SYLLABUS – PY 750 Professional Orientation

& Development III

Ivester College of Health Sciences

School of Psychology
Gainesville Campus
Academy Building 202, Spring 2019, GE

Brenau University Mission Statement

Brenau University challenges students to live extraordinary lives of personal and professional
fulfillment. As students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees or non-degree programs at
Brenau campuses and online, each prepares for a lifetime of intellectual accomplishment and
appreciation of artistic expression through a curriculum enriched by the liberal arts, scientific
inquiry and global awareness.

Contact Information
Instructor: Margie P. Gill, PhD, LPC, CPCS, ACS
Telephone: 770-538-4730 (Gainesville)
770-599-7513 (Norcross)
Email: Mgill1@brenau.edu
Office Location: Brenau Clinic, 423 Brenau Avenue, Gainesville, GA
Brenau Clinic, 3931 Campus Drive, Ste. 300, Norcross, GA
Class Hours: M 12:15pm – 1:15pm
Office Hours: Th 2:30pm – 5:30pm

Common Course Elements

Textbook(s)/ISBN: Recommended:
Kottler, J.A. (2010). On being a therapist (5th ed.). San
Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0190641542

Kuther, T. L. (2008) Surviving graduate school in

psychology. Washington DC: American
Psychological Association Press.
ISBN-13: 978-1433803468

Graduate Syllabus with Learning Outcomes

 Canvas Link: https://brenau.instructure.com/login/canvas

Important Dates for PY 750 GE Session

First Day of Class for semester January 7, 2019
Drop/Add Deadline (without penalty) January 11, 2019
Last Day to Withdraw with a Grade of “W” March 6, 2019
Last Day of Class for semester April 18, 2019

Important Information Regarding On-Ground Courses

You are expected to log in to Canvas at the start of the class. Students are able to access their
online courses through Canvas at https://brenau.instructure.com/login/canvas. The student login
is your Brenau Student Email (@tiger.brenau.edu) and your default password is the first name
initial + MMDD digits of your birthdate + last name initial + 1! (Example: John Doe, July 8 =
j0708d1!)
Canvas is Brenau’s learning management system that allows the online learning environment to
take place. It is where students will be able to access their online courses and complete the
activities and assignments that are required.

A computer with Internet access is required for students to have access to the course. For more
information on the recommended computers, refer to the information provided by the
University’s IT department at the following website. The website also provides details on
recommended browsers and software programs: http://archive.brenau.edu/requirement/.

For technical support, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@brenau.edu or submit a
Helpdesk Ticket by going to https://intranet.brenau.edu.

Students must have access to the textbook(s) listed on the syllabus. Students need to access the
bookstore website at www.brenau.bncollege.com. You will see the Brenau University logo on
the welcome page. Click on the “textbook” button under the Brenau logo. A series of boxes will
appear. Click the appropriate session you are in, the department shown on your schedule, the
course number, and the section you are in. You then click “add course” button. Then another box
appears to the right of the screen. Click the “view textbook list” button. Then click which
condition of book you want. Then proceed to scroll down and push the “add to shopping cart”
button close to the bottom of the page. Then click “checkout” button, and fill out the payment
and shipping information. All that is left is submitting the order. You will get a confirmation that
you successfully placed your order. Nothing is charged yet. The total only shows new prices at
this point. The bookstore employees will pull up the order and charge you the corresponding
price for the books ordered. You then get a second confirmation stating your order is processed.
This is your receipt.

Depending on the course, other software may be required, but this will clearly be communicated
on the bookstore website prior to checkout.
Course Description
This 3-class on-going course (1 credit hour per class for total of 3 credit hours) emphasizes
issues relevant for professional development of the clinical counseling therapist. Emphasis will
be placed on career choices, professional credentialing requirements, professional writing and
presenting. Topics such as professional relationships, balancing work/career, technological
competency/literacy, professional organizations, and advocacy processes for a variety of
clientele will also be discussed. In addition, current topics relevant to the clinical counseling
therapist will be discussed such as prescription privilege, updates in APA guidelines or DSM
changes, and the role of therapist as a health care professional working in a team setting.

