ADVISING MANUAL for
GRADUATE STUDENTS in the
COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS PROGRAM
2007-08 Edition

INDEX TO GRADUATE STUDENT SECTION (Click desired selection)

Advising
Complaint Against Graduate Education Program, Procedures
Direction and Philosophy
Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)
Clinical Practice and Practicum Requirements
College of Extended Learning (CEL)
Courses in Speech-Language Pathology (descriptions and prerequisites)
Credentials, Speech-Language Pathology Services (General information)
Credentials, Speech-Language Pathology Services (Special Circumstances)
Credential, Speech-Language Pathology Services in Language, Speech & Hearing
Credential: Speech-Language Pathology Services in Language, Speech & Hearing including Special Class Authorization
Culminating Experience Requirement
Exam, English Examination for Foreign Students
Exam, Praxis II in Speech-Language Pathology
Exam, Master's Comprehensive
Graduate Approved Programs (GAP)
Graduate Status: Conditional
Graduation: Required Applications and Paperwork
Licensure, California State
Mentor Program
M.S. Degree in CD: Speech-Language Pathology (requirements)
Schedule for Classified Graduate Students: Speech-Language Pathology (Track A: No Prior Clinics)
Schedule for Classified Graduate Students: Speech-Language Pathology (Track B: 1 Prior Child Clinic)
Schedule for Conditional Graduate Students: Speech-Language Pathology (Track A)
Schedule for Conditional Graduate Students: Speech-Language Pathology (Track B)
Schedule, Proposed Yearly
Seven Year Limit
Writing Proficiency Requirements

DIRECTION AND PHILOSOPHY

The speech-language pathology curriculum is designed to train competent, culturally sensitive speech-language pathologists who can appreciate and understand the importance of research in clinical practice. In order to accomplish this goal, a multitude of academic and clinical experiences are provided the students, under the direction of skilled instructors, clinical researchers and supervisors both on and off campus. The development of clinical skills requires academic knowledge, the ability to understand and engage in research, and a sensitivity to clients' needs, values and cultures. The CD Program curriculum includes all academic and clinical experiences necessary for American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) certification in speech-language pathology, two State of California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credentials, and the State of California license to practice speech-language pathology.

Students are required to complete all academic courses. The practice of speech-language pathology in the state of California requires a license issued by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee Medical Board of California. Exempted settings are public schools and federal facilities. The academic and clinical requirements for the state license are similar to those of ASHA requirements in speech-language pathology.

Our Mission Statement: The mission of the Communicative Disorders Program (CD) at San Francisco State University (SFSU) is to prepare professionals to provide competent and compassionate service to people with communication disorders, across the lifespan. The SFSU CD Program is based on the following core values: collaboration; compassion; resilience; inquiry and investigation; life-long learning; professionalism; multiculturalism, and internationalism.

Two degree programs are offered: the Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. To fulfill its mission, the CD Program at SFSU is committed to the following goals:

• Promote a climate in which collaboration with all partners in the service of persons with communicative disorders is the core of clinical service.
• Demonstrate understanding of the perspectives of people with disabilities and their family members, through compassion for all participants and perspectives in communicative disorders.
• Obtain cultural competence in coursework and clinical experiences in the context of the unique cultural and linguistic diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Participate in learning experiences across the continuum of professional development, from foundation course work in communication disorders for undergraduate students, to graduate education in speech-language pathology and audiology, to continuing education, and life-long learning.
• Develop resilience and skills necessary for future and current professionals to thrive in the workplace of the future.
• Promote clinical competence through the development of self-evaluation and analysis of the clinical interaction that builds a professional sense of self in all interactions.
• Embody a teaching and learning environment to foster critical thinking, research and inquiry throughout academic and clinical experiences, thereby instilling the principles of life-long learning.
• Promote evidence-based practice in the application of research in clinical services, and thereby adhere to the highest standards of science and efficacy.
• Participate in international study and clinical exchange opportunities in communication sciences and disorders, with a focus on the promotion of an international worldview for our profession that is inclusive of all peoples and cultures.

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WRITING PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

All graduate students must take the Graduate Essay Test (GET) to complete the Level I University Literacy Requirement. This test should be taken during the student's first semester in the graduate program. The test can be retaken a second time, or the student may enroll in a remedial course, EDUC614. Students may elect not to take the course until they have tried to pass the test a second time. Students who have failed the GET twice must enroll in the remedial course to fulfill the requirement. Completion of EDUC614 will constitute completion of the requirement. EDUC614 is not a substitute for the GET unless the student has attempted and failed the test at least once. The student's Graduate Approved Program (GAP) cannot be signed by the adviser without proof that the requirement has been completed.

