School Psychology Doctoral Program Policy and Procedures

Code of Student Conduct

The University has an interest in the character of its students, and therefore regards behavior at any location (on-campus or off-campus) as a reflection of a student’s character and ability to be a member of the student body. The Code of Student Conduct thus creates an expectation of behavior that the University deems acceptable and is not detrimental to the University. By fulfilling these expectations, students respect their classmates’ rights and furthers the University’s goals. All students should review and follow the University Code of Student Conduct found at http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code/part1.html.

Student Grievance Procedure

Prior to invoking the procedures described below, the student is strongly encouraged—but not required—to address the grievance with the person alleged to have caused the grievance. This discussion should be held as soon as the student becomes aware of the incident that caused the grievance. The student may wish to present his or her grievance in writing to the person who is allegedly responsible for the grievance. In either case, the person alleged to have caused the grievance must respond to the student promptly, either orally or in writing. Initial Review: If a student decides not to present his or her grievance to the person alleged to have caused the grievance or if the student is not satisfied with the response, he or she may present the grievance in writing to the Director of the Program. Any such written grievance must be received by the Director no later than thirty calendar days after the student first became aware of the facts which gave rise to the grievance (If the grievance is against the Director of the Program, the student should address his or her grievance to the next level director—1. The Director of Graduate Studies; 2. Department Chair; 3. The Dean of the College; and 4. The University Ombud). The Director of the Program will conduct an informal investigation as needed to resolve any factual inconsistencies. Based upon the informal investigation, the Director of the Program shall make a determination and submit his or her decision in writing to the student and to the person alleged to have caused the grievance within ten calendar days of receiving the student’s complaint. The written determination shall include the reasons for the decision, shall indicate the remedial action to be taken if any, and shall inform the student of the right to seek review by the Director of Graduate Studies or the Department Chair.

Appeal Procedure

Within ten calendar days of receipt of the Director’s decision, a student who is not satisfied with the response of the Director after the initial review may seek further review by submitting the written grievance, together with the Director’s written decision, to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The DGS will be limited to a review of the basis for the Director’s decision and does not need to involve a new investigation. The DGS may, but is not required to, direct that further facts be gathered or that additional remedial action be taken. Within 15 calendar days of receipt of the request for review, the DGS shall submit his or her decision in writing to the student and to the person alleged to have caused the grievance. The written disposition shall include the reasons for the decision, and it shall direct a remedy for the aggrieved student if any. The student may elect to appeal the DGS’s decision to the Chair of the Department. Any such appeal must be filed not later than fifteen calendar days after the student receives the DGS’s decision. Any verbal or written complaints filed by a student in the grievance process will be kept confidential. All complaints will be maintained according to the APA Commission on Accreditation’s Filing Procedures (C-12): “The complaint log will include the date the complaint/grievance was filed, the issue(s) addressed, what, if any, action was taken, and the governance level (e.g., department, college, institution) at which the complaint/grievance has been or will be adjudicated.” All documentation will be kept in a locked filing cabinet with the Director of Graduate Studies.

Student Termination Policy

Students are expected to show the highest professional standards during their coursework activities as well as during practicum and internship experiences and acceptable achievement of content skills throughout the program. Specifically, students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior that is consistent with the professional standards outlined by the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. When it appears that a candidate is seriously lacking in meeting these expectations, a request may be made by faculty, the school supervisor, clinic directors, or by the university supervisor to terminate the candidate and remove him/her from the program. Reasons for dismissal from the doctoral program may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lack of responsibility in fulfilling program requirements such as:
  • Grade of C that has not been corrected
  • Failure after third attempt on preliminary exam
  • Failure on qualifying exam
  • Failure on research portfolio
• Behaviors indicating an attitude of indifference or hostility
• Poor written or oral language skills that interfere with provision of psychological services
• Limited clinical competency (i.e., chronically unprepared, poorly developed diagnostic skills, poorly developed interview skills, poor assessment skills, etc.)
• Poor interpersonal skills with peers, a school's students, clients, faculty, and/or staff
• Violation of program or school policies, procedures, rules, regulations, or code of ethics
• Lack of appropriate professional attitude or behavior in an educational or clinical setting
• Mental health issues (e.g., paranoid schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, personality disorder) that interfere with providing psychological services and/or place students/clients at-risk or at harm
• Addiction (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, gambling)
• Conviction of a felony (e.g., stealing, assault, child sexual abuse)
• Inability to officially document prior degrees (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree)
• Plagiarism

Efforts to Attract Diverse Students 

In an attempt to mirror the growing diversity among the public school clientele in which we serve, the School Psychology program at UK has attempted to recruit and retain students from minority backgrounds. The Program website that displays our mission statement and philosophy reflects the Social Justice theme infused in our curricula. This Social Justice mission espouses not only the importance our program places on the inclusion and acceptance of individuals from all backgrounds, but informs potential students that regardless of disability, race, ethnicity, regionality socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, language, gender and gender expression, they will be treated equitably. In addition to our program philosophy and course website presentation, the program reinforces our emphasis on the Social Justice theme during Interview Day. Thus, attention is once again brought to our mission statement and the infusion of diversity and cultural competence throughout our curricula. During interview day and in communication with students of diversity, minority scholarships such as the Lyman T Johnson Award are emphasized and additional monies are sought from the Chair of the Department in order to recruit minority students. For additional information on achieving success in graduate school, students from minority backgrounds are encouraged to read the APA’s (2000) Survival Guide for Ethnic Minority Students available on the Program’s website under “Student Resources” (http://education.uky.edu/EDP/content/useful-links-students).