Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 1
The University of Kentucky Counseling Psychology Master’s Student Handbook
2015-2016
Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology
University of Kentucky
Revision History:
 Updated 11/4/2015
 Updated 11/1/2012
Foreword`
This handbook is designed to familiarize you with the Counseling Psychology Master’s
Program. This document contains descriptions, policies, procedures, and guidelines related to
your training in this program. The Handbook has two parts: (1) General Information on the
Program and (2) Specific Information on policies and procedures related to successful
completion of the Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology. In addition to the materials
contained in this handbook, as a student in the Graduate School, you are responsible for
standards and policies set forth in the University of Kentucky Bulletin (see
http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/CurrentStudents/bulletin.html)
The University, Graduate School (GS), and Counseling Psychology (CP) program are
continually modifying graduation requirements, policies, and procedures to clarify and improve
our programs. Graduation requirements upon admission remain in effect for the duration of
students’ programs, although students may elect to satisfy graduation requirements using any
changes that occur during their programs. In this situation, students must choose either the past
or changed graduation requirement in their entirety (i.e., students may not pick portions of both
the old and the new requirement). However, changes to university, departmental, and program
policies and procedures apply to all students at the point that the change occurs. Thus, the
policies and procedures in this handbook are subject to change as necessary and apply to all
students. The Master’s program in Counseling Psychology is a full-time program that takes an
average of two years of full-time study to complete. The program does not accept part-time
students.
This handbook has been optimized for reading on a computer using Microsoft Word. Certain
parts are hyperlinked to other sections or to locations online. While viewing this document on a
computer, any text in blue can link to another location by left-clicking the mouse while pressing
and holding the “ctrl” key.
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
Overview of the Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology
Departmental Structure
Program of Study
Registration and Advance Registration Procedures
Academic Requirements and Important Policies
Practicum Guidelines and Application
Research
Time to Degree
Appeals and Grievances
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Milestones
Student Support Services
Education Specialist Program
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Overview of the Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology`
Program Philosophy and Social Justice Statement`
The philosophy of the Counseling Psychology Program is rooted in the values and goals of a
socially just society. A socially just society is contingent on the optimal health and well-being of
all persons in that society. The health and well-being of persons is contingent on access to
healthy environments that support healthy development and functioning. Our goal is to train
professionals who are competent in providing professional psychological services that facilitate
optimal well-being and the transformation of unhealthy and oppressive societal structures.
Overview of the Master’s Program of Study`
The course sequence provides a foundation of basic knowledge and applied skills in professional
psychology that facilitate the development of this broad range of science and practice
competencies. The Program of Study is designed to: (1) be congruent with the nature of
professional psychology training developed by the American Psychological Association, (2)
offer a developmental, sequential curriculum that enables the student to develop research and
practice skills, (3) foster a professional identity within the specialty of Counseling Psychology,
(4) ensure that graduates are prepared and qualified to matriculate into advanced graduate
training, (5) promote reflective ethical decision-making and engagement in social justice-related
efforts, and (6) prepare students to function effectively as mental health professionals in a broad
range of roles in various work settings that require sound training experiences, professional and
ethical competence, interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Professionalism and Collegiality`
To attain the Program’s pedagogical goals, we encourage a collegial working relationship
between faculty and graduate students in which both groups are engaged in a common pursuit.
The courses and the multiple practicum experiences provide a forum for faculty-student contact
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 3
and dialogue, so that professional and personal interchange is facilitated and encouraged. In
these forums, Program faculty provide mentoring, role-modeling, and training opportunities.
All policies and procedures within the program are designed to be congruent with the
standards developed by APA. Students are strongly encouraged to join professional
organizations such as APA and Division 17: Society of Counseling Psychology. Refer to the
Division 17 website for a definition of Counseling Psychology and membership information (see
http://www.div17.org/). Students are also encouraged to become affiliates of the Kentucky
Psychological Association (KPA) (see http://www.kpa.org).
Proximal Program Outcomes`
The attainment of Program goals and competencies are evaluated in courses and in formative and
summative evaluations including the Practicum Supervisory Evaluation forms and the Master’s
Comprehensive Exam. These evaluative components of the program are further described
below.
Distal Program Outcomes`
Following completion of the Master’s many of our graduates seek advanced doctoral training.
Graduating from a strong Master’s program like ours helps to facilitate this process.
Importantly, this Master’s program does not meet Kentucky requirements for becoming
licensed as a counselor. Additional practicum hours and course requirements are needed for: (1)
Certification by the Board of Psychological Examiners of the Commonwealth of Kentucky for
those wishing to be certified to practice in the state as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)
or (2) Certification by the Board of Kentucky Professional Counselors of the Commonwealth of
Kentucky for those wishing to be certified to practice in KY as a Licensed Professional Clinical
Counselor (LPCC). State requirements vary considerably. It may prove useful to check with the
licensing/certifying boards of the states you may be interested in practicing in at the master’s
level to aid in planning additional coursework. At this time, it remains possible to fulfill the
requirements for licensure as a counselor in Kentucky: see EdS Requirements.
Ethical Principles, Rights, and Responsibilities`
The Program faculty expects that once students are admitted to Master’s training, they will
conduct themselves in a respectful, professional manner. Students are expected to familiarize
themselves with the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct of the American
Psychological Association (2010; see http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx) and to abide
by these principles in their academic, professional, and interpersonal behavior.