For more information, consult Writing Proficiency Requirements located in the Department of Special Education. Students who have already completed a master's degree with a writing requirement may petition the Graduate Office in the School of Education for a waiver of the Level I requirement. The Level II University Requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of the essay portion of the comprehensive examination.

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ENGLISH EXAMINATIONS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

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SEVEN YEAR LIMIT

Masters candidates have 7 years to complete their degree. The clock begins with the oldest course listed on the Graduate Approved Program (GAP). Upon petition to the Graduate Office of the School of Education, students may request and may be granted a one-semester extension of the 7 year limit.

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ADVISING and DOCUMENTATION

All students must have their course enrollment sequence approved by their graduate adviser and recorded on their advising card and advising sheet. Students must meet with their assigned adviser each semester. The student is responsible for updating the form each semester. The student will not be allowed to register for classes without an updated advising card and sheet. Graduate advisers are as follows:

Speech/Language Pathology
Dr. Laura Epstein, 415.338.1058 (lepstein@sfsu.edu)
Dr. Minnie Graham, 415.338.7656 (mgraham@sfsu.edu)
Dr. Nancy Robinson, 415.405.2170 (nancyr@sfsu.edu)

On-Campus Clinic & Off-Campus Internship Placements
Mr. Bishop Graham, CD Clinic Coordinator, 415.338.7652 (bjgcd@sfsu.edu)

Student Teaching Placements
Mr. Bishop Graham, CD Clinic Coordinator, 415.338.7652 (bjgcd@sfsu.edu)

Each student should meet with their adviser to discuss their academic program, course sequences and the appropriateness of their curricular decisions. Questions concerning on-campus clinic placement should be directed to the CD Clinic Coordinator. The CD Clinic Coordinator has final approval on a student's placement in a clinical setting and the assigned clinic supervisory instructor.

Broader concerns about the program should be addressed to the CD Program Coordinator. The CD Program Coordinator has special advising hours designated for general, non-advising issues. These hours can also be used to discuss disagreements between students and faculty only after the student has attempted to resolve the differences with the faculty member. The same procedure should be used when bringing clinical problems to the CD Clinic Coordinator.

Internship and Student Teaching Request Forms must be completed and signed by the graduate adviser the semester prior to anticipated enrollment in the off-campus clinical practicum.

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PROPOSED YEARLY SCHEDULE

Speech-Language Pathology. All academic courses in the area of speech-language pathology are offered once each year. Clinical practica, student teaching, and internships are offered every semester. Every attempt is made to have each course offered during the same semester each year. When possible, the time of the course's offering is held constant.

When scheduling changes are required for budgetary or personnel reasons, class conflicts are avoided if possible. Although most other programs and departments have the same scheduling approach, the CD Program can exert no influence on their decisions.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS:

Audiology. The Communicative Disorders Program no longer offers a Master of Science Degree with emphasis in Audiology. For more information about the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree program, contact Dr. Marcia Raggio, College of Health and Human Services, mraggio@sfsu.edu

Speech-Language Pathology. Ten academic courses totalling 30 units are required for the Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology. Clinical practica requirements range from 21 to 28 units based on the number of experiences necessary for the student to obtain the 375 clinical clock hours plus 25 observation hours required for ASHA certification and California state licensure.

REQUIRED ACADEMIC COURSES (3 units each for a total of 30 units)
CD701 Seminar in Language Difference and Disorders in Children
CD705 Seminar in Aural Rehabilitation
CD706 Seminar in Counseling in Communicative Disorders
CD707 Advanced Seminar in Language Disorders in Children
CD708 Seminar in Neurogenic Disorders of Language
CD709 Seminar in Motor Speech Disorders
CD710 Seminar in Dysphagia
CD756 Advanced Dx of Communicatively Handicapped Adults & Children
CD768 Seminar in Advanced Clinical Skills
ISED797 Seminar in Educational Research

