Winona State University

College of Education

Counselor Education Department

INTERN/ALUMNI SURVEY

Results

September 18, 2007

Results from the Winona State University Counselor Education Department Intern/Alumni Survey are reported below. Survey materials were distributed to: 1) graduates of the Counselor Education Department (graduation dates between 05/00 and 05/07), and 2) students enrolled in CE 690 – Internship during spring semester 2007. A total of 100 surveys were circulated with 49 completed survey forms returned. Thus, a 49% response rate is reported.

Student – Faculty Contact

1. I found program faculty and my advisor to be accessible throughout my program of study.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=1=2%	N=2=4%	N=21=43%	N=25=51%

2. Throughout my program of study, I found program faculty and my advisor to be willing to assist me in meeting my individual education needs and goals.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=1=2%	N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=15=31%	N=31=63%

Student Milieu

3. The learning environment, in and out of class, created by the program faculty provided me with the opportunity to work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow students.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=1=2%	N=0=0%	N=32=65%	N=16=33%

4. I found it easy to express my ideas and respond to others in group learning activities and projects, both in and out of class.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=1=2%	N=0=0%	N=3=6%	N=21=43%	N=24=49%

5. I believe that the opportunity to work in groups enhanced my learning.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=1=2%	N=3=6%	N=3=6%	N=26=53%	N=16=33%

Curriculum – Core Content Areas

6. I believe the program provided appropriate and sufficient instruction in:

a. Human Growth and Development

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=0=0%	N=5=10%	N=27=55%	N=17=35%

b. Social and Cultural Foundations

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=5=10%	N=27=55%	N=15=31%

c. Helping Relationships

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=0=0%	N=3=6%	N=21=43%	N=25=51%

d. Group Work (Counseling)

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=4=8%	N=1=2%	N=23=47%	N=21=43%

e. Career and Lifestyle Development

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=9=18%	N=22=45%	N=16=33%

f. Appraisal and Assessment

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=2=4%	N=9=18%	N=8=16%	N=22=46%	N=8=16%

g. Research and Program Evaluation

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=2=4%	N=4=8%	N=14=29%	N=24=49%	N=5=10%

h. Professional Orientation and Ethics

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=6=12%	N=18=37%	N=23=47%

7. The graduate program faculty provided me with an educationally rich environment in a variety of areas, and I had the opportunity to engage in active learning by participating in the following learning activities:

a. Building Helping & Counseling Skills through Demonstration and Practice

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=1=2%	N=2=4%	N=14=29%	N=32=65%

b. Opportunities for Personal Reflection of Learning

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=0=0%	N=1=2%	N=12=24%	N=36=74%

c. Group Research & Presentation Activities

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=1=2%	N=2=4%	N=5=10%	N=24=49%	N=17=35%

d. Classroom Discussion

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=1=2%	N=0=0%	N=19=39%	N=29=59%

e. Supportive Relationships between Classroom Faculty & Site Supervisors

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=4=8%	N=4=8%	N=14=29%	N=27=55%

f. Supervised Clinical Practice

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=1=2%	N=2=4%	N=2=4%	N=19=39%	N=25=51%

Academic and Clinical Performance Assessment

8. Throughout my program of study, I received appropriate and useful feedback from faculty regarding my academic performance in classes.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=3=6%	N=18=37%	N=26=53%

9. I received appropriate and useful feedback on my professional writing skills.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=6=12%	N=5=10%	N=18=37%	N=20=41%

10. Throughout my program of study, I received appropriate and useful feedback from faculty regarding my applied skill-based performance in classes.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=1=2%	N=26=53%	N=20=41%

11. I received appropriate and useful feedback of my clinical practice skills and performance during my practicum and internship.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=3=6%	N=3=6%	N=18=37%	N=25=51%

Time on Task

12. The faculty in my graduate program helped my personal and professional growth by providing me with specific and constructive feedback for assessing my progress toward attaining my educational and professional goals.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=5=10%	N=6=12%	N=21=43%	N=17=35%

13. Course syllabi prepared by faculty clearly articulated and outlined learning activities in a fashion that allowed me sufficient time and opportunity to research, prepare, and present required assignments.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=25=51%	N=22=45%

