Training Program
The University Counseling Center serves as a training site for graduate-level counseling students pursuing a career path towards becoming a licensed professional counselor, particularly for those interested in the college counseling profession. We regard training and supervision as an integral part of our mission. Currently we have the following training positions in the Center:
- Masters-level Practicum in College Counseling (clinical trainee)
- Masters-level Field/Advanced Field in College Counseling (clinical trainee)
- Graduate Assistantships (non-clinical trainee)
Application Process
You may come to the UCC to pick up an application, call to request that a copy be mailed to you, or complete the application found here.
Applicants must first meet all eligibility requirements of their graduate program. Academic year commitments are preferred as well as a career interest in the college counseling profession. Please submit a cover letter, application, and resume to the UCC following the timeline below. Qualified candidates will be interviewed and this process will continue until positions are filled.
Fall Practica or Field Experience Fall GA Positions |
March 21, 2009 March/April |
Specific Procedures for Practica/Field Applicants:
- Students will first talk to teaching faculty/advisors about their needs and interests with regard to practicum or field placement.
- If students have preliminary questions about a clinical placement at the Counseling Center, they should contact Dr. Michelle Olexa, Training Coordinator (see contact information below).
- Interested students will need to submit all required paperwork, including resume, cover letter, our application form, and departmental practica/field forms, to Dr. Michelle Olexa. The deadline for submitted information for spring placement is November 15, 2008.
- Selected applicants will then be interviewed by at least two Counseling Center staff members.
- Following interviews, all candidates will be contacted about our decision.
- The final decision will be made by the Counseling Center Director, Dr. Philip Henry, after consultation with senior staff.
Please Note: In order to meet ethical guidelines of both ACA and APA, the following policy statement regarding dual relationships has been instituted by the University Counseling Center:The UCC offers services to Shippensburg University students, but the possibility of a dual relationship may prevent counseling services from being provided to you. This is determined on a case by case basis.
Contact Information for Practica/Field Positions:
Dr. Michelle Olexa, Training Coordinator
(717) 477-1481
Clinical Program Components
The training program is designed to provide graduate trainees with opportunities to facilitate growth as future college counselors. Practicum and field students will primarily be engaged in individual counseling with clients appropriate to their level of experience, with attention to overall developmental level, growth potential, and the student's openness to challenge. They will receive weekly individual supervision and are expected to participate in weekly case consultation meetings. Additional supervision and consultation will be available and provided as needed. Training and professional development opportunities, both formal (i.e., training on record keeping) and informal (i.e., observation of senior staff functioning and case presentations), will be available. We will make every attempt to match our offerings to current students' needs and goals. Administrative duties include: record keeping (e.g., typed intake evaluations, written progress notes, etc.) and case management (decisions made with supervisor). Opportunities for consultation, outreach, crisis contact, and co-facilitation of groups exist, but will be fully supervised and depended on the student's readiness.
Training Positions at The University Counseling Center
Graduate Assistant
Graduate assistantships are available for graduate students matriculated in programs at Shippensburg University with a priority given to those students whose past experiences and future career goals are most suitable for college counseling services. These positions are 15 hour-per-week, paid positions. Summer graduate assistantships are typically filled internally before considering other candidates.
Masters-level Counseling Practicum in College Counseling
Practicum positions are available for graduate students with a priority given to those students with career aspirations of college counseling. Practicum positions are typically 10 hours per week during a fifteen week semester with up to 5-7 weekly individual counseling contacts. Students are expected to provide direct service under the supervision of senior staff (e.g. individual counseling) with primary emphasis placed on individual counseling skills. All practicum students receive a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision.
Masters-level Counseling Intern/Advanced Intern in College Counseling
Field internships are available for graduate students with a priority given to those students with career aspirations of college counseling. These positions are typically 20 hours per week during two consecutive fifteen week semesters with up to 10-12 weekly individual counseling contacts. Priority may be given to those interns who can make an academic year (fall through spring) commitment. Specialized training experiences may be developed consistent with trainee goals/experiences and supervisor availability. All interns receive a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision.
Graduate Assistantship Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide outreach to the campus community through workshops and programs as requested (e.g. residence hall programs, in-class programs, workshops for student groups, campus-wide programming initiatives).
- Assist specific departments or programs by developing specific services and outreach efforts.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate psycho-educational, therapeutic or support groups under the supervision of senior staff.
- Assist in relevant research or program evaluation projects.
- Complete data entry (summers typically) and other administrative duties.
- Assist with UCC sponsored and co-sponsored campus-wide programs ( Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Take Back the Night, Wellness Week, and others).
- Serve as a liaison to specific campus units (such as Career Development Center, Women's Center, Multicultural Student Affairs, Connections, Office of Greek Affairs, Athletic Department, and others)..