Course Objectives
Course Learning Outcomes
After completing the course, students will have
developed the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:
1. Students will identify roles, functions,
preparation standards, credentialing,
licensure, and professional identity of
counselors.
Evaluation Instruments Used
Students should be able to demonstrate their
critical thinking skills through the following:
Post-test NCE; class discussions; active class
participation

2. Students will gain an understanding of Professional development activities; personal

the principles of mental health, including professional statement; class discussions;
prevention, intervention, consultation, active class participation
education, and advocacy, as well as the
operation of programs and networks that
promote mental health in a multicultural
society.

3. Students will gain knowledge about Personal professional statement; poster

becoming advocates for policies, presentation; reflection paper; class
programs, and services that are discussion; active class participation
accessible, equitable, and responsive to
the unique needs of clients.

4. To continue exploring professionalism Reflection paper; class discussion; active class

and the significance/responsibility of participation
being a Licensed Professional Counselor
(LPC) in Georgia.

University Policies
The University Policies stated below can also be found in each Canvas course under the
Resources link in any course menu as well as in the current University Catalog
(catalog.brenau.edu ):
University Class Attendance and Participation Policy
All grades and evaluations earned by the student and issued by the faculty are based upon the
quality of the student’s overall academic performance. Students are expected to participate in
class regularly, and to assume responsibility for meeting all requirements as specified in the
course syllabus. Because of the differences in schedules and contact hours, there are different
attendance policies for the day, evening, weekend, and online sessions. (See current catalog for
specific requirements.)

Psychology Department Attendance and Participation Policy:

For all courses in the M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology program, students are expected to
attend all class sessions and may only miss 1 class (or 4 equivalent hours) in the 7-week session
and 2 classes (or 4 equivalent hours) in a 14-week. Students should always inform the instructor
through an email before the class if they have to miss the class session. If students miss more
than the allotted number of classes or hours (including tardiness to class sessions), they will have
to withdraw from the class or receive a failing grade.

Academic Honesty
Brenau University is an academic community actively engaged in scholarly pursuits. As
members of this community, students are expected to recognize and honor standards of academic
and intellectual integrity. Brenau supports the ideals of scholarship and fairness by rejecting all
dishonest work when it is submitted for academic credit. Brenau University encourages students
to be responsible and accountable for their decisions and actions. It is Brenau’s hope that its
students will uphold the honor of the university by refraining from every form of dishonesty in
the community. Any attempt by students to present the work of others as their own or to pass an
examination by improper means is regarded as a most serious offense and renders those students
who do so liable for disciplinary action. Assisting another student in any such dishonestly, or
knowing of this dishonesty and not reporting it, is also considered a grave breach of honesty.

The Brenau Honor Code

I promise to uphold the Brenau University honor code by refraining from every form of
dishonesty and cheating in the university life, and will strive to create a spirit of honesty and
honor. Failure to do so is considered a breach of trust toward the faculty and student body. I
accept this commitment as a personal responsibility to refrain from and to report all forms of
dishonesty and cheating.

VeriCite
Brenau University is committed to promoting intellectual growth while stimulating and
encouraging standards of academic and intellectual integrity. Instructors support the Academic
Honesty Policy stated in the Brenau catalog and enforce the Brenau Honor Code. While the
university believes each student will maintain academic integrity at all times, the faculty reserve
the right to utilize electronic means to help prevent plagiarism. Students agree that by taking this
course, all assignments are subject to submission for textual similarity review to VeriCite.
Assignments submitted to VeriCite will be included as source documents in the VeriCite
restricted access database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism within documents.
Additional information about VeriCite can be found at https://vericite.com/.
A “Draft/Plagiarism Check” column will be included in Canvas as an “assignment” for all
papers. Instructors will not grade anything submitted in this column and will not make academic
dishonesty reports for any papers posted here, regardless of the percent matching in the text
matching service report. This is for students to detect any potential problems and fix the
problems BEFORE turning in the paper for grading by the instructor. Once the student turns the
paper into the column designated by the instructor for that assignment, the student WILL NOT
BE ALLOWED TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE PAPER AND WILL BE PENALIZED
FOR PLAGIARISM. This process allows students to detect any potential problems and fix the
problems BEFORE turning in the paper for grading by the instructor.
Psychology Department Plagiarism Policy: posted in the syllabus tab in the Canvas course.

Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act

Brenau University is committed to complying with all applicable requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable
federal and state laws. Brenau does not discriminate in violation of these laws in its programs
and services to all admitted students.

The Learning Center assists qualified students with disabilities in obtaining a variety of services,
directed by the University’s Disabilities Service Provider (DSP). The University’s Compliance
Officer coordinates the University’s efforts in complying with federal, state, and local laws such
as Section 504 and ADA, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Eligibility for services is determined by the DSP, and individuals must self-identify and provide
proper documentation as outlined by the DSP. After eligibility is approved, students must meet
with an assigned coordinator to develop an individualized service plan that identifies appropriate
accommodations and services.

The compliant/grievance procedures can be found in our catalog at the link below:
http://catalog.brenau.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=635#grievance

The University Compliance Officer: The Disabilities Services Provider (DSP):

Dr. David Barnett, C.F.O
Executive Vice President
Brenau University
500 Washington Street, SE
Gainesville, GA 30501-3697
(770) 531-3116
Mrs. Jennifer Wilson Loggins
Learning Center, Director
Brenau University
530 Washington Street
Gainesville, Georgia 30501-3697
(770) 534-6134

Communication
Please note that Email is the official means of communication for the University, and all
students and faculty are required to utilize the BRENAU Email System. Please check your
Brenau Email account daily while classes are in session and use it for all University
correspondence.

Grading System
Academic progress and graduation honors are determined by grades submitted by the instructors
at the conclusion of each semester. Final grades represent the cumulative quantity and quality of
a student’s course work for that semester.

The grading system is as follows:

Grade Interpretation Quality Grading Guidelines

Points
A Excellent 4 A grade of “A” signifies an exceptional, clear, and creative grasp of
the concepts of the course with demonstrated ability to apply this
knowledge to specific problem situations. It also means that the
student has actively participated in class activities and has completed
all material in a neat and timely manner. The material indicates that
the student spent extra time, personal energy, and critical reflection in
an effort to demonstrate exceptional work.
B Good 3 A grade of “B” signifies a solid and required understanding of the
major concepts of the course and the ability to apply those concepts.
It also means that the student’s effort and class participation met the
requirements for the course. All assignments were judged to be solid
in content and were completed in a timely manner. This is deemed to
be the minimum criteria acceptable for graduate level student
performance.
C Passing, but 2 A grade of “C” signifies a marginal demonstration and application of
below average the concepts of the course and/or inadequate preparation in class
activities. It may also indicate that assignments were not completed in
a satisfactory or timely manner. Individual programs may require that
the course be repeated.
D or F Poor or Failure 1 or 0 A grade of “D or F” signifies that a student has not demonstrated
adequate understanding or application of the course material. It may
also indicate that the student has not met the attendance or assignment
requirements. A grade of D or F may require that the course be
repeated. Check the Brenau University Catalog for further
explanation.

Course Evaluation Instruments and Grading

Course grades are based on a percentage of the total points in the course. The points in the chart
below are my best estimate of the points that will be allocated, and I reserve the right to add or
subtract points if the volume of work dictates it. At any point in the class you can view your
percentage score to date in Canvas and know where you stand.

Assignments: All assigned work, including group and individual work, must be submitted via
the class canvas website on the date scheduled. Students must read the instructions and/or
guidelines for each assignment or links shown in the class canvas website. Proper grammar,
punctuation, and spelling should be used and follow APA style for in-text citations and the list of
references.