Further, students need be aware of the University's Student Rights and Responsibilities
that is published by the UK Office of the Dean of Students (see
http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code). The program also has developed and occasionally
revises operating procedures and policies that are updated in this handbook each year. Master’s
students are expected to read, understand, and abide by these policies.
No students may use their affiliation with the department or the program in connection
with advertising services before completing a degree program. For any unsupervised services
offered, the ethics of the situation should be discussed with faculty members (including the
student’s advisor). If the circumstances are not clarified, it becomes the entire responsibility of
the student for all consequences of such action (e.g., if it is deemed a breach of ethics, the student
may be dismissed from the program).
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 4
Departmental Structure`
Director of Graduate Study
The Director of Graduate Study (DGS) serves as the initial point of contact for students applying
to the doctoral program, manages the application activities, and is the custodian of student
records. Throughout the student’s involvement in the Counseling Psychology Program, the DGS
provides the communications liaison between the Program and the Graduate School.
Master’s Training Coordinator
The Master’s Training Coordinator (MTC) works with the Counseling Psychology Area
Committee (CPAC) to establish Program policies, manage Program procedures, and monitor
student progress. The MTC is the liaison with internship agencies and is the person with whom
the student makes initial contact before applying for an internship placement. In matters of
student progress, the MTC serves as a consultant to CPAC.
Program, Departmental, and Adjunct Faculty
The Departmental Chair serves a four-year term. The Departmental faculty members are
assigned to one of three Area Committees, Counseling Psychology (CPAC), Educational
Psychology (EPAC), or School Psychology (SPAC). Each area committee is directly responsible
for the policies and procedures in its respective programs. Faculty vitae and contact information
can be found online at http://www.uky.edu/Education/EDP/edpfac.html. Adjunct faculty
members have primary assignments elsewhere, but they provide instruction and/or practicum
supervision to the Counseling Psychology Program.
CP Student Senate
One student senator from each cohort (i.e., the group of students entering the program in a given
year) will be elected during class at the beginning of the first fall semester of the first year. This
senator will represent their cohort and work collaboratively with the elected senators from the
other cohorts of the CPAC programs (e.g., MS, PhD) to decide what student concerns should be
brought to the attention of the CPAC faculty. Student senators will meet with the CPAC faculty
during one mid-semester CPAC faculty meeting. Student senators may also communicate the
concerns of the faculty back to the student body and are tasked with keeping their student cohorts
informed of relevant CPAC faculty decisions and resultant policy changes. A secondary
responsibility of the student senators is to support CPAC by planning and carrying out activities
that will aid CPAC in program evaluation and enhancement.
Program of Study`
The counseling psychology student will complete course work in the Foundations of Psychology,
the Counseling Psychology Specialty, and Research and Statistics Core. A listing of course
descriptions appears in the University of Kentucky Bulletin (see
http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/CurrentStudents/bulletin.html). The Program of Study is
available on the department website under “Handbooks & Forms.”
The Program of Study (POS) for the Master’s in Counseling Psychology is designed with
two considerations: (a) be congruent with the nature of professional psychology training
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 5
developed by the American Psychological Association and (b) to offer a curriculum that enables
the student to develop research and practice skills, to explore individual interests, and to focus on
a selected area of expertise.
The Counseling Psychology Program is a full time graduate program and students are
expected to be enrolled as full-time students.
Master’s Program of Study Schedule`
The Master’s program of study consists of approximately four classes a semester for four
semesters. All students are expected to take the designated courses during the designated
semesters. This will allow students to complete the program in a timely manner and build strong
relationships with the other students in their cohort, who will take all the same classes at the
same time. The POS also lists the Master’s Comprehensive Exam as a required component to
complete during the final semester of the program (see below). The original POS should be
completed, signed, and placed in the student’s file as a part of documenting and approving the
student’s readiness to take the Master’s Comprehensive Exam.
Under special circumstances (e.g., temporary leave of absence), it may be necessary for
the student to work with their assigned Faculty Advisor to make arrangements for completing
certain program requirements at a later-than-originally-scheduled time. Any changes should be
noted on the student’s POS, the POS signed by the assigned Faculty Advisor, and the signed
POS placed in the student’s file.
Communicating with Your Faculty Advisor`
Master’s students are encouraged to communicate frequently with their Faculty Advisor. A
simple E-mail is a good strategy to use in keeping the faculty aware of your activities. Students
are encouraged to communicate regularly and work closely with their Faculty Advisor to take
advantage of potential learning opportunities and to discuss progress in the program. Students
are welcome to schedule meetings with their Faculty Advisor as necessary to discuss
professional development issues (e.g., progress in the program, career goal clarification).
However, students should bear in mind that scheduling a meeting with busy faculty members can
be challenging. Therefore, it is recommended that students schedule meetings many weeks in
advance.
Registration and Advance Registration Procedures
The guidelines for pre-registration, newly admitted student registration, and late
registration are made available in documents which may be obtained from the Director of
Graduate Study (DGS) and from the Registrar (see http://www.uky.edu/Registrar/). Students are
advised each semester to follow the suggestions that appear on the Counseling Psychology
Students Discussion List (see://education.uky.edu/site/LISTSERVs). All registration is done
electronically via myUK (https://myuk.uky.edu/irj/portal). Please note the Registrar prevents
first year students from registering until they have attended an “advising conference.” For newly
admitted students, this occurs during student orientation and is typically held one week before
classes begin. Students can consult with their appointed advisor and review the Course Catalog
(see https://myuk.uky.edu/zapps/slcm_coursecatalog/default.aspx) to plan courses and a schedule
prior to this date but will not be officially enrolled until this time. Newly admitted students
should also be aware that they must set up a “link blue” account in order to register electronically
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 6
and use many university services such as email, library account access, etc. Refer to
http://www.uky.edu/UKHome/subpages/linkblue.html for more information on activating this
account.