REQUIRED CLINICAL PRACTICA (21-28 units)
CD711 Seminar in Therapy for Functional Communicative Disorders (1 unit)
CD712 Seminar in Therapy for Aurally Handicapped (1 unit)
CD713 Seminar in Therapy for Organic Communicative Disorders (1 unit)
CD880 Advanced Communication Therapy (2 units x 3 clinics = 6 units)
CD882 Internship in Communicative Disorders (6 units)
CD884 Advanced Diagnosis of Communicative Disorders (3 units)
CD881 Pre-Internship in Communicative Disorders (3 units)
or CD715 Clinical/Rehabilitative Experience in the School (5-8 units)
CD725 Student Teaching Workshop: Communication Handicapped (1 unit)

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DESCRIPTION OF GRADUATE CD COURSES & PREREQUISITES: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

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*Required sequence for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC). All other students register for CD881 + 880 + 712.
NOTE 1: Students must take SPED702 and SPED803 to satisfy the requirements for the SLPSC. These courses may be taken as an undergraduate. These courses are offered every semester, including summer sessions.
NOTE 2: CD653, CD656, CD661, CD663 are strongly recommended (if not required) of graduate students with undergraduate degrees from other programs who have not completed equivalent coursework.

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SCHEDULE FOR CLASSIFIED GRADUATE STUDENTS: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Classified Track B (1 Prior Child Clinic)

Below is an example schedule for classified graduate students in the speech-language pathology portion of the CD Program who have taken at least one child clinic and earned clock hours prior to entering the graduate program.

*Required sequence for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC). All other students register for CD881 + 880 + 712.
NOTE 1: Students must take SPED702 and SPED803 to satisfy the requirements for the SLPSC. These courses may be taken as an undergraduate. These courses are offered every semester, including summer sessions.
NOTE 2: CD653, CD656, CD661, CD663 are strongly recommended (if not required) of graduate students with undergraduate degrees from other programs who have not completed equivalent coursework.

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CLINICAL PRACTICE AND PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS
Students should refer to the Clinician's Handbook for complete information on the CD clinics, procedures, and requirements. The following material should be considered a supplement to the information contained in the Clinician's Handbook.

ASHA Requirements. ASHA and the California Board of Quality Assurance requirements for clinical practice are very specific. The certification board has identified four parameters of clinic practice students need in order to be certified. They are 1) types of disorders; 2) type of intervention; 3) age; and 4) settings. The contact hour requirements for Speech-Language Pathology are listed in the Clinician's Handbook. During each semester's advising period, students should review with their adviser the number of contact hours earned and needed. A copy of the student's clinical record should be submitted to the Clinic Coordinator with the clinic requests for the following semester. These forms do not replace the semester documentation of clinical contact hours by the clinic supervisor. Each student is responsible for assuring that s/he has the minimum numbers of clock hours required by ASHA within the appropriate categories.

University Clinical Settings. Although supervision methods may differ among supervisors and clinics, the basic forms of supervision are the same for all University clinics. These include 1) adherence to ASHA guidelines for supervision; 2) basic expectations of students; 3) methods of providing feedback; 4) evaluation forms and 5) grading policies. For more information, please refer to the Clinician's Handbook. Students violating the ASHA code of ethics (see Clinician's Handbook) are subject to removal from clinic practice and the program.

The Communicative Disorders Clinic serves clients in all age ranges with all types of communicative disorders. Both assessments and therapy are conducted at the clinic. All students must complete a minimum of 50 contact hours in the CD Clinic. A maximum of one clinical experience from another accredited program may be substituted for one of the SFSU on-campus clinical experiences. For Speech-Language Pathology majors, the minimum 50 contact hours in the clinic does not include the aural rehabilitative experience.

All classified graduate students who are enrolled for 8 or more units are required to take at least one clinic each semester until they are approved for the CD881, CD715 or CD882 experience requirements. The Clinic Coordinator will try to provide a variety of communicative disorders placements. Clinic will be set by time rather than category. At least one of the clinical experiences must be a group experience (2 or more clients). Enrollment in CD711, CD712, or CD713 (staffing seminar) is concurrent with each clinical experience.

*Graduate students must complete two clinics, one in articulation disorders and one in language disorders, with children before approval for CD715 Student Teaching. Graduate students must complete one clinical experience with an adult before approval for CD882 Internship.

Internship/Traineeship/Student Teaching Clinical Sites. All students are required to take one clinic every semester and either two internships/ traineeships or one internship and one student teaching experience. The Communicative Disorders Program has contracted relationships with over 40 off-campus facilities.