Program Quality and Expectations

14. The amount of work required for my classes was clearly outlined and appropriate for the learning goals of the class.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=0=0%	N=1=2%	N=25=51%	N=23=47%

15. The program faculty promotes quality education through its establishment of high academic and professional standards of practice as illustrated by its screening, admissions, and review and retention process.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=1=2%	N=1=2%	N=7=14%	N=16=33%	N=24=49%

16. I believe that I received a high quality education that prepared me for entrance into my profession.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=9=18%	N=16=33%	N=22=45%

17. The program faculty coupled their high expectations with the support and attention necessary for students to attain those expectations through co-curricular activities such as writing for publication, conference presentations and research activities.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=2=4%	N=8=16%	N=13=27%	N=18=37%	8=16%

Preparation for Professional Licensure and/or other Credential

18. I completed the following Counselor Education Department Comprehensive examination:

Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)	Essay Comprehensive Examination
N=28=57%	N=21=43%

19. I completed the National Counselor Examination through the GSA-NCE option during my final year of study in the Counselor Education Department.

Yes	No	Not Required For my Credential
N=18=37%	N=15=31%	N=16=32%

20. The Counselor Education Department Comprehensive Examination helped me prepare for the National Counselor Examination.

Yes	No	Not Required For my Credential
N=16=33%	N=10=20%	N=23=47%

21. I currently hold the following professional credential(s).

National Certified Counselor

Licensed School Counselor

Licensed Professional Counselor

Other

Specify________________

N=6

N=11

N=5

N=27

· Professional Development = 3

· LADC = BCCK and international education = 1

· Currently working on Ph. D. = 1

· Working on School Counselor License = 1

· Certified Social Worker = 1

· MS Degree (non-specific) = 2

· Service Professional = 1

· Teaching License = 1

· SAC – 1 – T = 1

· None Specified = 16

Respect for Diverse Talents and Learning Styles

22. Program faculty demonstrated a high degree of regard for diverse learning styles by providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge through both didactic and applied learning activities.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=0=0%	N=2=4%	N=31=63%	N=16=33%

23. Program demonstrated a high degree of regard for diversity in persons, experiences, and backgrounds, in and out of the classroom.

Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
N=0=0%	N=1=2%	N=3=6%	N=18=37%	N=27=55%

Future Growth & Development of Counselor Education Program

24. I recommend program growth and development in the following areas. Mark all that apply.

Chemical Dependency

Counseling with Children

Supervision

Crisis Intervention

Other

Specify__________

No=21=43%

Yes=28=57%

No=25=51%

Yes=24=49%

No=39=80%

Yes=10=20%

No=23=47%

Yes=26=53%

See Below

Treatment Planning

Case Management

Professional Report Writing

Culturally Diverse

Counseling

No=22=45%

Yes=27=55%

No=35=71%

Yes=14=29%

No=34=70%

Yes=15=30%

No=39=80%

Yes=20=20%

Billing Procedures & Filing Compliance

Initial screening and referral to outside agencies

Mental Health Assessment (DSM IV-R)

Mental Illness

Addictions and process addictions

School Counseling, specifically paperwork and testing.

Grant writing

Diagnosis; Real world therapy

Use of data to support programming. Assessment & diagnosis. Treatment plans for specific issues (e.g. eating disorders, anxiety, chemical dependency, depression, crisis response).

Career counseling

Wisconsin Licensure information; LPC licensure information, specifically the 12 hours of post-graduate credit requirement for LPC Licensure.

25. Please share any additional comments.

· I really found the hands-on activities to be extremely beneficial. I felt very prepared for Practicum and Internship. This is a top-notch program, and I am proud to have been trained at WSU.

· Faculty provided excellent individual student feedback and support. Professional writing instruction on term papers and projects greatly improved my writing skills.

· The Counselor Education Department Staff is amazing, They truly want all of their students to succeed, and they do all that they possibly can to make that happen. The program is challenging, but one never feels alone in getting through it.

· I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the Counselor Education program and highly recommend it. The faculty make information practical and encourage the use of it in our professional lives. Offering more classes during the summer and on weekends would be great and helpful in trying to work classes into a full-time work schedule.

· Great overall preparedness. More opportunity to specialize? More information on licensure process after graduation.