Academic Requirements and Important Policies
The Department has established a commitment to diversity in course coverage and content. The
policy affirms our commitment to integrating aspects of diverse scholarship and experience into
the body of knowledge covered by each course. The Department defines diversity very broadly
to include age, gender, gender identity and expression, race, culture, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, socio-economic class, and disability or ableness. This commitment is reflected in
course syllabi as well as assigned readings and in class discussion.
By the second class meeting, every Professor is required to provide students with a
syllabus. The syllabus contains an outline of course content and requirements that are to be
completed by the student. A syllabus is also considered to be a contract. That is, professors are
contracting with students that certain requirements are to be met to earn a specific grade. If
factors affecting evaluation must be revised during the semester, students must be given
reasonable warning.
The most recent course syllabi are available at the Department’s website (see
https://2b.education.uky.edu/courses-and-syllabi/).
APA Style
All papers submitted in any course in the department are expected to conform to APA Style.
Securing a copy of the sixth edition of the APA Style Manual (2010) is required. Program
students are required to use proper APA format in all of their papers submitted while in the
Program.
The Ally Development Workshop and Other Training Experiences
Each year, the second year doctoral students lead an Ally Development Workshop. This social
justice training experience is mandatory for first year graduate students. The Program faculty
strongly encourages students to engage in extra-curricular training and workshops. These
training experiences are available in the EDP, UK, and Lexington area communities. These
trainings provide students with opportunities to develop counseling skills, acquire relevant
knowledge, and gain increased awareness and growth.
Training Requirements for Teaching Assistantships*
When a student receives funding via a Teaching Assistantship (TA), a TA training requirement is
required from the student. These trainings are given twice a year, once in August and January.
Departmental Electronic Communication*
The Department uses two listservs (EDP-ALL for students and faculty in the Department of
Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology; COUNSELING-PSYCH for counseling psych
graduate students) to relate important messages regarding classes, practicum experiences,
funding, and employment opportunities to students. You will be signed up to these listservs by
the Department staff. When you reply to a listserv message, it will be sent to all listserv
subscribers, not just the person who sent the original email to the listserv. Therefore, if you want
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 7
to say something privately to the person, it is best to send a fresh email to that person (what we
would call “emailing them backchannel”) rather than hitting reply. Also, be careful when
responding to the listservs, since persons who are not students or faculty in the department may
also subscribed to the listserv, so be carefully about sharing personal/sensitive information.
Reflective Learning, Personal Growth, and Seeking Therapy*
The Counseling Psychology Faculty members believe that personal development is essential to
becoming an effective clinician. Experience as a client in both individual and group settings is an
excellent way to attend to both personal and professional development by helping you to become
comfortable with aspects of self-disclosure and reflective self-examination. Getting personal
therapy may be an important step for those who find that their current struggles significantly
impede their professional performance. These personal and professional activities are frequently
necessary for competent performance in classes and in practicum training experiences. For
example, you can expect to observe and be observed conducting therapeutic activities, to give
and receive appropriate peer feedback, and to display self-awareness, including the impact of
your social locations and cultural values on your interpersonal interactions. To summarize,
students are expected to operate responsibly and assertively within the department. This means
taking care of personal needs and responsibilities while remaining watchful of and respecting the
needs and rights of others. This process requires being aware of and meeting deadlines, fulfilling
class and program requirements, helping other students, being involved in the evolution of the
program, and other reasonable expectations.
Grade Requirements
According to University Policy,
“When students have completed 12 or more semester hours of graduate course work with
an average of less than 3.0, they will be placed on scholastic probation. Students will
have one full semester or the equivalent (9 hours) to remove the scholastic probation by
attaining a 3.0 average. If probation is not removed, students will be dismissed from the
Graduate School." (University of Kentucky: The Graduate School, 1994-1996, p. 17)
In addition, Counseling Psychology students must satisfy the following grade criteria:
"I" grades. All "I" grades must be completed within two months after the last scheduled
class. No students may have more than two pending "I" grades at any time. Students may not
register for course work for which the prerequisite(s) are not completed by the first class
meeting. Should an "I" grade not be completed within the two months period, the instructor of
record or the Director of Graduate Study may assign a grade commensurate with the work so far
accomplished. If the "I" grade is not replaced within 12 months of the end of the semester in
which the "I" was earned, the Graduate School will direct the Registrar to convert any "I" grade
to the grade of "E", unless extenuating circumstances exist. Such circumstances must be
determined and verified by the course instructor of the "I" Grade course and the Director of
Graduate Study.
“C” grades. If a student obtains a “C” in a course, he/she will be required to take the
course over and complete the course with a grade of “B” or better. Students are not allowed to
make more than one "C" grade in their program. Students who earn a "C" grade in their program
will meet with the Counseling Psychology Area Committee (CPAC). One of the CPAC options
is to place the student on programmatic probation. Should the student earn a second "C" grade,
CPAC will consider the recommendation for termination from the program.
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 8
“E” grades. An "E" grade in any course may be grounds for dismissal from the
Counseling Psychology program.
