Neumann University
February, 2017
PCC Newsletter CACREP Pays Visit —
Re-accreditation Team to Arrive Mid-month Some 13 years ago, the accrediting agency CACREP did not have the widespread and recognizable name in counseling circles that it has today. However, those involved in the PMCMH programs at Neumann and the members of the administration had a vision of building not just the master’s but also a future doctoral program and knew that the standards upon which CACREP based its evaluations were the preeminent for counseling education programs. So, over a five year period, all worked to prepare the courses, the clinical and all other aspects to meet the demands. Eight years ago a team of three CACREP evaluators, trained professors from colleges and universities across the U.S. came and reviewed what the Neumann staff and faculty attested were its accomplishments, growing edges and goals. The rest, as they say, is history. In mid-February history will repeat itself as a team of three trained evaluators will again visit the Neumann campus for a period of three days to determine if the PCMHC program in all its many facets meets the criteria enunciated in over 200 standards. Arriving on Sunday, February 19, the evening before the visit, Professors Richard Henriksen, Bellah Kiteki, and Evadne Ngazimbi will fly from Texas, Illinois, and Connecticut to spend two full days reviewing the program. Before leaving on Wednesday, they will read a report of their findings. After a review by the CACREP Board and response by the program will the formal decision be posted. Acting as the Liaison for the evaluation now as in 2009, S. Suzanne, ihm, Ph.D. emphasized the wisdom then and importance now of getting CACREP approval, observing that more and more states are demanding a CACREP-accredited education in order for counselors in training to move toward licensure. She pointed out that the National Board for Certified Counselors, the major certification organization in America, has already announced that by JanuInside this issue: ary, 2022, anyone applying for such certification must have graduated from a CACREP-accredited institution. Sister summarized: “A major issue driving these Alumna works with chil2 changes in the profession is the recognition that in order to achieve parity and dren’s stress through YOGA reduce the diversity of licensure mandates from state to state, a common body of standards is needed. Many consider CACREP to hold the most exacting standards, Professional organizations 3 thus, adoption of these provides an assurance of quality. For this and so many draw students/faculty reasons we are more than grateful for the wisdom of the 20094 Faculty Feats celebrate 4 past/future accomplishments Members of PC Ph.D. first cohort prepare to defend
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AONu receives development grant for career workshop
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Academic opportunities draw researchers
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Office space opportunity
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CACREP ADVOCACY WEEK is a time set aside for counseling program faculty members, students, and graduates to make their voices heard through engaging in advocacy efforts on behalf of their counseling programs and profession. This year, serendipitously, ADVOCACY WEEK the PMCHC program has its CACREP visit. The program has issued a list of activities for each day of the week, ranging from engaging representatives for political change to raising awareness through social media. Ideas for programs as well as topics and suggested advocacy events are posted on RAB, third floor.