Leg Item

Faculty Association	December 17, 2003

Legislative Calendar Item # FA 03-37

UNF Board of Trustees
Education Policy Committee Meeting
University of North Florida
Wednesday, December 17, 2003

Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Approved by the UBOT on January 15, 2003

(view the link)

Dr. Kline opened the floor to the Dean Chally, who began the discussion by stating that she believed the degree in Rehabilitation Counseling fit with the mission of UNF and the mission of the College of Health. She stated that this course of study is currently being offered as a track in existing Health Science major and has been since 1995.

Dean Chally introduced Dr. Jeanne Patterson as the Program's leader. Dr. Patterson began her discussion by stating that the Program was reaccredited in 2003 for an eight-year term and that the next accreditation process would be in 2011. She expressed concerns that the title for the program was not currently listed on the graduate's diplomas as a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, but instead as a degree in Health Science. Dr. Kline reiterated that the Rehabilitation Counseling program was currently a track in the College of Health and that the desire was to make it a stand-alone degree program.

Dr. Kline requested clarification on the purpose of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.
Dr. Patterson responded by stating that Rehabilitation Counseling was a profession that works with people with disabilities, not people with mental health issues. Dr. Patterson stated that there was a critical need for this Program because it is a growing field with much demand.

Trustee Crawford commented that the program required professionals to work with a large variety of different disabilities and asked if there was a more specialized approach. Dr. Patterson responded by stating that there was much merit in graduating with a generic degree. The individual can seek multiple experiences within different types of sites. Specialization would occur when the individual began work.

Chair Hicks asked about the Program's emphasis on diversity and UNF as a whole.
Dr. Patterson replied by giving a brief history regarding diversity in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.

Ms. Karen Stone, UNF's General Counsel, asked for the philosophy behind the use of tracks as part of programs of study. Dr. Kline responded by stating that tracks were allowed without Board of Regents approval. Degrees did require Board of Regents approval. Trustee Solano stated that a track allows a program to develop before being introduced as a degree or major.

Trustee Coggin asked if this program would deal with situations where physical and mental disabilities coincide. He asked for further information about Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in regards to children. Would this program include assessing children with ADD and interceding before they reach adulthood? Dr. Patterson responded by stating that Rehabilitation Counseling addressed individuals over the age of 18, while Special Education addressed children under the age of 18. She also added that the Rehabilitation Counseling Program worked less with ADD than did Special Education. Trustee Coggin questioned the sense of awareness and understanding regarding ADD as related to Rehabilitation Counseling. Dr. Patterson responded by discussing the undiagnosed issues that Rehabilitation Counselors face and the importance of being able to help transition the individual from school to work by getting the counselors more involved. Trustee Coggin stated that there was a need to start the awareness process at an earlier age. Dr. Serwatka clarified the difference between Rehabilitation Counseling and Special Education. He stated that the two professions need to work together to ensure the individual has all the necessary skills to survive in today's society.

Trustee Abdullah requested information on the needs assessment and jobs available in Jacksonville, as well as regionally. Dr. Patterson responded by stating that there were only two students who graduated from the program who were currently unemployed. She then gave their reasons for unemployment.

Trustee Taylor asked why the program was 48 hours and not 60 hours. Dr. Patterson responded by stating that the accreditation of the program required 48 hours, to add a mental health counseling license the student would need to complete 60 hours. She stated that she would like to see both a 48-hour and 60-hour program.

Chair Hicks asked for a motion to recommend the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling be presented to the full Board. It was so motioned and the Trustees voted unanimously to recommend the program to the Board.