The following internship/traineeships are available:

I. CD881 (3 Units/1 Semester) Minimum of: 75-100 On-Site Clinical Hours with 50-57 Direct Contact Hours.
This internship can be taken along with a full academic load.

II. CD882 (6 Units/1 Semester) Minimum of: 200-225 On-Site Clinical Hours with 125-150 Direct Contact Hours.

III. CD880 (2 Units/2 Semesters) Minimum of: 50 On-Site Clinical Hours-Direct Contact Hours are variable.

IV. CD715 (5-8 units/1 Semester) + CD 725 (1unit/1 Semester). 75 On-Site Residency Hours + a minimum of 200 Direct Contact Hours with minors. CD 725 is taken concurrently. Most students combine the aural rehabilitation clinical experience with their student teaching requirement.

Each student must be approved by the faculty for their internship/traineeship/student teaching placement. The internship/traineeship/student teaching coordinators are directly responsible for their placement.

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COLLEGE OF EXTENDED LEARNING (CEL)
The College of Extended Learning (CEL) is the division of SFSU responsible for all programs and course offerings not supported by State appropriation. These include Summer and Winter Sessions, continuing education courses, travel study programs, certificate programs, and contract (in-house training) courses. CEL courses with a CD prefix can be used for program requirements. CEL courses with other prefixes may be used for program requirements only after permission is received from your adviser. A CD course on dysphagia therapy is offered through CEL, usually in the Winter Session (January). "Open University" refers to enrollment via CEL, in courses offered by SFSU in the regular curriculum. Completion of course requirements through CEL is limited to 6 units (refer to University Bulletin).

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CONDITIONAL GRADUATE STATUS
Conditional graduate students are individuals admitted to the graduate program who either are lacking all or a substantial portion of the undergraduate prerequisite CD courses. Conditional graduate students are generally admitted only for the Fall semesters. Their conditional status is removed when all undergraduate curriculum requirements are completed. Conditional graduate students can begin taking graduate courses before all undergraduate courses are completed, provided that the undergraduate courses not yet taken would not adversely affect their work in the graduate courses. This is determined only by advisement. All undergraduate courses must eventually be completed. Conditional graduate students are advised to register for CD768: Advanced Clinical Skills during their third semester in order to facilitate completion of all clinical requirements. By taking full loads and attending summer sessions, conditional graduate students can complete the Master of Science degree in 3 1/2 to 4 years (7 to 8 semesters).

There is no limit on undergraduate credit units that can be transferred from another university to SFSU. However, a maximum of six (6) graduate credit units (semester) from another university will be accepted, provided the units counted towards the former university’s graduate requirements. This is because a maximum of 6 units from another university and/or coursework completed through Extended Education may appear on the Graduate Approved Program (GAP) form. Signature of the faculty adviser on the GAP removes conditional standing.

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SCHEDULE FOR CONDITIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (Track A)

Below is an example schedule for conditional graduate students in the CD Program who are assigned to Track A.

*Required sequence for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC). All other students register for CD881 + 880 + 712. Students must take SPED702 and SPED803 to satisfy the requirements for the SLPSC. SPED702 & SPED803 are offered every semester, including summer sessions.

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SCHEDULE FOR CONDITIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (Track B)

Below is an example schedule for conditional graduate students in the CD Program who are assigned to Track B.

*Required sequence for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC). All other students register for CD881 + 880 + 712. Students must take SPED702 and SPED803 to satisfy the requirements for the SLPSC. SPED702 & SPED803 are offered every semester, including summer sessions.

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SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY SERVICES CREDENTIALS
General Information. Students intending to practice speech-language pathology in the public schools are encouraged to acquire the appropriate speech-language pathology services credentials. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) is responsible for determining the appropriate requirements for the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in the public schools. Students should be aware that changes in credential requirements are determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, not the Communicative Disorders Program. Basic questions regarding credentials can be answered by your adviser. More complex questions should be addressed to the College of Education Credentials Office (338-1758) or directly to the CCTC office in Sacramento (916) 263-2666.

For the following credentials, selected coursework at SFSU meets the requirements set forth by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students must have a minimum of 300 clock hours, 125 of which must be earned in a public school, and 200 with minors. Minors are defined by the State as pupils who are 21 years or younger. No credit is given for observation.

