COVID-19 Updates
Department Chair’s Letter on Clinical Placement Slowdowns (PDF, 380kb).
Our Response
This stressful time calls on all of us to support each other with great care and compassion. Our mission to prepare future mental health counselors is even more relevant now due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. As a university community, we believe we must remain committed to preparing the caring clinicians of tomorrow.
Counseling@Northwestern is committed to maintaining a high quality student experience during the pandemic. The program has made the below accommodations to our student experience in order to best assist students through their time in the program and mitigate any risk to extending the time to graduation. Due to the uncertain future of the situation, we do note that students may need to extend their time with us to accrue clinical hours for licensure after completing their academic courses.
| Department | Accommodations |
|---|---|
| Student Success | • Provided webinars for students and support teams regarding compassion fatigue and self-care • Director of Student Support in place to assist in advocating for student needs • Adjustments of attendance and deadline policies to increase flexibility for students in need • Increased support for student parents • Deadlines and extensions are readily provided when the student notifies the instructor of an extenuating circumstance • Utilization of standardized clients for students to complete recorded assignments via telemental health |
| Placement/Clinical Training | •Clinical training hours temporarily set to minimum requirements. • Excess practicum hours are allowed to rollover into internship requirements. • Searching for telemental health opportunities, within student’s home residence state and in accordance to telemental health regulations, when available to avoid delays in placement • Virtual interviews when possible to avoid in person contact with sites • Prioritizing student safety and wellness to avoid COVID-19 exposure • Expectation management with students who may need to slow degree process to address COVID-related concerns |
| Immersions: Group/Capstone | • Capstone Immersion moved to a virtual experience via Zoom • Group Immersion experience revamped to be held online over the quarter • Gift cards sent to students in place of immersion gifts and lunches • In person experiences will stay remote until further notice |
| Graduation | • Program-specific online celebration in addition to Northwestern Commencement online ceremony • Professional gifts sent to students to commemorate their Graduation experience as soon as safely possible |
| Financial Aid | • No tuition accommodations have been made at this time since Counseling@Northwestern has always been and will continue to be remote. |
For university news and resources related to coronavirus, including tips for mental wellness and learning remotely during this time, visit our coronavirus/COVID-19 webpage.
FAQ
Are you still accepting applications to the online program?
Yes. Currently applications are being accepted and processed. If you have concerns about completing application requirements at this time, reach out to an admissions counselor.
Are online classes cancelled?
No. All classes are running as scheduled. If you are a current student and have any questions or concerns about attending classes, reach out to your instructor or to student support.
What should I do if I am unable to send GRE scores, letters of recommendation or official transcripts?
If you would like to start or have already begun an application and are having difficulty securing required documentation, contact an admissions counselor.