Developmental Sequence of Training`
The following are structured to provide sequential learning that is graded in complexity. Students
must earn a "B" grade in each course to enroll in the subsequent course as listed below:

EDP 605 and EDP 652 are pre-requisite to EDP 661

EDP 605, EDP 652, and EDP 661 are pre-requisite to EDP 649 and EDP 664
Withdrawal from Classes
Withdrawals are completed online via the myUK system. Visit myUK for withdrawal dates,
deadlines, and procedures (see https://myuk.uky.edu/).
Practicum Guidelines and Application
Students should read and be familiar with these Practicum Guidelines at least one semester prior
to applying for practica. The “Practicum Application” (see Handbooks & Forms webpage) must
be submitted to the Practicum Coordinator prior to midterm the semester before the practicum is
scheduled to begin (e.g., by April 1 for a Fall practicum start).
Research`
Students who are interested in research have the option of becoming familiar with the department
faculty research teams as well as other research teams, especially if the student is considering
doctoral programs. Becoming a part of a research team requires the student to be proactive and
seek out teams within or outside of the department. Faculty vary in how they run their research
labs, so the ability to join a certain lab is dependent on the preferences of each faculty member
and whether or not they have spots open on the research team.
Departmental Colloquia
The Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology periodically schedules colloquia for
all doctoral students in the Lexington area. Colloquia include presentations on research, practice,
and professional issues (e.g., interviewing for jobs, data analytic techniques, etc). Currently, our
DGS is sponsoring FRED talks for graduate students to talk informally about their research and
get feedback from peers and faculty.
Time to Degree`
Students are typically accepted into the Counseling Psychology Master’s Program following
satisfactory completion of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Completion of the Counseling
Psychology Master’s Program is designed to take two years. This program is completed on-site
in Lexington, KY, and cannot be completed part-time or via online distance learning. Our
program graduates typically advance to doctoral training in psychology or employment in a
variety of settings such as university, community, hospital, and government agencies.
Evaluating Student Progress through the Program
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 9
Criteria for adequate progress.` Students are expected to make adequate progress
toward the degree. Adequate progress is defined by a number of both objective and subjective
criteria. If the deadlines are not met, or officially excused, the student will be terminated from
the program. The criteria are:
1. Continuous enrollment in graduate school. Program rules state that a student, except in
special circumstances negotiated in advance with a Faculty Advisor (e.g. leave of
absence), must be enrolled in the designated classes during the designated semesters of
the two-year program and must complete the Master’s Comprehensive Exam during the
designated semester. Students who (1) take more than two consecutive semesters’ leave
of absence, (2) take more than 3 semesters’ leave of absence total, or (3) do not make
appropriate progress toward the degree, will be withdrawn from the program and required
to reapply if they desire to complete the degree requirements. Because certain classes are
not offered every semester or every year, a semester leave of absence could mean that
students would have to wait a full year before those classes become available again to be
taken. Students who fail the Master’s Comprehensive Exam during the designated
semester must retake and pass the exam the second time it is offered to students.
2. Maintaining a Graduate GPA of at least 3.0..
3. Having no more than two outstanding "I" (Incomplete) grades at any time.
4. CPAC Faculty will also review student progress as needed throughout the year.
Continuation in the program requires not only demonstrated skills in the academic area
but also a judgment by the faculty of the program area that the candidate possesses
personal and interpersonal characteristics requisite for achieving the required
competencies associated with the program.
Leaves of absence.` Students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment in the
Graduate School. Enrolled graduate students at the University of Kentucky who sit out for one or
more semesters will need to complete a new application to the Graduate School and to the
Program and pay the application fee in order to be considered for readmission. In many
instances this requirement can be avoided by requesting a leave of absence. In addition to
avoiding the application process, this status will allow the student to priority register in
preparation for return to UK.
Students should, prior to the semester in question, first contact their advisor and others
involved who need to know and approve of the request (e.g., assistantship supervisor). The
request should be in writing, indicating the exact semester(s) and, if possible, the rationale for the
request. Next, the advisor should forward the request to the Director of Graduate Study (DGS)
indicating endorsement (and the endorsement of others involved, if appropriate). Finally, if the
request is approved, the DGS will forward the advisor’s message to the Graduate School
admissions officer, with the DGS’s endorsement. The student must email the Graduate School
Admissions Officer before his/her intended return to have his/her status changed back to active.
A leave, if granted, is only good for one semester but can be renewed for a second semester if
necessary.
Master’s students who are in process of completing the Master’s Comprehensive Exam
are not eligible for a leave of absence. International students considering a leave of absence are
strongly encouraged to discuss their plans with the Office of International Affairs and
Department of Immigration Services prior to making a formal request.
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 10
Appeals and Grievances
In line with our ethics code, we seek informal resolutions to conflicts whenever possible. Before
a formal written grievance is lodged, informal problem solving (e.g., talking directly with the
instructor, faculty member, committee member, department chair, dean) should be attempted. In
the majority of cases, mutually satisfactory solutions to problems can be found through these
informal means. A formal grievance procedure should be employed as a last resort when
informal channels of resolving the problem have failed.
Appeals of academic decisions follow the procedures spelled out by the Academic
Ombud. Below is an edited listing of the University Senate Rules that cover the jurisdiction of
the Academic Ombud and other information pasted for your convenience from the Ombud
website.