Pre-Approval for Student Teaching Experience. All students applying for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC) and/or Special Class Authorization must apply to the Department of Special Education during the semester immediately prior to the student teaching experience (CD715 or CD716). Requirements to qualify for student teaching experience include:

1. CBEST passed no later than September 28 for Spring student teaching/February 28 for Fall student teaching
2. Live Scan fingerprints
3. TB test and results
4. Credential processing fee
5. Certificate of Clearance application and fee

Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC): Language, Speech & Hearing. The appropriate credential for an itinerant speech-language pathologist is the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential in Language, Speech & Hearing. In order to obtain the preliminary credential, the student needs to have completed all requirements for the master's degree. Additional requirements are as follows:

1. Pass the CBEST prior to approval for the student teaching experience.
2. CD715 Clinical/Rehabilitative Experience in the School
3. CD725 Student Teaching Workshop: Communication Handicapped
4. SPED702 Professional, Legal, and Ethical Practices: Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
5. SPED803 Communication, Diversity, and Exceptionality: Cultural and Communicative Competence

To obtain the clear SLPSC, the candidate may apply directly to the Commission and must verify:

1. Passing score (currently 600) on the Educational Testing Services Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology Test (test code 0330), and
2. Completion of a 36-week, full-time, mentored clinical experience or equivalent supervised practicum (commonly known as the Clinical Fellowship [CF]). Verification of completin may be on one of the following forms:
a) Required Professional Experience (Form 77V-21) from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
b) Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship and Rating Report Form from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

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Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC): Language, Speech & Hearing including Special Class Authorization. Another credential that can be obtained is the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential: Language, Speech & Hearing includingSpecial Class Authorization. This credential allows the student to function both as an itinerant speech-language pathologist and a teacher in a classroom of language impaired children. The requirements for the SLPSC in Language, Speech & Hearing (see previous description) must be met in addition to the following:

1. EED684 Curriculum & Instruction Mathematics
2. EED882 Teaching Reading/Language Arts or EED720 Improvement of Reading or SPED778 Methods 3: Assessment, Curriculum, Instruction for Mild/Moderate Disabilities
3. CD716 Student Teaching: Severely Language Handicapped
4. Pass the RICA

Note: The Communication Handicapped Specialist Credential in Communicative Disorders is no longer offered on this campus. The CH Specialist Credential for Deaf/Hearing Impaired may be completed within the Department of Special Education.

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Special Circumstances re: Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. CD 715/725 will be waived if the graduate student has completed a minimum of two years full-time employment in the public schools as a Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (SLPSC) specialist. The graduate student is still responsible for meeting the 400 clinical clock hours required for ASHA certification.

Individuals who are interested in obtaining the preliminary SLPSC who already have earned their Master's degree must apply to the University and to the CD program for Fall or Spring semester. They must have taken and passed the CBEST before application. When admitted, they must take one semester of CD 880 on campus before being placed in the schools (Summer clinic is an option). CD715, CD725, SPED702, and SPED803 are required. CD 715/725 will be waived if the individual has completed a minimum of two year full-time employment in the public schools as a SLPSC specialist.

To obtain the clear SLPSC, the candidate may apply directly to the Commission and must verify:

1. Passing score (currently 600) on the Educational Testing Services Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology Test (test code 0330), and
2. Completion of a 36-week, full-time, mentored clinical experience or equivalent supervised practicum (commonly known as the Clinical Fellowship [CF]). Verification of completin may be on one of the following forms:
a) Required Professional Experience (Form 77V-21) from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
b) Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship and Rating Report Form from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Special Circumstances re: Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential including Special Class Authorization. An individual may pursue the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential: Language, Speech and Hearing including Special Class Authorization from SFSU if s/he already:
• has a Master's degree in Communicative Disorders;
• holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association;
• holds the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential: Language, Speech and Hearing;
• has passed the CBEST.

In order to obtain the preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential Language, Speech and Hearing including Special Class Authorization from San Francisco State University, the individual must:
• apply to and be accepted by San Francisco State University;
• apply to and be accepted by the Communicative Disorders Program in the Department of Special Education;
• obtain an application for the credential from the SFSU Credentials Office located in BH 257;
• enroll in CD 716: Student Teaching: Severely Language Handicapped during their student teaching experience (a minimum of 100 hours of clinical contact in a special day class); be supervised by an individual who holds the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential Language, Speech and Hearing including Special Class Authorization; and be assigned a SFSU university supervisor; and
• complete university coursework:
1) CD707 Advanced Seminar in Language Disorders in Children
2 ) EED684 Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics, and
3 ) One of the following: EED682 Teaching Reading; EED720 Improvement of Reading; or SPED778 Methods 3: Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction for Mild/ Moderate Disabilities

