2021-2022 Annual Report
Graduate faculty members reviewed evaluation data derived from the Annual Learning Assessment for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and the School Counseling Program for the 2021-2022 academic year. Analysis of this data indicates that most students are performing successfully in all curricular areas. Based on students’ demonstration of mastery of content, the overall curricular design of the program will be maintained. Survey data collected from graduates, employers of graduates, and site supervisors matches the student learning outcome data collected throughout the year, suggesting that students are indeed mastering the objectives being measured. This supports the decision to maintain the overall curricular design of the program.
The modifications made last year to the Career Development Program assignment in CEDU 645 (Career Development: Theory and Practice) resulted in stronger, more well-developed programs, and students clearly demonstrated the ability to develop and evaluate career programs. This modification will be maintained.
While students were ultimately able to perform successfully in their practicum and internship settings, School Counseling Program faculty members continue to see a need for additional practice of counseling skills prior to practicum. The newly approved 60-hour School Counseling Program (discussed below) includes a course designed to address this concern.
Changes to the School Counseling Program also necessitated changes to the developmental sequence of courses. One of these changes involved restructuring CEDU 640 (The Counselor as Professional, Practitioner, and Consultant) to function as an introductory course and moving it to the first semester of the program. With this change and anticipated changes to CEDU 601/602 (Counseling Theories & Techniques I & II), faculty members intend to strengthen students’ understanding of the counseling process and to provide more focused skill practice.
Following the shift to virtual learning modalities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate Counseling Programs returned to in person class meetings in fall 2021. Some other pandemic-related modifications to assignments and policies remained in effect to protect the safety and well-being of students and faculty. An example of continued modifications included holding group advising sessions in Zoom.
Based on those students who reported on their post-graduation employment, Gardner-Webb graduates are taking positions in private practices, agencies, psychiatric in-patient facilities, schools, hospice and palliative care, and substance treatment facilities. In addition to the data reported above on the job placement rate of 2021-2022 graduates, responses from a survey of graduates who completed one of our counseling programs between 2018 and 2021 indicated that 100% of graduates who sought employment in the field of counseling were currently employed in the counseling field.