6.2.0 The Academic Ombud is the officer of the university charged with
consideration of student grievances in connection with academic affairs.
6.2.1.1 The Office of the Academic Ombud shall provide a mechanism for
handling issues for which no established procedure exists or for which
established procedures have not yielded a satisfactory conclusion. They
are not intended to supplant the normal processes of problem resolution.
6.4.3.A.5 Right of Appeal. A student has the right to appeal any finding of
an academic offense or a penalty to the University Appeals Board through
the office of the Academic Ombud, pursuant to Section 6.4.4.
The Academic Ombud hears student grievances concerning academic issues. Academic
Ombud Services is a confidential office and therefore not an office of notice. Formal complaints
concerning academic issues should follow established procedures, i.e. instructor, chair, dean. If
the complaint involves discrimination and/or harassment, the Office of Institutional Equity and
Equal Opportunity should be notified. If a student is unsure where to take their grievance, the
academic ombud is confidential and glad to assist in finding the correct course of action.
Appealing a Grade (SR 6.1.3.B):
According to SR 6.1.3.B, “Students have the right to receive grades based only upon fair
and just evaluation of their performance in a course as measured by the standards announced
by their instructor(s) in the written course syllabus at the first class meeting.”
If, at the end of the semester, the student feels he or she did not receive a fair grade
and it affected the final grade by one letter, the student has 180 days to appeal following the
posting of the grade. The Academic Ombud Services asks that students contact their
instructors and/or department chair (use established procedures per SR 6.2.1.1) before
contacting Academic Ombud Services. This can be waived for unusual circumstances.
Should the student decide to appeal:
1. The student writes a letter to the Ombud discussing the problems and issues that occurred
during the semester and includes a copy of the class syllabus.
2. The Ombud will request a written perspective from the instructor. Once that Is received,
the Ombud reviews both perspectives and writes a letter of merit or no-merit to the
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 11
University Appeals Board (UAB). The student will be provided with documentation
containing the student’s letter, the instructor’s letter, and the Ombud’s letter to the UAB.
3. A letter of merit means the case will be heard by the University Appeals Board. If the
Ombud issues a letter of no-merit, the student has thirty days to appeal directly to the
UAB and ask that the UAB review the information to determine whether or not the
request has merit.
For more information on grade appeals, please see:
http://www.uky.edu/Ombud/ForStudents_Grades.php
Appealing Dismissal from a Program:
A student has the right to appeal a dismissal from their program of study to the University
Appeals Board (UAB) through the Office of the Academic Ombud. The process is similar to the
grade appeal process. After a student has submitted their written appeal and all related
documents, documentation is also requested from the academic program. This information is
summarized by the Academic Ombud and forwarded to the University Appeals Board. The
UAB will schedule a hearing and invite the student and the academic unit to attend.
Appealing an Academic Offense (SR 6.3.0):
A student has the right to appeal an academic offense charge to the University Appeals Board
(UAB) through the Academic Ombud Services office within ten days of being charged. After a
student contacts the Ombud office to make an appointment with the Ombud, documentation is
requested from the department. The student meets with the Ombud to discuss the charge and a
possible appeal. If the student decides to appeal, the student writes a letter of appeal to the
Ombud and the Ombud requests that the instructor write a response. The Ombud then forwards
the case to the UAB. The UAB will schedule a hearing and invite the student and academic unit
to attend. After the case has been heard, the UAB will deliberate on the issue and provide a
ruling (either uphold or deny the appeal). The student and the academic unit will be informed of
the ruling within 24 hours.
Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
All academic work, written or otherwise, submitted by students to their instructor or other
academic supervisor, is expected to be the result of their own thought, research, or
self-expression. In any case in which students feel uncertain about a question of plagiarism
involving their work, they are obligated to consult their instructor on the matter before
submitting it.
When students submit work purporting to be their own, but in any way borrows ideas,
organization, wording or anything else from another source without appropriate
acknowledgement of the fact, the student is guilty of plagiarism. For additional information on
plagiarism, see http://www.uky.edu/Ombud/Plagiarism.pdf
Plagiarism includes reproducing someone else's work, whether it be a published article,
chapter of a book, a paper from a friend, website, or electronic file. Plagiarism also includes the
practice of employing or allowing another person to alter or revise the work that students submit
as their own, whoever that other person may be. Students may discuss assignments among
themselves or with an instructor or tutor; however, when the actual work is done, it must be done
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 12
by the student and the student alone.
When an assignment involves research in outside sources or information, the student
must carefully acknowledge exactly what, where, and how they have been employed. If students
use the words of someone else, they must put quotation marks around the passage in question
and add an appropriate indication of its origin. Making simple changes while leaving the
organization, content, and phraseology intact is plagiaristic. However, nothing in these Rules
shall apply to those ideas that are so generally and freely circulated as to be a part of the public
domain.
According to the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (see
http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code), the instructor may assign a grade of "E" for the
course in which the offense occurred. In addition, the instructor may recommend to the Dean of
the College or to the Dean of the Graduate School, if appropriate, that the student be suspended,
dismissed or expelled.
Milestones
Master’s Comprehensive Exam (MCE)`
The Graduate School requires a final examination for graduate degrees. The Department of
Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology responds to this requirement with a written
final examination (i.e., the MCE) to be given on the first Friday in October for those graduating
in the Fall semester, and the first Friday in March for those graduating in the Spring semester.
Student conflicts with these dates will not cause the dates to change.
