Harding University has offered academic coursework in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) since 1953, when Richard Walker introduced "speech therapy services" to Searcy. The program continues to serve the academic and clinical needs of Harding University students and the community of Searcy and central Arkansas.
The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Program offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in CSD (Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology) and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Specific degree requirements are specified elsewhere in this handbook.
In order to work as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, students must continue their education at an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredited graduate program upon completion of their undergraduate degree from Harding. Students may choose to use the undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders as an entry point into graduate education in areas such as Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Deaf Education, Special Education, Reading, Second Language Acquisition or to work as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. A student must apply for admission to the Harding graduate program, even if they earned their undergraduate degree from Harding. The application process and requirements are specified elsewhere in this handbook.
The Harding Program is a member of the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. All professional faculty and supervisors hold ASHA's Certificates of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology and Arkansas Licenses in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.
Our program excels in developing highly-skilled and professional graduates who are ready to impact their local and global communities by improving the lives of those they serve. Christian faculty and staff are invested in providing an unparalleled experience utilizing a comprehensive curriculum, contemporary technology and state-of-the-art facilities to engage students in reaching their full potential, both educationally and spiritually. As a result, our students exemplify ethical leadership, critical thinking and interprofessional collaboration to support top of the license practice.
Our vision is to provide an excellent Christian education through strong, positive connections with graduates who use their voices in their communities.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Harding University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Specific CAA requirements (effective August 1, 2017 then modified in 2020) are available on the website of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Accreditation Standards for Graduate Programs).
The following all report to the Provost, President, and Board of Trustees
Please consult the most current version of the Academic Catalog for specifics on each academic program offered in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Please consult the department’s website for information about admission to the Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology. The website, including student outcome measures, is updated at least annually. Student outcome measures are updated each summer.
Upon completion of the M.S. degree program, graduates of the Harding University Communication Sciences and Disorders Program must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for professional practice as speech-language pathologists. These requirements are listed in the current standards of the Council for Clinical Certification of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The current standards are available here.
In addition to this handbook, graduate and professional students at Harding University are governed by the Graduate and Professional Student Handbook and are encouraged to be familiar with its contents. Students are also governed by the Academic Catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation into the program. This information is available online. Graduate students are also responsible for the Harding University Speech Clinic Handbook, available online.
In addition to this handbook, undergraduate students at Harding University are governed by the Student Handbook and are encouraged to be familiar with its contents. Students are also governed by the Academic Catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation into the program. This information is available online. Undergraduate students are also responsible for the Harding University Speech Clinic Handbook, available online.
Students at Harding are expected to be honorable and to observe standards of academic conduct appropriate to a community of Christian scholars. Harding and the CSD Department expect from its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline. A student whose deportment or scholarship is unsatisfactory may be dismissed from the program. It is the policy of the CSD program, reflected in the attitude of each member of the faculty, to spare no effort in helping each student to attain his/her objective, a successful Christian professional career. Students are encouraged to refer to and follow the university policies as linked below. Specific information about Academic Policies can be found in the Catalog.
Students should be aware of and follow the University’s policies regarding registration, including details about dropping and adding classes, withdrawing from courses. Please consult with the Registrar or Chair if you have questions about registration.
Information about tuition, fees, refunds, and financial aid can be found in the Catalog and from the Office of Financial Aid, located in the Heritage building.
Each semester, Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate students are expected to carry a full-time load of at least 12 semester hours of credit and graduate students are expected to carry the number of hours scheduled for that semester (at least 8). Graduate students may study in full-time or part-time status.
A course overload is defined as registration for any additional hours of credit above the number of credit hours outlined for each semester in the academic curriculum. See the University policy for course load online or consult the Academic Catalog.
Once a student has applied and been accepted into the graduate program, it be possible to defer entering for one year. Deferred admission could be granted based on extenuating circumstances such as a mission trip to Africa, a teaching experience in China, medical situation, etc. A student would need to send a letter requesting such a deferment to the Chair by the end of May. This deferred admission will be awarded for a single year only.
