Speech-Language Pathology Program Mission and Goals

Mission

The Speech-Language Pathology program at Saint Elizabeth University is committed to providing students from diverse backgrounds with an educational experience that produces competent and professional speech-language pathologists who are critical thinkers and educated consumers of research. The program prepares its graduate students for productive careers in speech-language pathology and as advocates for, and participants in, service to their communities and life-long learning. As an entry level professional program, the speech-language pathology curriculum reflects a commitment to the complementary relationship between liberal arts and professional studies that enables graduates to adapt to constantly evolving societal and professional needs that includes distance/digital education. The Speech-Language Pathology program is committed to the provision of affordable, quality professional education that expresses the values of leadership, social responsibility, integrity, and excellence in teaching and learning.

Vision

The Speech and Language Pathology Program at Saint Elizabeth University will be recognized as a leader in graduating Speech-Language Pathologists who are committed to excellence in service delivery to individuals with communication and swallowing disorders, and who engage in and promote interprofessional education and practice lifelong learning.

Values

The Speech and Language Pathology Program upholds the values of Saint Elizabeth University: Integrity, Leadership, Social Responsibility and Excellence and adheres to these values when providing care for all individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.

Department of Speech-Language Pathology Strategic Plan 2023-2028

Strategic Aims

The strategic plan of the MS-SLP program includes the following strategic aims, long-term goals, specific measurable objectives, strategies for attainment of the goals and objectives, and a schedule for analysis of the plan:

Long-Term Strategic Plan

This Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) is an important building block within Saint Elizabeth University’s (SEU) strategic plan for increasing graduate student enrollment. As a growing field within the healthcare industry, the MS-SLP Program will attract bachelor’s level graduates from Saint Elizabeth University, as well as students throughout the northeast and eastern region, nationally, and internationally. The program’s flexible hybrid delivery model, hands-on approach to learning, and variety of clinical experiences will appeal to students interested in this field of study.

Through a college-wide process, the Dean and faculty within the College of Arts and Sciences and the Speech-Language Pathology department established the following set of long-term strategic planning goals and objectives. The current plan was developed to provide the MS-SLP Program with a focus that incorporates the University’s mission and values, and reflective of the Vincentian-Setonian wisdom which is the underpinning of the higher education tradition at SEU as well as the academic and clinical training goals of the program, which are intended to consider the service to the greater community.

We recognize the importance of objective assessment and democratic decision making. As a faculty, we will evaluate, review, and revise the long-term strategic plan on an ongoing basis, and we will monitor and assess specific aims during steering committee, annual faculty retreat, and faculty meetings and adapt this plan as needed.

STRATEGIC AIM 1

To create an innovative Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program that will meet the standards of accreditation for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology through the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Long-Term Goal 1:1

The MS-SLP program will apply for and become a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) by Spring of 2024.

Long-Term Goal 1:2

The MS-SLP program will become a Candidate for Accreditation by the CAA and provide for the successful completion of its first several MS-SLP graduate student cohorts.

Strategies for Attainment

• Prepare and submit a Candidacy Application with supporting documents by the published due date as determined by the CAA.
• Set up and complete Candidacy site visit.
• Prepare Saint Elizabeth University Faculty, Provost, Dean, and staff for visit through preparatory sessions and by disseminating information regarding the program development.
• Monitor publications, website, etc. for correctness of information
• Respond to any concerns or exceptions to standards and develop a written plan of action to improve any areas of deficit.
• Pay all fees associated with the accreditation process in a timely and efficient manner.
• Update and maintain all MS-SLP documents, curriculum, websites, and publications to reflect any changes to the program.
• To develop a curriculum that will meet the needs of a full student cohort of (40 students) that will be fully eligible for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
• The program will meet anticipated program outcomes demonstrating student success.

Objectives

To prepare graduate-level practitioners who:

• Engage in contemporary, competent, legal, and ethical practice.
• Recognize the responsibility for education of self, the community, the profession, clients, and colleagues in the health care and educational systems.
• Value and foster communication and interaction with colleagues for the benefit of optimal service to clients with communication disorders, and to the communities in which they live.
• Respect and respond to contemporary bio-psycho-social diversity and equity in interactions with clients, families, colleagues, and the community.

Specific Measurable Objectives

The program will monitor CAA Candidacy Progress on an ongoing basis.

• Candidacy Application completed and submitted.
• Documented evidence of preparatory sessions with administration, faculty, and staff Candidacy Site Visit completion
• Documented written responses to concerns/exceptions for any areas of deficit.
• Admission of an average cohort size of 40 for each academic year.
• Number of students who successfully complete the program.
• Eighty percent (80%) or greater passing rates for the Praxis® Subject Assessment examination.
• Eighty percent (80%) or greater employment rates for graduates.

STRATEGIC AIM 2

To recruit academically driven students from diverse backgrounds for the Master of Speech-Language Pathology Program. 

Long-Term Goal 2:1

Develop a recruitment strategy and marketing campaign to attract a highly qualified, diverse pool of graduate students. 

Strategies for Attainment: 

• Develop a Bilingual Emphasis course sequence for prospective students who are bilingual that includes clinical and academic experiences with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
• Develop a holistic application process that does not require an application fee, standardized test scores, and expands recommendations from both academic and professional references.
• Optimize utilization of electronic and in-person communications, technical sessions, and information sessions with prospective students.
• Maintain quality web presence on Department, College, and University web pages.
• Develop and maintain a recruitment presence at National (ASHA) and State level (NJSHA) conventions.
• Promote geographic flexibility for clinical internships.
• Explore international/global level learning opportunities. 

