Our programs in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) prepare students for many professions related to Student Affairs in college, university, and community settings. We focus on training Student Affairs professionals who take a humanistic, learner-centered approach in their work as change agents within the university and the larger society.

The program explores important topics in the field of Student Affairs such as conflict resolution, diversity, student development, student services, judicial affairs, administration, on-campus and campus life, Greek affairs, peer counseling, and crisis intervention, to name a few. Students examine the current trends and historical approaches in higher education, as well as future needs for effective student affairs practices in the 21st century.

The Graduate Certificate appropriate for those who seek graduate training in CSPA, as well as those who have already earned a degree in their professional field but would benefit from academic training in the applications of college student personnel administration to their current professions.

The programs in CSPA seek to: 1) apply an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the field of Student Affairs; 2) provide an opportunity for student to engage in significant study and practice within the field; and 3) prepare students for professional positions in the field of Student Affairs.

The programs in CSPA collaborate closely with our sister program in Conflict Analysis & Resolution and the University’s Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Students Affairs serves as a host site for practicum and other hands-on training opportunities. Paraprofessional graduate assistantships are available for those qualifying for the program both in the on-campus and online formats.

The Graduate Certificate in CSPA consists of eight courses (24 credits). Students who decide to continue their studies may apply these credit hours toward the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Conflict Analysis & Resolution if accepted to the program.

The Graduate Certificate in College Student Personnel Administration is offered in both residential and distance learning formats. These flexible formats allow mid-career working adults and those unable to attend the on-campus program, to study conflict resolution in a creative, rigorous, and structured fashion. Students enrolled in the online program participate in Residential Institutes on the main campus twice per year, as well
as online Web-based courses.

Students may enroll full or part time, taking three to nine credit hours per term. Students can expect to complete the Graduate Certificate program in 15 months. Summer attendance is mandatory.

Degree Plans

Below is a sample of a degree plan for a full-time student who begins their studies in Fall
term. Degree plans will be modified based on a student’s enrollment date and pace of
study.

Degree Plan: 24 credits hours

Practicum

To complete the Graduate Certificate in College Student Personnel Administration, students must complete a total of 65 hours of practicum. Students are responsible for documenting their practicum hours, and must have these hours verified and signed by an on-site supervisor. Practicum must be passed with a grade of “B” or better. The practicum experience is designed to provide students with an experiential opportunity to
utilize College Student Personnel Administration methodology and theory within an educational setting. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts within a practical framework.

Practicum provides a placement for the student to develop and refine practitioner skills. Using the Practicum experience, students have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts within a practical framework under the supervision of an on-site supervisor. The Director of Practicum and Field research will work with you to establish a placement suited to your interests, if possible. Additionally, the student is encouraged to explore
and initiate a Practicum setting specific to their own individual interests. If students find an appropriate site, the Practicum Director will assist the student in calling the site and negotiating for a placement.

Additionally, the student will attend a Practicum class with course work and faculty supervision. The student must receive contractual approval from both the Practicum Director and the agency on-site supervisor before beginning the required Practicum hours. The student is responsible for documenting Practicum hours and receiving supervisor approval.

The practice component of the student's Practicum is evaluated by the on-site supervisor each term; this evaluation is combined with the classroom performance and course requirements and converted into a final overall grade by the Practicum Faculty.

Although employment opportunities may develop from Practicum placements, students may not be paid for Practicum hours until the required number of hours is completed and grades assigned for the Practicum courses. All students are automatically covered by liability insurance provided by the University during their Practicum practice; this coverage is included in student registration fees and covers Practicum, as well as any
other, training, or consulting experiences the student may become involved in during the course of their program.

Practicum experience abroad is subject to a different set of policies and procedures.
Information about practicum is accessible at http://shss.nova.edu/DCAR/practicum.html.