In the event that a student enrolled in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department encounters a situation that requires a prolonged absence from the Program, the student may either request a one-year leave of absence or withdraw from the Program. A request for a one-year leave of absence must be submitted in writing to the CSD Chair with sufficient information to explain the situation. In the event that the student is ill or otherwise indisposed, the written requirement may be waived, and the Chair may initiate the action independently.
If the request for leave is deemed reasonable and appropriate for the circumstance, and if the student is in good academic standing at the time, the Chair may grant the leave. Otherwise, the Chair may, at his/her discretion, deny the leave, recommend that the student withdraw from the Program, or may recommend that the student be dismissed from the Program, following University policy. Conditions will be determined individually according to the merits of each case. If a student is granted a one-year leave of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to keep the CSD Department Chair informed of the current status. An update on the student’s status and intention to return to the program is expected each semester, at a minimum. Failure to remain in contact with the Department Chair will result in a cancellation of the leave of absence and a change in status to dismiss.
A student may not withdraw from a clinical practicum experience, without receiving a grade, once the experience has begun. If a student ends a practicum experience once it has begun, a grade of F will be recorded for that practice experience and will be computed in the GPA for that semester. After beginning a practicum experience, the grade of “W” can be recorded only in cases of illness or extreme circumstances that make it necessary for the student to completely withdraw from school. If a student withdraws from school for a medical cause, the retention of practicum hours earned will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Clinical Director, in consultation with the student and Clinical Educator(s), based on proficiency at the time of withdrawal and duration and quality of clinical experience.
If in the judgment of a member of the faculty of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, a situation has or is about to occur that would jeopardize in some fashion the student, patients, other students, the Program or its affiliates, the Department Chair or his/her designee may immediately suspend a student from any Department course and initiate investigation within 2 business days following the suspension. The Department Chair may extend that suspension until appropriate investigation and resolution can be reached.
*A grade of “C” in a clinical practicum experience is considered both problematic and unsatisfactory. Undergraduate students earning a “C” in CSD 3850 and 3860 will not be allowed to count clinical practicum hours earned and must retake these classes. Students earning a “C” in CSD 3860 will not be allowed to enroll in CSD 4210 and participate in an off-campus practicum experience until they have successfully completed (earned a grade of “A” or “B”) CSD 3850 and 3860. Graduate students must earn a grade of at least a “B” in order to progress to the next clinical experience. As in the undergraduate experience, a “C” will be considered both problematic and unsatisfactory and clinical hours earned during that experience will not be entered into the clinical hour record. A grade of “C” in a practicum course is considered failing. Graduate students must earn an “A” or “B” in CSD 6190 and 6290 before they will be allowed to enroll in an off-campus clinical experience (CSD 6390, 6490, and 6590). A possible exception may be made for students applying for the Zambia practicum experience as a part of HIZ-Path.
The grade of “I” (incomplete) may be assigned when students have not satisfactorily completed all required coursework and/or examinations for completion of a course. Students and faculty will follow the University policies for assigning a grade of Incomplete.
Each candidate for a M.S. degree in Speech-Language Pathology must secure acceptable credit in the approved courses of the CSD curriculum totaling 60 semester hours. In securing this credit each candidate must maintain a cumulative average of not less than 3.0 (B average). A student's scholastic standing is normally determined by calculating a point average. This average, which is calculated for each semester and for the entire period of residence, is determined as follows: the total number of hours for which a grade is received is multiplied by the numerical equivalent for that grade. The results are added, and the sum is divided by the total number of hours for which grades have been assigned. Should a graduate course be repeated due to a previous failing grade (considered to be a “D” in academic coursework and a “C” in clinical courses), the initial grade remains on the transcript but the grade earned when the course is repeated will be used when determining acceptable performance. (See notation under Academic Probation and Dismissal.) Should an undergraduate course be repeated for which a passing grade has been previously received, and the repeated grade is “F,” the final grade for the course is “F” and undergraduate students may need to repeat the course.