· As a soon-to-be school counselor, I feel somewhat unprepared to work in the school setting because many practical topics and responsibilities were not covered in the coursework and should be emphasized more. The practicum and internship was the most valuable experience in preparing me for the school counseling profession.

· I would suggest that in 601 or the screening the particulars of licensure be discussed (supervised hours, qualified supervisor, extra graduate credits needed etc.) Many students are still struggling with questions about such things at the end of the program.

· Computer programs to do scheduling for middle and high school.

· The program needs more in treatment planning, case management and diagnosis. Was not prepared in these areas for practicum/internship. Would like to see more class content on children.

· I feel the CE department has prepared me for all I have encountered so far in the school counseling profession. The one area students need to be more aware of as they enter the school counseling profession is all of the paperwork, scheduling, classes, and testing we are now responsible for. Unfortunately, that takes up about 60 - 70% of my job, and you learn as you go on how to deal with it all.

· I think 3 years would be a comfortable timeline to get everything in as I started slow and then went full-time for approximately 2.5 years.

· Poor availability of advisors. Great emphasis on theory with little emphasis on practice in the new millennium. Some instructor's "entrenched values" impeded the learning process. Focused on client diversity but NOT provider diversity.

· Good enthusiasm and support by faculty and advisor. AODA training and licensure would be very practical.

· More focus on school processes, curriculum development, classroom presentations, and integration of a counseling program in a school environment.

· Perhaps too much emphasis on collaboration in some classes. There were several times in several courses where the work was not representative of all in the group. I would have liked to get experience setting up or co-leading a group. I feel not as well prepared as I would like in the areas of Appraisal and Assessment and Research and Program Evaluation. If one did not have strong writing skills, it would be a disadvantage. I experienced great personal and professional growth through the counselor education program.

· I was not a good candidate for school counseling. It is far too difficult to be a school counselor in the schools in my area. Poor male counselors are more likely to get jobs than good females.

· It would be nice to have a checklist of what a personal would need in order to get the LPC. I realize many changes have occurred in the past few years. I just felt that I needed more concrete answers and direction.

· Need a written checklist for "to do" during coursework and then post to work toward licensure.

· Crisis intervention and theories were of greatest value. Recommend scheduled student/advisor meetings to allow student input into their perceived progress. Numerous students are abruptly asked to follow the Professional Development track that have proven later to be excellent counselors. The schools "judgmental review process" has erroneously overlooked some excellent talent. I often refer to and reflect and much of what I learned from Gaylia.

· I hope the program will offer the courses necessary for LPCs to become billable in Minnesota. I enjoyed my education at WSU and learned a lot. However, I have a degree that I can not use. There is a very serious shortage of mental health professionals in southeastern Minnesota, and many people would benefit from services.

· Group Counseling during classes are NOTHING like real group counseling. Supervised clinical practice was great from my site supervisor, but poor to fair from faculty supervisor. After initial screening, I didn't feel students were screened on an on-going basis, and there were students I graduated with who I would not refer a patient/client to for ongoing therapy.

· I found some of the staff to be outstanding in providing me feedback, support and guidance. The other staff were not as helpful, and I learned very little from them in comparison to the other staff.

· The program needs to help Wisconsin students understand their state requirements and how to achieve supervision. We were told you are "good to go", but once we hit the job market, we found out, "NOT". Steps toward hours needs to start on those last classes with some insight and guidance from those who have "been there and done that". I know you are a Minnesota school, but there are many Wisconsin students that are being trained to act, feel like, and be qualified as a counselor, but are unable to practice due to the biggest hoop of all.

Personal Information

26. I am a graduate of the Counselor Education Department.

No	Yes
N=1=2%	N=48=98%

27. It took me _______ years to complete the program.

Number of Years Number %

2 4 8%

2.5 9 18%

3 20 41%

4 13 27%

5 1 2%

6 1 2%

7 1 2%

28. Year Degree was or will be Awarded

2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
5=10%	6=12%	6=12%	5=10%	5=10%	2=5%	5=10%	15=31%

29. Program of Study Completed

Community Counseling	School Counseling	Professional Development
N=24=49%	N=13=27%	N=8=16%

Professional Development + School Professional Development + Community School + Community

N=1=2% N=1=2% N=2=4%