Accreditation of the MSLP Program

As of September 1, 2014, individuals applying for certification in speech-language pathology must have completed a course in each of the following areas: biological science, physical science (chemistry or physics), statistics, and behavioral/social sciences.

Applicants must also have been assessed to ensure that they have achieved the knowledge and skills outlined in the 2020 Standards for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology in a graduate program holding accreditation or accreditation candidacy status by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Achievement of the knowledge areas outlined in the standards is typically through completion of academic course work. Skill areas in the standards would typically be achieved through participation in clinical practicum (400 clock hours total, including 25 hours of clinical observation, 375 clock hours in direct client/patient contact of which 325 are at the graduate level); however, academic programs may assess compliance with the standards in any manner they wish. Many of the assignments completed as part of your academic coursework will aid in developing the skills areas outlined in the standards.

Upon completion of the academic course work and clinical practicum requirements, individuals applying for certification in speech-language pathology must complete a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF) experience under the mentorship of an individual holding ASHA certification. This experience must consist of the equivalent of 36 weeks of full-time clinical practice, with full-time defined as 35 hours per week.

Applicants for certification in speech-language pathology must also successfully complete the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology that is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Results of the examination must be submitted to ASHA directly from ETS no more than five years prior to submission of the application for certification and no less than two years following completion of the knowledge and skills required for certification. Once certification has been granted, individuals must comply with the Certification Maintenance requirements outlined in the 2014 standards and must also remit a yearly certification fee.

Students completing graduate training from an accredited or candidacy accredited program become eligible for certification by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). The Association awards the Certificate of Clinical Competence to educationally and professionally qualified applicants. Typically, individuals having met the certification requirements for ASHA will be eligible for state licensing. Some states, however, require coursework in addition to that included in the program's curriculum, in order to work in public school settings. Resources related to state licensure requirements and state Department of Education requirements are available at the website below. Please be advised that laws, regulations and policies may change at any time, so always check with the state you plan on practicing in for the most up-to-date information.

http://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/

SAU Accreditation Information

The Master of Speech-Language Pathology program adheres to the following policies:

• CAA Complaint Policy
• Accessibility Resource Center
• SAU Student Handbook
• Diversity at St. Ambrose University

General Appeal and Procedures

Proficiency in English Policy
1. The program follows the guidance set forth in ASHA's technical report, Students and Professionals Who Speak English with Accents and Nonstandard Dialects: Issues and Recommendations and SAU guidelines.
2. Please see the Language Proficiency information page.

Admission Appeal Processes
Applicants to the SAU MSLP Program who have been denied acceptance into the program may appeal the decision to the program director. Applicants have two weeks from the decision date to inform the program director of his/her plan to appeal the admission decision. The program director and applicant will arrange a time to meet face-to-face or via the phone to discuss the admission decision. The applicant will have two weeks following that conversation to submit a letter and any supporting documentation to support reasons why the denial should be overturned. That information will be received by the program director and delivered to the program's Admission Appeals Committee. The Committee will have two weeks to consider the appeal. The applicant will immediately be informed of the Committee's decision via phone and a formal letter.

Academic Appeals
Depending on the circumstances, academic appeals typically go to the course instructor followed by the program director and college dean. One of these individuals should be consulted if an appeal is desired for greater detail. Students who feel their rights have been abridged may file a complaint with the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act Office (FERPA), Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington DC, 20201. Copies of the privacy act are available from Student Services.

Procedures to Challenge Information in Education Records
Students, who believe their records contain information that is inaccurate or misleading, or is otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights, should follow this procedure:

• Discuss the problem informally with the registrar. If he/she agrees with the student, the records will be amended.
• If the Registrar will not amend the records, the student may request in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, a formal hearing. The hearing panel – consisting of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Faculty Assembly president, and Dean of Students – will hear relevant evidence presented by the student. The written decision of the panel will summarize the evidence and state reasons for the decision.
• Students who disagree with a hearing panel's decision may include in their records a written comment.
• Students who feel they did not receive a fair hearing may appeal to the university president.

Academic Honesty
The whole structure of higher education is founded on intellectual honesty. Students have a right to learn in an academic environment free from plagiarism; cheating and other academic dishonesty (see policy below).

a. Potential Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
At the discretion of the instructor, potential consequences may range from resubmission or retaking of the assignment or exam, receiving an "F" for the assignment or exam, receiving an "F" for the unit in which the assignment or exam occurred to receiving an "F" for the entire course. The instructor is responsible for reporting an act of academic dishonesty to the director of registration, who will place the information in a confidential file. Severe or repeated acts of academic dishonesty will automatically be evaluated by the Board of Studies and may result in sanctions such as suspension, expulsion, or loss of academic honors. A student's grade may be changed, even after a course has been completed. An incident report, including any documentation and the action taken, will be kept in the Registrar's office.

b. Procedures for Alleged Academic Dishonesty
An instructor who has evidence or suspects an act of academic dishonesty has taken place is responsible for acting in accordance with the St. Ambrose University Academic Integrity Policy. In addition, others, including students, who have reason to believe a violation has taken place, should notify the instructor, program director, or academic dean verbally or in writing. The names of those supplying information other than the instructor will be held in confidence to the extent reasonably possible. All alleged acts of academic dishonesty will be reported and kept on file by the registrar's office. In the case of a minor infraction, an instructor will discuss the charge with the student and suggest an appropriate sanction. The student may either accept the action or may request a formal hearing before the Board of Studies. In the event of a repeat violation or if an instructor suspects organized cheating or severe acts of academic dishonesty, the investigation will be pursued by the Board of Studies. The Board of Studies will determine which sanctions will be enforced; its ruling may be appealed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.