A transfer student is any person who has ever been enrolled in a CSD graduate program at another college or university. The number of transfer students accepted is extremely limited. An individual who wishes to transfer into the CSD degree program from a Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredited graduate program must comply with the normal application procedures. In addition, the Department Chair must receive a letter from the Department Chair at the other school granting approval of the transfer to Harding and stating that the student is in good standing and eligible to continue or return. Transfer students must satisfy Harding's prerequisite course requirements and meet current admission standards. When the required materials are received, the Department Chair will evaluate the individual's application to transfer. If qualified by current admission standards, the applicant must meet personally with the Department Chair. After the interview, the Chair will make a recommendation regarding admission to the Provost for final action. The number of transfer students accepted will depend upon space availability. The Chair will handle all correspondence.
Due to differences in the curricula of various graduate programs, some or all credit may not transfer at the same academic level. Equivalency will be determined on a case-by-case basis. No more than 6 hours of graduate credit may be accepted for degree requirement fulfillment.
Students entering the MS-SLP program must have taken the required CSD courses within the five years immediately preceding entry to the program. The CSD courses are considered to be phonetics, language development, articulation/phonological disorders, speech science, anatomy & physiology, aural rehabilitation and audiology. Other required coursework (biological science, physics or chemistry, social science and statistics) are not required to have been taken during that timeframe.
Students who have earned an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders and/or who are enrolled in a graduate program in speech-language pathology may request permission to enroll in CSD 6390 – Clinical Practicum III, and/or CSD 6320 - Seminar: Multicultural Aspects of Communication and Disorders during the Summer I term. This will only apply to the HIZ-Path international practicum experience. Students may not enroll in these courses unless they are accompanying the Harding University students and faculty to Zambia. Students must submit a completed CSD graduate program application (available from the CSD Program office), a HIZ-Path Transfer Student Registration Form, copies of all academic transcripts, and a letter of good standing from the Chair of the transferring student’s permanent program. When all of this information has been received, the student’s eligibility to enroll in CSD 6390 and CSD 6320 will be determined. This decision will then be forwarded to the HIZ-Path Selection Committee (including the Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Clinic Director, and Externship Director) for a decision regarding participation in HIZ-Path.
All other CSD courses (both academic and clinical) must be considered on an individual basis. As a general rule, non-degree students will not be allowed to enroll in any CSD graduate course except CSD 6390 and/or CSD 6320.
An applicant who is not a citizen of the United States must follow the normal admissions procedure. This includes completing all prerequisite course requirements. If course work has been earned in a foreign country, several steps to proceed are required. In order for the CSD Department to determine whether the courses taken in a foreign country can be transferred for credit, the applicant must submit foreign transcripts to a degree evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES). The degree evaluation report must then be reviewed/evaluated by the Harding University Registrar's Office and the CSD Program Director. Transfer credit must be identified as courses equivalent to those required for advancement. In order to receive a transcript including the evaluation of transfer credit, the international student must be enrolled at an undergraduate American institution. This may be accomplished if the international student applies to an undergraduate program for completion of prerequisite course work. Until this procedure has been accomplished, an application for admission cannot be accepted.
Financial resources of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders are limited; therefore, financial assistance is not available for international students on an F-1 Visa. Federally funded financial aid is restricted for students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. It is important that the student have pre-determined financial support sufficient to meet educational and living expenses.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and successful completion of all semester academic course work (grade of “C” or better) and all semester clinical work (grade of “B” or better) is required for a student to remain in Good Academic Standing in the program. A student may repeat two classes but no student can remain in the program and repeat a third course.