1. Attendance and Participation

2. Post-test NCE

3. Personal Professional Statement

4. Poster Presentation

5. Reflection Paper

6. Handbook/Syllabus Quiz

7. Completion of Questionnaire & Program Evaluation

8. Attendance at professional development events – Students must receive 20 credits for

attendance at professional events, trainings, and activities across the three professional
development courses. AT LEAST 4 credits must be obtained during PY 650. AT
LEAST 6 additional credits must be obtained during PY651. In PY 750, evidence (e.g.,
certificate of completion, etc.) of 20 credits will be required. The max number of credits
allowed for one event, conference, or activity is 6 credits. Events, conferences, trainings,
activities, or similar development opportunities must be pre-approved by the instructor if
not hosted or sponsored by the Psychology Department of Brenau University.

No more than 6 credits are allowed for LIVE online professional development
activities. Additionally, student must provide pre-registration info as well as proof of
participation for LIVE online training.

The student must retain proof of attendance at all events, trainings, and activities through
the PY750 course. Each student has a designated folder on Canvas in the “Graduate
Psychology Students” folder. Go to “Assignments” tab and upload your certificates to
“Certificates from attendance at professional events.” This step is not optional. It is
required. Additionally, students MUST upload certificates to the designated folder for
this course.

If a student does not get the required number of professional development credits in this
course, the student will receive a grade of Incomplete. The student must complete the
balance of professional development credits by the end of the following term or the grade
will automatically convert to IF (Incomplete Fail), resulting in dismissal from the
program.

At most professional development events, certificates will be handed out at the end of the
program. Students must attend the entire program to get credit, so they must be present at
the end of the event to pick up the certificate. Partial credit is not awarded. For Brenau
hosted events, if certificates are printed at a later date, certificates will be placed in
student boxes. Students should scan their certificates and upload them to the Graduate
 Psychology Canvas site within one (1) week of receipt. If a certificate is lost, the student
can request a re-print from the Psychology Department Office manager at the campus
where the PD was held within 1 month of the program. Re-prints will be provided at a
cost of $10 (cash/check only made payable to Brenau University). Attendance records
for Brenau hosted events will be kept for one month. After that time, no certificate re-
prints will be done and students who lost their certificates will not get credit for those
professional development hours. Students who do not get a certificate for the program
and fail to notify the Psychology Department Office Manager within one month of the
program will not get credit for that program. The Psychology Department has no control
over certificates for outside programs. If students do not have certificates from external
programs, students will not get professional development credit for those
programs. Trainings completed by students as part of their practica/internship
placements do not count as professional development hours.

You are encouraged to sign up early to reserve your spot for professional development
events; HOWEVER, if you decide, at any time, that you cannot attend a professional
development event, you MUST cancel your reservation within 24 hours of the scheduled
event. If you do not cancel your reservation, you will not be invited to the next two
professional development events hosted by Brenau and you will not receive Professional
Development credits even if you do attend those events.

You are required to complete the 20 credits before graduating from the Clinical
Counseling Psychology program.

Course Evaluation Instruments Points Weight

Attendance and Participation 70 23.33%
Post-test NCE 30 10%
Completion of Questionnaire (20) & 40 13.34%
Program Evaluation (20)
Personal Professional Statement 30 10%
Poster Presentation 30 10%
Reflection Paper 40 13.33%
At least 4 credits for attendance at 30 10%
professional events
Handbook/Syllabus Quiz 30 10%
TOTAL 300 100%

Class Schedule
The following is a tentative outline of the course. It will be followed as closely as possible and
the instructor will announce any changes ahead of time. Students are responsible for securing
that information. Topics listed are the assignments to be completed for the day on which they
are listed (e.g., read the assigned readings before each class).*

Week of January 7 Syllabus review and introduction to course:

Expectations and Why?
Week of January 14 Exploring additional career opportunities with
a Master’s in Clinical Counseling Psychology
(e.g., instructor, researcher, psychometrist,
crisis line operator, independent contractors,
author etc.)