To obtain the clear SLPSC, the candidate may apply directly to the Commission and must verify:

1. Passing score (currently 600) on the Educational Testing Services Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology Test (test code 0330), and
2. Completion of a 36-week, full-time, mentored clinical experience or equivalent supervised practicum (commonly known as the Clinical Fellowship [CF]). Verification of completin may be on one of the following forms:
a) Required Professional Experience (Form 77V-21) from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
b) Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship and Rating Report Form from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: EXAMINATIONS, APPLICATIONS, and OTHER PAPERWORK

Near the end of graduate training, it is required that the student complete a series of examinations, various applications, and other paperwork. It is the student's responsibility to register for and take the Comprehensive Examinations and the Praxis II in speech-language pathology (a national exam). In addition, the student needs to complete a variety of applications and other paperwork and submit them to their graduate adviser for review. It is suggested that the student keep a copy of each form that is submitted. After the adviser reviews the documents, s/he will then forward it to the appropriate campus office or to the Program Coordinator for the required signature. A copy of each form forwarded by the program office will be copied to the student's file. Review of documents and obtaining of signatures from advisers and the Program Coordinator must be scheduled during the Fall or Spring semesters. During the summer, most faculty are not on campus nor do they hold scheduled office hours.

Culminating Experience Requirement. Students in programs leading to a master's degree at San Francisco State University are expected to strive for maximum competence throughout their program of study. Conferences with advisers and other professors, coursework, examinations, research reports, academic records, and other instruments should provide a pattern of evidence that a student is working successfully toward his/her academic and professional goal. Near the close of candidate's period of study for the degree, s/he is required to give a final demonstration of competence in scholarly and professional attributes. The character of the final work as exemplified by the range and quality of research, the unique correlation of available materials, the evidence of mastery of the knowledge in the field, the practical solution of a problem, or a creative achievement, must testify to the distinction of the student. The experience should be valuable to the student, and it also must be in keeping with the standards of the University. The quality of work accomplished, including the quality of writing completed, is of major importance in judging the acceptability of the culminating experience. In sum, this final culminating experience should provide visible evidence of the scholastic excellence achieved by the student which, in turn, reflects on the quality of graduate study in the major department. In accordance with Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, this culminating experience can be met by the satisfactory completion of a thesis, field study, or internship and the comprehensive examination, or in some cases a combination of more than one of these.

Students in the Communicative Disorders program can elect any one of three combinations of culminating experiences:

Option 1: Written Comprehensive Exam + Internship II (full-time, 1 semester)
Option 2: Written Comprehensive Exam + Internship II (1/2 time, 1 semester) + Thesis
Option 3: Written Comprehensive Exam + Internship II (1/2 time, 1 semester) + Field Study

Students who wish to pursue doctoral studies or desire to work with faculty who are engaging in research are encouraged to discuss the thesis with their adviser. Complete descriptions of thesis requirements can be obtained from the University Graduate Division Office.

Students who wish to pursue doctoral studies or desire to work with faculty who are engaging in research are encouraged to discuss the field study option with their adviser. Complete descriptions of thesis and field study requirements can be obtained from the University Graduate Division Office. The focus of this field study must be determined prior to enrollment.

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Master's Comprehensive Examinations. These written comprehensive examinations:
• are required of all Master's candidates in Speech-Language Pathology
• are given each semester on the second Friday of each Fall and Spring semester in the computer lab
• can be taken only three times
• have a required passing grade of 75%
• can be retaken during the same semester if only ONE portion has been failed (otherwise, the student must wait until the following semester for retake)
• may be taken after ALL core courses have been completed and the student has received approval of the graduate adviser (in some cases the student may be concurrently enrolled in a core course)
• require that the student pre-registers for the exam and receives a number prior to the scheduled administration date (Note: If for any reason the student cannot take the exam on the scheduled date, the student must wait until the following semester's scheduled exam.)

Speech-Language Pathology students:
• are required to answer three essay questions: one on theory, one on diagnostics, and one on treatment
• select between two questions for each of the three essays (each essay question has five sections)
• are expected to incorporate information from required undergraduate and graduate courses in their essays
• should review the following areas prior to the exam: adult neurogenics, fluency, voice, articulation and phonology, child/adolescent language, speech science, and experimental design

CD Faculty provide an informational session re: the Master’s Comprehensive Exams at noon each semester during the CD Program Orientation Day (usually occurs the day before the semester begins).