A student is placed on Academic Probation with any of the following:
When the student raises the cumulative GPA above a 3.0, achieves a semester GPA of at least 3.0 and earns no grade less than “C” s/he will be removed from Academic Probation, will return to Good Standing and will proceed through the program. Students will never be allowed to earn more than two failing grades in their graduate academic or clinical coursework and cannot repeat more than two classes or any single class more than once. Students earning a third failing grade (C in clinical courses or D/F in academic courses) will be dismissed from the program. Although students on Academic Probation will be allowed to retake a course in which a “D” or “F” was earned, the original grade will remain on the transcript, even if it is no longer used to determine the GPA. (Example A: A student earns a D in CSD 6110 then retakes the course the following year earning a B. If a student then earns a C in CSD 6490, that is considered a second failing grade. The student may remain in the program but will be dismissed if a third failing grade is earned. Example B: A student withdraws from both CSD 6110 and 6190 in the first semester. That same semester, the student earns a grade of F in 6170. The student is dismissed from the program at that time.)
The University considers breaches of integrity to be serious offenses. Any faculty member who is aware of student conduct consistent with an academic integrity violation is required to complete an Academic Integrity Misconduct Report to be submitted to the Department Chair. All acts of potential academic misconduct will be handled in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the disciplinary procedures outlined in the Harding University Catalog.
These include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Unauthorized use of AI such as ChatGPT or similar resources is considered cheating. Each instructor will clarify the extent that AI may be used in their course. If a student is unclear about the expectation, the student should pursue clarification from the course instructor.
Sanctions for academic misconduct will be handled according to the policies and procedures outlined in the Academic Catalog.
Due to the nature of the CSD clinical courses (6390, 6490, and 6590), the identities of students and supervisors will be verified to ensure integrity of the course and clinical experience. Students and clinical supervisors will be asked to complete a digital information form, which includes a photo ID, learning/teaching goals, and other pertinent information to guide the clinical experience. After completion, these forms will be uploaded into Calipso.
Other forms of course security utilized by the program include two-factor authentication which is mandatory for students to access course materials. Students must adhere to university and clinical policies on password sharing to safeguard private, personal, and client information. Finally, students are required to have cameras on and show their faces when joining course-related meetings in electronic platforms such as Google Meets or Zoom.
A policy is in place to allow a student to appeal a dismissal from the Program. Those steps are as follows:
A student has the right to file an appeal if there is disagreement with the final grade that has been awarded in a course. The procedure for bringing an academic appeal is as follows is found in the Academic Catalog.
Harding University and CSD adhere to FERPA and HIPAA guidelines in regards to the maintenance of student records. Students may access Calipso records for 8 years following enrollment in the platform and can access that record at any time. The department maintains physical and electronic academic records which a student may access at any time upon request. Physical records are maintained for five years after graduation, then shredded. Electronic student records are maintained indefinitely. The University indefinitely retains records of a student’s transcript and degree conferral, as applicable.
All students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will be assigned to faculty advisors. This program provides information for successful matriculation and professional development of our students and faculty members are utilized as resource personnel.
A. Faculty Members - The responsibilities of faculty advisors are to:
B. Student Advisees - It is the student's responsibility to be aware of all Department and University degree requirements as published in the academic catalog, and ensure that such requirements have been met or that appropriate waivers have been secured and filed in the Office of the Registrar.
As part of the ongoing assessment, evaluation, and review of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum, student information is used for evaluation and feedback to improve the educational program and to document student progress. Course evaluations, faculty evaluations, student progress assessment and feedback, surveys, videotaped encounters, and group work are included in this process. Data are primarily reported in the aggregate, and individual identification will be protected.