Specific Measurable Objectives

The program will monitor and update progress on an ongoing basis.

• Number of students accepted into the program with diverse backgrounds.

• Number of students who choose bilingual emphasis course sequence.

• Number of clinical affiliate agreements with programs/facilities that serve a culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

• Number of students who apply after attending informational sessions.

Long-Term Goal 2:2

Create a pre-professional Speech-Language-Pathology Minor in the College of Arts and Sciences that will provide the prerequisite courses required by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) that can be completed in 2-3 semesters. 

Strategies for Attainment

1. Prepare and submit a Pre-Proposal for an SLP Minor/Pre-professional Track to the Dean of Arts and Sciences and the Provost for approval.

2. Submit a formal proposal for an SLP Minor/Pre-Professional Track to the Academic Life Committee for Review and approval.

3. Development of prerequisite undergraduate courses with student learning objectives (SLOs) that will adequately prepare students for admission to a graduate program in SLP/Audiology.

4. Successful recruitment of adjunct faculty to teach undergraduate SLP courses.

Specific Measurable Objectives

The program will monitor and update progress on an ongoing basis.

• Number of full-time and adjunct faculty hired to teach all undergraduate courses.

• Number of students enrolled in the MS-SLP Pre-Professional Track/SLP Minor

• Number of undergraduate pre-requisite courses offered.

• Number of students from SLP Pre-Professional Track who apply to the MS-SLP graduate program. 

STRATEGIC AIM 3

To provide a breadth of opportunities to increase student clinical training experiences that support growth in the professional practice competencies.

Long-Term Goal 3:1

Develop clinical training experiences that will support a full graduate student cohort during their first year.

Long-Term Goal 3:2

Formulate articulation agreements with health service and educational organizations to provide high quality clinical training (field) experiences during the students’ second year. 

Strategies for Attainment:

1. Develop a campus clinic and summer camp programs for that align with the mission of Saint Elizabeth University and its commitment to experiential learning.

2. Conduct assessment of physical space on campus that will support an on-campus clinic and summer camp programs with Facilities Management Team

3. Acquire necessary classroom, office, and lab space to support the SLP Department.

4. Establish affiliation agreements with study abroad programs.

5. Establish Affiliation Agreements with organizations that represent the breadth of practice in the field, such as community agencies, nonprofit organizations, and education institutions.

6. Successfully recruit clinical educators to supervise graduate student clinicians.

Specific Measurable Objectives

The program will monitor and update progress on an ongoing basis.

• Number of clients enrolled in clinic and summer camp programs.

• Number of students assigned to clinical experiences.

• Number of signed articulation agreements and contract affiliations

• Number of clinical educators hired.

STRATEGIC AIM 4

To recruit and hire faculty and clinical educators for academic teaching, clinical supervision, research, and service to the University to fully support an accredited speech-language pathology master’s program.

Long-Term Goal 4:1

Hire 3 or more full-time Ph.D. or Ed.D. level faculty to teach graduate level courses.

Long-Term Goal 4:2

Hire 6 or more part-time clinical educators/adjunct faculty to supervise graduate students in first year clinical practicum sites.

Long-term Goal 4:3

Hire bilingual faculty and staff.

Specific Measurable Objectives

• Number of Ph.D or Ed.D faculty
• Greater than 50% of academic courses taught by Ph.D or Ed.D faculty
• Number of clinical supervisors hired
• Number of faculty and staff who are bilingual

STRATEGIC AIM 5

Improvement, renewal, and expansion of equipment and resources.

Long-Term Goal 5:1

The program will acquire equipment and materials sufficient for instruction, graduate student training, and clinical service delivery. 

Long-Term Goal 5:2

The program will acquire software applications that will track data on student knowledge and skills acquisition, clinical hours, compliance of required background checks and trainings.

Strategies for Attainment:

1. Conduct and complete a cost analysis to determine the equipment needs for all courses and clinical seminars.

2. Conduct an internal resource-assessment each semester for the SLP department.

3. Conduct an annual review of inventory and clinic materials to determine the need for new/updated instrumentation, clinical tests, programs, and tools. Implement a records management and data documentation system.

4. Develop a formal mechanism for recommending equipment and materials throughout the academic year.

5. Devote time at the SLP department retreat to review, propose, and prioritize short- and long-term equipment and material needs for the SLP department.

6. Identify a member of the SLP department to maintain a prioritized list of equipment and material needs.

7. Investigate alternative funding sources (e.g., grants, donations) for new equipment. 

8. Establish and implement a data document system so that all clinical and academic records and files will be available in electronic format.

Specific Measurable Objectives

• Number of computer-based programs and list of technology used/acquired

• List of inventories of assessment and treatment materials

• Inventory of equipment

• Data reports (KASA Summary Form, Student Clock Hours Summary).

Schedule for analysis and re-evaluation of the strategic plan: 

Review, assessment, and revision of the long-term strategic plan will be ongoing as needed. Specifically, the strategic plan will be evaluated prior to the start of each semester, during monthly faculty meetings when needed, and yearly during faculty retreat using input from faculty, student outcome data, and feedback from surveys completed by program stakeholders (e.g., students, alumni, off-campus clinical supervisors). Revisions made to the strategic plan will be updated and posted on the MS-SLP website and made available to all interested parties.