(Guest Speaker – tentative)

Week of January 21 NO CLASS – DR. MLK HOLIDAY

Handbook/Syllabus Quiz due by January

21, 2019 at 12:15pm
Week of January 28 Understanding Insurance Panels
Week of February 4 Navigating the licensure process: Bring all
forms to class
Week of February 11 Navigating the licensure process: Bring all
forms to class
Week of February 18 Exploring Career Opportunities: Job Search,
CV Updates, etc.

Personal Professional Statement Due

Week of February 25 SPRING BREAK
Week of March 4 Pursuing a doctorate: An introduction to the
process

IPE Event TBA (Date unknown, but will be

announced at least one month prior to event)
8am-12pm at Norcross Campus (Attendance
required)
Week of March 11 Research Symposium –
Poster Presentation
Week of March 18 Research Symposium –
Poster Presentation
Week of March 25 NCE vs. NCMHCE: The differences between
the two
Week of April 1 Test Prep: NCE or NCMHCE

Week of April 8 Test Prep: NCE or NCMHCE

Week of April 15 Final Thoughts: Cultivating your counselor

identity

Post-Test NCE Due

Proof of ALL Professional Development

Activities Due
 Reflection paper due by 12:15pm on April
15, 2019

Additional Course Policies

Late Work: Late work will not be accepted.

Cheating/Plagiarism: Any student found to have engaged in cheating or plagiarism will earn a grade of F
in the course, regardless of his/her course average.

Disruptive Behaviors in Class: This is class is to enhance your counselor identity and professionalism.
From time to time, class discussion will touch upon potentially sensitive topics (e.g., multiculturalism,
advocacy, etc.). While students are always encouraged to participate in discussions, students are also
encouraged to think of others’ feelings before they speak. The class will be conducted under a policy of
mutual respect at all times.

Students who exhibit behaviors that are considered to obstruct or disrupt this class or its learning
activities will be considered under the Board of Regents Policy on Disruptive Behavior. Behaviors which
are considered to be inappropriate in this classroom include sleeping, eating, coming in late, interrupting
others, talking out of turn, inappropriate behavior during group work, verbal behavior that is disrespectful
of other students or the faculty member, or other behaviors that may be disruptive. Students who exhibit
such behavior may be temporarily dismissed from the class by the instructor and may be subject to
disciplinary procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.

Cell Phones in Class: All cell phones must be turned off during class. Texting, emailing and web
surfing during class is unacceptable. Students who have extenuating circumstances that may require they
keep their cell phones on vibrate during class must discuss these circumstances with the instructor in
order to obtain permission to keep the phone on vibrate.

Computers in Class: Laptop computers must be turned off during class. When laptops are needed, the
instructor will inform the students one week prior to class. Computer usage during class limits your focus
and attention.

Grading Rubric for Points

4 3 2 1/0
Outstanding Proficient Basic Below expectations

Rich in content; insightful: Clear
understanding of content; Consist
of personal reflection; No
grammatical errors
Substantial information;
Observations are obvious or not
clear; Connects ideas generally;
Few grammatical errors
Information is scarce in detail;
limited connections; very general
and concepts need further
justification; obvious
grammatical errors
Rudimentary; little to no
connections; no personal
connection, obvious grammatical
errors; lacks flow of ideas;
difficult to follow
 Personal Statement

This statement summarizes your purpose and drive for choosing a career in counseling. In
creating your personal statement, be sure to include responses to the following questions:

1) What identities, values, and experiences led you to consider a career in counseling?
2) Why is counseling important?
3) How do you believe people change?
4) What is your theoretical perspective?
5) What populations do you intent to serve? Why?
6) What setting are you seeking to serve?
7) What skills do you possess to assist in the therapeutic process?
8) What experience do you wish to gain?

Grading Rubric

4 3 2 1/0

Identities, values, and experiences noted

Importance of Counseling

Method of change noted

Theoretical orientation

Population identified

Setting

Current counselor skills

Personal, professional, and/or specialty skills

noted

Future experience

Writer employs standard English grammar,

punctuation, and usage.