There will be some instances when videotape review will be used to teach interviewing skills and group dynamics. All persons being videotaped will give their consent prior to any use of the videotaped material in a classroom setting. When data are used for documenting and publishing about the curriculum and student outcomes, appropriate institutional review will occur and aggregate data will be used. If the use of identifying information is needed, appropriate student consent will be obtained.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical practicum hours for completion of the graduate degree requirements. Specific requirements are specified in CFCC Standard IV-C (previously presented). The undergraduate student earning a clinical degree will generally accrue approximately 30 hours of clinical practicum at the Harding University Speech Clinic and approximately 50 hours of clinical practicum at one of several assigned off-campus practicum sites. During the third, fourth and fifth semesters of the student’s graduate program, the student will be assigned a practicum location that may be some distance from the main Harding campus. These assignments are made by the Externship Director and will be determined by the student’s need to demonstrate clinical competencies across the scope of practice, the lifespan, severity of disability and cultural/linguistic diversity. The student is responsible for transportation to and from the practicum site. There may be occasions in which the student can carpool with another clinician, but the student should plan on securing reliable transportation for these semesters. Each off-site supervisor using the format described in the Clinic Manual will evaluate a student’s clinical performance. Two evaluations will be completed during each off-site practicum. The Clinic Director will assign the final grade for the practicum experience with consideration given to each supervisor’s recommendations.
The third semester practicum (CSD 6390) may be completed as a part of the HIZ-Path program or at a location of the student’s choosing. If the student chooses to go to a location/facility, which is not typically used in the HU clinic assignments, it is the student’s responsibility to secure the contact information so the Externship Director can make the necessary arrangements and secure a contractual agreement with the parties responsible. The Externship Director has the right to deny any placement, which does not appropriately support the student’s acquisition of clinical knowledge and skills needed for graduation.
Consistent and punctual attendance is expected at the graduate level. Two absences are allowed. Absences may occur for illness, appointments, interviews, and travel; however, missed work will receive a score of zero and opportunities for alternative assignments will not be given. Students are responsible for all class content. Every absence beyond two will result in the final course grade being lowered by a letter. Exceptions to this policy will be rare, and considered on a case-by-case basis. For asynchronous lectures, the course instructor will take attendance via course analytics in Echo360.
The CSD Department acknowledges that viable professional organizations are essential to the well-being of the profession of speech-language pathology and audiology and contribute to the maintenance of high professional standards, thereby assisting in assuring that professionals offer their patients state-of-the-art health care. As a result, the Department will encourage its undergraduate students and require its graduate students to become actively involved in professional organizations and will provide them with the opportunity to do so. The Department also recognizes that the primary responsibility of students is to achieve academic excellence and that any activity which hinders their pursuit of academic excellence is not in the best interest of the students or profession. Faculty are also expected to remain active in professional organizations and will often participate in professional meetings. Students must obtain approval from the professors and Chair, to be excused from classes/examinations to attend such meetings. In such cases, students will be required to meet the requirements of the professor(s) whose examination(s) was (were) missed to satisfy the requirements for the course(s) involved.
Students will make their own travel arrangements, and pay for their own food, housing and transportation unless specifically notified otherwise. CSD students who present, as part of the McNair Scholars project or anyother project, should contact the McNair Program’s representative or other appropriate representative and ask for funding when presenting off campus. Students should sign a travel waiver form that states they will assume full financial responsibility for all costs and expenses incurred for the activity.
CSD faculty will communicate the behavioral expectations for every activity, model professional conduct for student participants and represent Harding University by character, example, and Christ-like spirit and respect for all of Harding University’s policies. CSD faculty and staff participants should avoid sharing rooms with students.
While enrolled in the M.S. Speech-Language Pathology degree program at Harding University, students are expected to devote their maximum efforts to successful completion of the professional curriculum. The Department discourages but does not prohibit part-time employment. Student employment schedules are not a consideration in the Department's scheduling of classes, laboratories, reviews, examinations, practicum experiences, experiential meetings, or other curricular activities. Students are expected to attend all class meetings and meet all expectations for academic advancement. Students not prepared to dedicate all energy to successful advancement should consider applying for the CSD program at a later time.
CSD employs testing policies and procedures to preserve the integrity and fairness of all examinations.
Under normal circumstances, there is NO provision to give extra time to students who arrive late. If a student has completed the exam and left the testing area, entry will not be permitted to late students. Extensions or alternate testing times are possible for special situations. Contact your instructor.
