CAHSS Graduate Catalog 2018 - 2019

93 Program Specifics Disclosure of Guiding Principle of our Programs It is with great pride that, we, the members of the Department of Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University, share one of the guiding principles of our training programs. Our programs are guided by the importance of inclusion, diversity and affirmative practices in the classroom, coursework, clinical training, as well as in all professional and collegial relationships and interactions. We are committed to training our students in a manner that is respectful of and sensitive to religious/spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions and practices, gender identities and in all areas that distinguish individuals. Our goal is to be self-reflexive practitioners, holding ourselves accountable for our commitment to our principles. We further strive to train students to respond to each other with the same honor and respect. Subsequently, we expect students will treat fellow students, staff, and clients accordingly. We stress a commitment to servicing clinical populations in an affirmative, supportive and competent manner including but not limited to underprivileged, minority, and socially oppressed groups, ethnic, racial, religious groups, LGBTQ individuals, foreign nationals, individuals with different levels of ability both physical and mental, as well as individuals of various genders, ages and socioeconomic and relationship statuses. Ultimately, we believe that individual belief systems and values should be respected but that those belief systems and values do not hinder the practice of affirmative therapy. Additionally, our programs abide by the AAMFT Code of Ethics. Specifically, the following: 1.1 Non-Discrimination . Marriage and Family Therapists provide professional assistance to persons without discrimination on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity or relationship status. Professional/Ethical Conduct Students are expected to abide by the AAMFT Code of Ethics, conduct indicated in the Florida Statutes Chapter 491, conduct indicated in HIPAA, as well as the NSU Student Handbook. If at any time during a student’s program, the faculty is alerted to concerns about a student’s conduct, a meeting will be scheduled with the Program Director and at least one other faculty. The program follows all guidelines from the NSU Student handbook. The results of the meeting will be documented along with recommendation for a remediation plan. If it is found that a student’s conduct fell outside those indicated in the above documents, the outcome of such a meeting could ultimately lead to immediate dismissal from the program. M.S. Comprehensive Exam In addition to successfully completing all coursework and obtaining the required minimum 500 client contact hours and 100 supervision hours, students must pass a comprehensive examination as required for the M.S. in Family Therapy degree. This clinically focused examination tests the student's ability to apply what has been learned. Exams are given, and retakes arranged through the DFT administrative office. The comprehensive examination is developed by the Program Director in consultation with the faculty and the community advisory council. The examination reviews core curriculum content and ability to apply this material to real life situations. Details of the examination and suggestions for study will be presented each term at a comprehensive examination review, one to three weeks prior to the exam.