Students must notify the Director of Graduate Studies of their intent to sit for the MCE at
least two weeks prior to the deadline for scheduling final examinations. The deadline is
listed in the Schedule of Classes as "Last day to schedule a final examination in the Graduate
School for candidates for (May, December) degree." At this time students should contact the
departmental assistant in DH 237 to sign up for the Master’s exam. On the sign-up sheet,
students record their phone number and a four-digit I.D. number. Students do not need to notify
the Graduate School. When students notify the department assistant or the DGS, the office
takes responsibility for notifying the Graduate School of those intending to take the MCE.
Final approval for sitting for the MCE must be given by the Graduate School. The Graduate
School will inform the DGS if a student is eligible to sit for the final exam. "I" grades and nontransferred hours are the two most common reasons for being denied permission.
The MCE is a computer-typed essay examination. You may view the MCE instructions (which
contain the grading rubric) and a sample clinical case vignette (see Handbooks & Forms
webpage). The case vignette that you will be presented with and asked to respond to as a part of
this exam is different each semester. Thus, the instructions and questions asked about the case
vignette are the same for every MCE; only the particular case vignette changes. Faculty
recommend that students study for the MCE by, among other study strategies, reviewing the
MCE instructions and drafting a response to the five sections based on the sample case vignette
provided. You have a maximum of three hours for the MCE. Faculty members are randomly
assigned examinations to grade. All scoring is anonymous due to the use of the 4-digit I.D.
codes. The CPAC Chair will provide each student with a score and written feedback
approximately two weeks following the examination.
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 13
Graduation`
When all graduation requirements are met, including the completion of the MCE, the M.S. is
conferred at the graduation ceremony, held either in May or December. To be eligible for a
degree, students must file an application for a degree with the Graduate School. Please check the
appropriate Graduate School Calendar on the Graduate School website for semester deadlines for
filing an application for degree.
Student Support Services
Personal Counseling`
Students interested in obtaining counseling as a client may receive such services through various
public and private agencies in the Lexington area. The Program encourages students to gain
counseling experience as clients. Such experiences provide students with the opportunity to
develop increased personal awareness and growth, allow students to experience what being a
client is like, and may enhance the development of the student as a therapist.
Students may not enter into a counseling relationship with an EDP faculty member, since
this type of arrangement constitutes a dual relationship that is specifically prohibited by the
ethical principles of the American Psychological Association. Further, the policy of the
University of Kentucky Counseling Center prohibits a former or present client from being a
practicum student at the Center. Thus, former clients are not eligible for practicum
placement at the UK Counseling Center. If you are hoping to apply for UK’s doctoral
counseling psychology program, because doctoral students are required to do a practicum at the
UK Counseling Center as a doctoral student, you must not use the UK Counseling Center for
personal therapy. Master’s students who want counseling services may contact the Director of
Graduate Studies Staff Assistant for a list of local area psychologists who offer reduced fees for
program graduate students. Graduate students with full-time assistantships are also eligible for
the Employee Assistance Program offered through UK Human Resources, providing a sliding
fee scale for counseling through the Family Studies Program Training Clinic (see
http://www.uky.edu/hr/work-life/counseling/refer-counseling). Other on-campus options for free
or reduced fee counseling include the Jesse Harris Psychological Clinic (see
http://psychology.as.uky.edu/psychological-services-center) and Student Behavioral Health (see
http://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/uhs/student-health/behavioral-health/).
Housing
Counseling Psychology students may find housing available through a variety of agencies:
family housing (Apartment Housing Office, Building C., Cooperstown, Lexington, KY 40506);
individual housing (University Housing Office, 218 L Service Building, University of Kentucky,
Lexington, KY 40506); and commercial housing (Dean of Students Office, 513 Patterson Office
Tower, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506). Applicants are encouraged to apply for
housing at their earliest convenience.
Financial Assistance`
Scholarships and fellowships. A limited number of University non-service and servicebased fellowships are awarded each year on the basis of the applicant's qualification. These nonservice fellowships include funds designated for the purposes of recruiting competent diverse
students, funds awarded to each department on a competitive basis, and University of Kentucky
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 14
Research Foundation fellowships. Generally, applications for Graduate School fellowships must
reach the Graduate School before January 15. See the Graduate School website for more
information (http://www.rgs.uky.edu/gs/). The College of Education also offers additional
financial opportunities. Details can be found at https://2b.education.uky.edu/resources/studentresources/scholarships-and-financial-aid/. Qualified students may also be recommended for the
Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship. Details about this award are located at
http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/StudentFunding/LTJ.html. Students may also secure external
funding. APA lists several opportunities here: http://www.apa.org/about/awards/.
Assistantships. Graduate, research, and teaching assistantships must be arranged on an
individual basis and are available within and outside of the department. Deadlines and
requirements for assistantships are more flexible than those for fellowships. For more
information on assistantships, see the Counseling Psychology and Graduate School listservs and
the UK Human Resources website (see http://www.uky.edu/HR/studentjobs/). A full-time
assistantship of 20 hours per week is usually accompanied by full tuition reimbursement plus a
stipend. These assistantships often lead toward additional networking and publication
opportunities for students. The Department has a number of teaching and research assistantships
available each year for qualified students. Students have also had assistantships in other parts of
the university including Academic Enhancement, Nursing, Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral
Health, etc). Notices of openings are forwarded to the student listserv. Additional information is
available about assistantships from the Director of Graduate Study, Department of Educational,
School, and Counseling Psychology. Assistantships generally begin the week before classes
start, but exact dates vary depending on the type of assistantship.