It is the student’s responsibility to download the exam prior to the exam time. If a student waits until the last minute to download the exam then enters the testing room with the exam not completely downloaded, extra time may NOT be allowed. Proctors and Examsoft administrators are able to view the time and date a student attempts to download exams. If a student has difficulty downloading the exam, they should contact one of the CSD Examsoft administrators.
By taking this exam and submitting my answers for a grade, I affirm all of the following:
The final scores will be released by the course instructor after reviewing the exam’s item analysis and will be posted at their discretion.
Students who are unable to attend class the day of the exam for reasons consistent with an excused absence must not download the exam file prior to the scheduled exam date. Students must schedule an exam make-up date with the course director well in advance of the exam date. The CSD department will release the exam to the student on the day of the make-up for download and testing. Students who download the exam file prior to the exam day and then do not attend the exam due to illness or emergency must not attempt to access the exam. Students must contact the course instructor to schedule a make-up examination. The CSD department will release the exam to the student on the day of the make-up for download and testing.
It is the responsibility of students who require testing accommodations to inform the course instructor of their need for testing accommodations and to provide information to the Office of Disabilities and Educational Access regarding the nature of these accommodations. The CSD Department, in consultation with the course instructor and the Office of Disabilities and Educational Access will arrange the dates and locations of these examinations. If accommodations for a separate room or extra time are requested, the student will take the examination in the HU Speech Clinic. The student is responsible for communicating the need for extra time or a separate testing environment with the instructor at least 48 hours in advance of EACH scheduled assessment. Once arrangements have been made with the course instructor, the student is responsible for communicating with the clinic office concerning these arrangements. All tests that are taken in the HU speech clinic will be monitored and recorded via LearningSpace. All students that receive accommodations will sign an agreement form before each exam stating the accommodations that were received. This will be signed by both the student and the proctor.
Each candidate for the M.S. degree in Speech-Language Pathology is required to achieve a passing score on each section of the Comprehensive Final Exam. This exam will be scheduled during the final semester of the student’s program, typically in the Spring. Students who fail to achieve a passing score (70%) on each section of the comprehensive exam will be allowed to further prepare and retake the deficit section(s) one additional time during that spring semester. Failure to pass the deficit section(s) at that time will require an essay-style re-take and an oral component with at least two faculty members, depending on the deficit area.
Harding affords persons with disabilities equal opportunity and full participation in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Therefore, any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychological, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact his or her instructors and the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions at the beginning of the semester. Students are referred to the Center for Disability Services and Academic Support in the Academic Services Center.
Graduate students who expect to qualify for graduation must file a “Request for Degree” form with the Registrar's Office in the fall semester of the second year.
A commencement ceremony is held annually at the end of the spring semester. Only students who have met all degree requirements are eligible to participate. The traditional cap and gown, with (graduate) or without (undergraduate) an academic hood, is considered formal academic attire for ceremonial events, and the addition of any ornamentation is quite limited by customary etiquette.
At commencement, Harding has provided cords and ribbons for graduates to wear indicating specific academic honors. Any other addition to the formal academic regalia must be similarly appropriate, must represent only recognized organizations within the University, and must be approved in advance of commencement by the CSD Chair. Honor graduates are distinguished by the wearing of honor cords. A single gold cord shows academic honor. Traditional hoods of academic regalia are bestowed upon the graduates before or during commencement. The hood is lined with the Harding University colors of gold and black and is trimmed in silver, denoting communication.
Harding expects its students to conduct themselves as responsible citizens in a Christian community.
Enrollment at the University is viewed as a privilege that brings the attendant responsibilities and accountability. In order to encourage Christian living and growth, the University administers a student Code of Conduct. This code is provided to every student upon enrollment. Upon registration to the University, students acknowledge and agree to abide by this code. Harding University reserves the right to refuse admission or dismiss students whose lifestyle is not consistent with the Christian principles for which Harding stands; and when the general welfare of the institution requires such action. Students suspended for disciplinary reasons during a semester may receive a grade of “F” in all courses for that semester.