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Graduate Approved Program (GAP). Graduate students must be enrolled in the term in which they apply for the degree. Graduate Division deadlines are posted. A GAP should be filed with the College of Education Graduate Coordinator Office at least one semester prior to the last anticipated semester of enrollment. The GAP form will be issued to the student only if:
1) The student is classified, and
2) The student has completed the Level I writing proficiency requirement (GET)

ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). The ASHA application, KASA forms, and instructions are available online under CURRENT STUDENTS.

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California State Licensure. The State of California requires audiologists and speech-language pathologists to acquire a license to practice in all settings except federal facilities. Practicing without a license constitutes a misdemeanor that is punishable by fine. When applying for ASHA certification, it is also recommended that an application for the license be submitted simultaneously. A license (or CRSC in the public school setting) is needed to supervise students at all sites in California if those students wish to use the contact hours as part of their requirements for the license.

The application for licensure is available on the website for the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee in Sacramento. The step-by-step process for completing the CA licensure application is as follows:

1) Go to the website for the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee in Sacramento and download the licensure forms.
2) Fill out a copy of the form titled SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST and enter CLINICAL PRACTICUM information using signed clock hour forms and speech-language pathology examples.
3) Make an appointment with your graduate advisor to review the information.
4) After making corrections, enter the information on the original form. Sign the form in blue ink.
5) Make an appointment for signature from the CD Program Coordinator, or leave the completed form in his/her mailbox. The CD office will make a copy of the form to be placed in your student file
6) After the form has been signed, make a complete copy of the form. Keep this copy at home for your records.
7) Send the original to the Sacramento office. Please refer to the Checklist included in the downloaded packet for further instructions.
8) Please note that the State of California requires notification of your Required Professional Experience setting and supervisor BEFORE you begin employment. It is illegal to begin your RPE without permission in writing from the State Office.

Praxis II Examination (National). All students seeking accreditation from ASHA and/or state licensure are required to take the Educational Testing Services Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology Test (test code 0330), which is offered several times each year. More information can be obtained from the SFSU Testing Center. It is recommended that students take this multiple-choice examination after they have completed their graduate courses and are preparing for the Master’s Comprehensive exams. The student must request that a copy of the Praxis II results be sent to the SFSU CD Program, ASHA, CA Licensing Board, and CCTC. Based on data collected between 2003-2006, the pass rate for SFSU CD students taking the Praxis II exam is 92%.

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MENTOR PROGRAM
The SFSU chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is responsible for operating a peer mentoring program for potential and new graduate students. Students newly admitted to the program will be given the name of a NSSLHA member who will act as a mentor during their first semester. The mentor will help orientate the new student to the program, campus, and community. Dr. Laura Epstein, the NSSLHA faculty adviser, oversees this program. Contact the SFSU chapter of NSSLHA for further information.

PROCEDURES FOR COMPLAINT AGAINST GRADUATE EDUCATION PROGRAMS (updated December 2007)
A complaint may be made to the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) about any accredited program or program in candidacy status may be submitted by any student, instructional staff member, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, and/or member of the public.

Criteria for Complaints Against Graduate Education Programs. For a complaint to be considered by the CAA, it must:
(a) be against an accredited education program or program in Candidacy status in speech-language pathology and/or audiology,
(b) relate to the Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, and specify where possible the relevant standards, and
(c) include verification and documentation (e.g., copies of grievance processes, communications verifying completion of processes, etc.) if the complaint is from a student or faculty/instructional staff member at that institution, that the complainant exhausted all relevant institutional grievance and review mechanisms before submitting a complaint to the CAA, if relevant to the complaint.

The complaint must clearly describe the specific nature of the complaint and the relationship of the complaint to the accreditation standards, and provide supporting data for the charge. The burden of proof rests with the complainant. All written testimony must include the complainant's name, address, and telephone contact information and the complainant's relationship to the program in order for the Accreditation Office to verify and communicate with the source of the complaint.

Complaints against a program may be submitted even if separate action is pending against the program by another body, except as outlined above.

For more information, see the ASHA website re: complaints. All complaints must be signed and submitted in writing to the Chair, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Complaints will not be accepted by e-mail or facsimile.

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