Diversity Statement
Participation in the counseling program gives all participants a right to an inclusive and supportive environment where diversity is respected. Students are required to show due regard toward other students, staff, faculty advisor, and course instructors throughout their tenure in the program. Respect includes that of ethnicity, sexuality, race/nationality, social class, culture, personal beliefs, religion, age, communication style, intellect, disability, and/or gender identity. Differences should be used as a strength and resource and to develop leadership and judgment skills appropriate to such diversity in and out of the classroom. Any violation or instance of harassment, discrimination, or violence in the form of language or action should be reported to the instructor, program coordinator, director and/or appropriate university personnel immediately.
To maximize the learning and development experience and to produce the most skilled counselors possible, we emphasize the following policies to our students:
Retention Policy
All counseling students need to be aware of the university requirements and retention policies in the Graduate Catalog. Please review policies and procedures in the UA Little Rock Student Handbook as well as the Graduate School catalog. The policies below detail the minimum performance standards of the Master of Arts in counseling program. These policies supplement Graduate School policies to cover conditions unique to the counseling program. They serve as guidelines for advisement and planning for the student throughout their training.
To successfully complete the UA Little Rock Master of Arts in counseling program, students must demonstrate satisfactory performance in academic and clinical courses as well as compliance with all ethical and competency standards. Students may petition through their faculty advisor for reconsideration of any action taken and, if dissatisfied, should refer to the grievance procedures section.
The goals of the counseling program is to prepare qualified counselors to work in agencies, institutions, clinics, and other sites that are devoted to serving individuals. Counseling faculty are charged with monitoring student progress in academic, clinical, and professional activities. Erratic performance, poor performance in academics, clinicals, or professional attributes are to be addressed with the student by the faculty advisor who will report these concerns to the program coordinator. The faculty advisor and the program coordinator will suggest intervention. The faculty advisor will meet with the student to discuss and outline a plan to resolve any issues. However, if there is continued evidence of the student’s inability to make a direct contribution, improve performance, or achieve clinical or academic competence, the student may be dismissed from the program.
Repeats and Probation
When a graduate course is repeated, the first grade remains part of the record and is computed in the final graduate grade point average (GPA).
Graduate students who do not maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all courses in the program are placed on academic probation at the end of the semester. Students who fail to remove probationary status by raising their GPA during the next enrollment period will be dismissed from the UA Little Rock Graduate School.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the program policy and objectives. Please be sure to read and understand each one.