Campus employment caveat. This is a full-time program. Students in the counseling
psychology program are encouraged to work no more than 20 hours per week, either in an
assistantship or in another paid position. Further, EDP departmental policies prevent all EDP
graduate students who hold a university or departmental 20-hour assistantship from holding any
other university-based funding.
Support for Students with Diverse Backgrounds
Office for Institutional Diversity. The Office of for Institutional Diversity (formerly
the Office of Minority Student Affairs) was established in 1971 with the mission of providing
support, services and programs that are sensitive to the needs of diverse students. Among the
services available to students through the Office for Institutional Diversity are short-term
motivational and crisis counseling, non-academic advising, orientation, and assistance with
problem-solving in the areas of housing, financial aid, and overall adjustment to the university.
The Office of for Institutional Diversity staff is also available for assistance to student
organizations or any group that may be planning projects or programs of special interest to
diverse students (257-9293).
Office of International Affairs. The Department has a strong international student
group, particularly from Belgium, China, Colombia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Zimbabwe. OIA
offers support in terms of orientation to UK, frequent workshops and retreats and practicum
experiences. For more information, contact the Office of International Affairs at 859-323-2106
or online at http://www.uky.edu/IntlAffairs/.
Our students often serve in the leadership roles for international student groups. For
more information on student organizations call the Office of Student Involvement at 257-8867 or
contact them online at http://getinvolved.uky.edu/.
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 15
Students with disabilities. Students with visible and invisible disabilities are
encouraged to seek the protection and benefits offered by numerous Public Laws (e.g.,
Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990). The UK
Disability Resource Center, Room 2, Alumni Gym, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
40506-0029 provides administrative support for students with disabilities. You may contact the
Disability Resource center by calling V/TDD (859) 257-2754 or online via
http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/DisabilityResourceCenter/.
Family-friendly Program structure. While the program in counseling psychology
requires full-time enrollment, we recognize that a tension exists between the demand for being a
full-time student and the demands of personal/familial obligations. We see the need for
reasonable compromises due to personal or family crises. The specific nature of these crises will
be handled on an individual basis by working with the CPAC Chair and the student’s Faculty
Advisor.
Graduate Student Lounge
Room 251 in Dickey Hall, has been set aside for the use of departmental graduate
students. The room contains graduate student mailboxes and some seating. Announcements of
interest to students are posted in the lounge, and students may use the facility for casual
gathering and reading. The Graduate Student Lounge is intended to be a focal point for the
exchange of research, professional and social interests, which are important components of the
educational program in the Department.
Mail. Graduate and teaching assistants are assigned separate mailboxes in room 251
Dickey Hall. Memoranda, circulars, and announcements are periodically placed in these
mailboxes.
Libraries
The three main libraries on campus in which EDP graduate students will be most interested are
the Education Library, the Medical Library, and William T. Young Library, which is the main
campus library. See http://libraries.uky.edu/ for more information on the UK library system.
The Education Library is located in Dickey Hall, second floor (Room 205). There are
two copying machines and heavy-duty staplers available. Graduate students are not granted
extended borrowing privileges, and overdue fines are strictly enforced.
The Medical Library is housed in the Medical Center. It contains psychiatric and
physiological journals and allows students to check out bound journals for limited time periods.
This library issues its own card, which is available with a student ID. It also has several copying
machines. Books held in the Medical Library may be checked out through the online InterLibrary Loan system and will be transported to any library of your choice within 24 hours.
The William T. Young Library is located on the main campus. The Library offers full
semester borrowing privileges to graduate students. The Young Library houses a vast array of
technology services for scholarship. Wireless study carrels are available to doctoral students, as
are copying machines. Young is open for extended hours.
Presentation U! @ the Young Library now offers specialized help for graduate students
of all disciplines with their writing, presentations and conference posters. Every Wednesday
from 1-3 p.m. at Presentation U!, Academic Consultants are available to work specifically with
graduate students seeking assistance with their multimodal communication projects. If that day
and time does not work, you can make an appointment here or you can also call and set up a
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 16
personalized appointment at 859-218-5286.
ID/Library Cards
Once registration is completed and fees are paid, students may proceed to obtain their UK-ID
card. Students who are in the UK system may obtain their ID card beginning as early as July in
the Student Center Room 107. The Student ID office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00
AM to 5:00 PM. Students must bring a photo-ID and $15 for their first card. Further UK ID
information may be obtained at http://www.uky.edu/UKID/. An ID card is necessary for library
privileges, access to tickets for UK athletic events, and discounts from certain community
establishments.
Computer Facilities
The University of Kentucky is a wireless campus. Students with mobile devices have internet
access throughout campus. Students have access to software packages such as Microsoft Office,
EndNote, and SPSS. For more information visit http://download.uky.edu
Public computers in Dickey Library are connected via the cloud to UK servers. Other
Dickey Library terminals are available for database searches. Students are encouraged to use
these computers for their literature searches on ERIC, MEDLINE, PSYCINFO and Infotrack.
For assistance using the library guides for literature searches please visit
http://libguides.uky.edu/educ.
