 minutes of class time, often called a “contact hour,” or 60 minutes of independent study work. NAU requires at least 45 contact hours for each 3-unit course, and assumes at least 90 hours of student homework for that course.);
- have been earned within the six-year period required for completing the Master's degree or Graduate Certificate at Northern Arizona University.
and - the number of units that may be transferred from other institutions cannot exceed twenty-five percent of the total minimum units of credit required for the Master’s Degree or graduate certificate. Proviso: A student in the M.Ed. in Secondary Education plan may transfer 12 units in the content area.
Master’s and Graduate Certificate students must complete the Petition for Transfer Credit form on the Graduate College website:
Other parameters of course acceptance:
- Continuing education classes are not transferable;
- Courses taken after entering NAU are not eligible for transfer (exception for courses repeated);
- Number of hours you transfer from other institutions cannot exceed twenty-five percent of the total minimum credit hours required for your master’s degree ( usually 5 courses);
- Separate form must be used for each university;
- NAU course transfers do not require a petition;
- Dates will be looked at carefully and a course taken while an undergraduate will usually be denied unless you can present an undergraduate Program of Study showing that the course was not on the undergraduate POS;
- Need to provide an original transcript to your adviser, unless you submitted the transcript to NAU during the admission process;
- May need to attach a syllabus or course catalog description if the title is not adequately descriptive;
- When Petition is approved/denied by Grad College, they notify the student/department at the same time;
- Transferred course grades are not figured in to your GPA;
- Allowed to transfer two, 400 - level classes, if within NAU, but still follows the 6 year limit; proof required that wasn’t on undergraduate program of study; petition not required.
Requirements and Time Limits: Master’s degrees
“You must complete all requirements for your master’s degree within a six-year period. If you take courses from other institutions and transfer them to your program at Northern Arizona University, they must also be taken within the six-year period.”
Safe Working and Learning Environment
Information concerning NAU’s equity and inclusion policies can be found at