Research Consultation and Assistance
The Institute for Educational Research, located in 48 Dickey Hall engages in a variety of
research activities including consultation with faculty and graduate students on research design,
data analysis, computer applications, and dissertation proposal development. The office provides
support for instructional programs in research and grant proposal development. Research and
development support is extended to schools and state agencies upon request. The office works to
bridge departmental and college research initiatives, as well as providing a forum for discussion
of research issues and interests. For more information, contact the IER at 859-257-3792 or
http://education.uky.edu/IER/
Technology Support
COE Information Systems (IS) serves faculty, staff, and students by maintaining a Central
helpdesk and providing professional development, technical support, website management,
Blackboard/Canvas LMS assistance, Adobe Connect meeting rooms, service and database
administration, projectors for check-out, e-mail, list serves, room and lab reservations, digital
signage, and student involvement though a Student Technology Group (see
https://2b.education.uky.edu/technology/techsupport/).
James W. Stuckert Career Center
Doctoral students are encouraged to start a placement folder at the Stuckert Career Center on
Rose Street. This Center is an excellent resource for information-gathering relative to questions
students may have regarding career counseling, resume writing, skills in interviewing, etc. One
of the services the Center can offer graduate students is furnishing a professional
recommendation (credentials) file which they can use to send to prospective employers. Contact
the Stuckert Career Center at 859-257-2746 or http://www.uky.edu/careercenter/.
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 17
Robert E. Hemenway Writing Center
The Robert E. Hemenway Writing Center provides assistance “composing and communicating in
writing, speaking, and multimedia projects across the curriculum. Graduate students and
undergraduate consultants offer individual and group consultations in Face-to-Face, Online, and
E-Tutoring Consultations on academic assignments and professional
projects” (https://wrd.as.uky.edu/writing-center) The center is located in the W.T. Young
Library, Room B108B, in the Hub (lower level). Students can register as a new client and/or log
in to schedule appointments at uky.mywconline.com.
Student Legal Service
A local attorney provides free on-site consultation for any legal issue UK students have. The
attorney only comes to campus on Wednesday late afternoons for appointments. To set up an
appointment, students will need to either email Lynn.Fresca@uky.edu or call 257-3191. All
information is confidential and student privacy is maintained throughout the entire process.
Campus Recreation
Current University of Kentucky students who are enrolled in regular, on-campus classes, may
use the Johnson Center recreation facility by presenting their student ID card. There will be no
admittance without a student ID card. UK Students not enrolled in summer school may purchase
a membership for the summer if they were enrolled in the previous spring semester.
Tuition and Fees
Information regarding payment of tuition and fees is found at
http://www.uky.edu/Registrar/feesgen.htm. Late tuition payments may result in courses being
omitted from your schedule. This may result in loss of placement in a course. Failure to pay
tuition/fees on time will result in canceled registration and more fees.
Finding Health Care
The University of Kentucky offers health care and health insurance to its students and
employees. Graduate Students who are fully funded are provided insurance as part of their
tuition.
Graduate Assistantships
As a reminder, not all graduate assistantships (“GA”) are fully funded (i.e., the position includes
health insurance, tuition coverage, and a graduate salary). Some positions may be advertised as a
G.A. position, but it only means that you would be paid at a GA hourly rate, rather than be
provided with all the benefits of a GA position. Inquire about health insurance and tuition when
considering applying or when interviewing for a position.
Parking at UK
Information about parking is located at http://www.uky.edu/Parking/. New students are able to
buy parking passes on June 1st, while renewal permits are available on May 1st for students.
Information on different permits are available at http://www.uky.edu/Parking/permits-studentuk.html, but a C-5 permit is recommended for students who live off-campus and commute
primarily to Dickey Hall.
Counseling Psychology Master’s Handbook, Pg. 18
Peer Mentor
Each incoming Master's student is paired with a peer mentor in the program who is further along
and more knowledgeable about the workings of the system. The name and email of your peer
mentor will be provided at the start of the fall semester. This mentoring relationship provides a
means for more personal and interpersonal contacts for students on both a formal and informal
basis. The incoming Master’s student is responsible for contacting the peer mentor to set up
mentoring meetings on an as needed basis. You may be asked to serve as a peer mentor to a new
student while in the program.
Education Specialist Program
Students who wish to obtain certification as a Psychological Associate (PA) or as a Licensed
Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) may elect to enter the Educational Specialist (EdS)
program.
Requirements for the Specialist degree include:
 Thirty (30) hours of post-Master’s course work
 An internship; and
 A scholarly project with defense.
Note: Students planning to pursue certification/licensure can begin fulfilling these
requirements with their Master’s level electives. Up to 9 course credits (above the 36
hour requirement) may be transferred to the EdS program.
The schedule of additional coursework differs according to the certification/licensure desired.
The thirty additional hours should reflect the required content as outlined by the desired state
certification/licensure board. For the state of Kentucky, two choices (LPA or LPCC) are
available. Prerequisite courses, whether they are taken pre or post Master’s, remain the same.
CPAC clarifies that letters of recommendation for state or national licensing are contingent upon
completion of the Ed. S. program (which requires the completion of an Ed. S. project, a project
report/paper, and a final oral discussion/examination focused on the paper submitted).
EdS advisors for students coming from the Master’s program are whomever the person asks to
direct the EdS project. Up to that point no official advisor will be assigned; the student may ask
the Masters advisor or anyone else for direction. Outside people will still be assigned someone at
admission acceptance, usually the person who did the interview/program planning.
To begin the process of applying for the EdS program, speak with your faculty advisor. Your
advisor will provide you with guidance on how to apply. Applications and letters of
recommendation are involved in this process.