Graduate and Professional students are referred to the Graduate and Professional Student Handbook.
Within the Harding University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has been established as the governing principles of academic and professional practice.
ASHA Code of Ethics
The classroom and campus environment are primary settings for teaching and learning. As such, it is the responsibility of students and faculty to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to teaching and learning. Behavior is expected to adhere to professional standards and to contribute in a positive way to the learning process. Behaviors that are rude, disruptive, or that infringe on the rights of faculty or other students to effectively engage in the teaching/learning process will not be tolerated.
The Codes of Professional and Academic Conduct extend beyond the classroom and campus to hospitals, community clinical facilities, public and private schools, and various other practicum settings and locations where our students and faculty may engage in professional activities. Patient confidentiality and sensitivity to the needs of all patients, including those with different cultural backgrounds, are critical in order to contribute maximally to patient care. In practicum settings, observers are also responsible for upholding the standards included in this Code.
Additional professional standards include appropriate dress and proper attention to personal hygiene. As students who are preparing for careers primarily in a health profession, objection is raised concerning students whose appearance is unkempt. Specific activities and settings require particular attire and appearance. Students must be aware of and adhere to these expectations and requirements. Specific requirements for the Harding University Speech Clinic are presented in the Speech Clinic Handbook and will be presented and discussed throughout clinical training. Failure to meet the professional appearance requirements (as specified in the Clinic Handbook or as requested by the externship placements) could result in a failing grade for that practicum experience, or a request to withdraw from the program.
Mutual trust is a basic component of any community. Harding University expects students, as members of the academic community, to take seriously their position in that community. Students are expected to insure the continuance of trust among themselves and between them and the faculty by accepting responsibility for their own work. The University considers breaches of this trust and responsibility to be serious offenses.
The University's policies regarding personal wellness are published annually in the Harding University Graduate and Professional Student Handbook.
Any student who violates the Codes of Academic and Professional Conduct is subject to disciplinary action under the procedures specified by the ASHA Code of Ethics, presented earlier in this document. Any student who violates the University Code of Conduct is subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the most current version of the student handbook.
Suspension or expulsion shall be expunged from the student's confidential record five years after final disposition of the case.
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders currently does not require a background check or drug screening as a part of the application process. Admission into the CSD program does not guarantee eligibility for licensure as a speech-language pathologist in any state as state regulations may require a criminal record search to verify suitability for licensure. Licensure is not required to work as a speech-language pathology student clinician because the supervising professional will be licensed and certified and any patients are the patients of the clinical supervisor. Most clinical practicum sites will require a criminal background check and drug screening procedure for participation in the provision of clinical services. As a part of the CSD initial student meeting (CSD Graduate Student Orientation Week), fingerprinting, background checks as well as basic TB tests will be conducted. The Externship Director or the Chair of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department will notify students of any additional requirements well in advance of the beginning of the clinical practicum experience. Any required drug screening must be performed at the student's expense and the results reported directly to the clinical site and not to Harding University faculty or staff. Determination of student fitness for participation at a clinical site requiring such checks will be at the sole discretion of the clinical site.
The Health Services Center provides free health services and resources for enrolled students. Student Health Services, located at 115 Dr. Jimmy Carr Drive, is a walk-in clinic with no appointments necessary. More information is available here.
Every graduate student is expected to have his or her own laptop computer and printer upon entry into the program. The minimum requirements will include word processing and email access, ability to manage and manipulate graphics from the internet, standard font packages including access to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), clear/neat printer with black ink and other standard operating hardware and software.
Information on campus organizations, fundraising, mental wellness services, parking and transportation, airport shuttle and more can be found on Harding’s website.
Harding University recognizes the significant role of students in institutional decision-making. Students in the University's schools and colleges serve with faculty and staff on many committees. Various student government organizations serve as the voice of the students and are liaisons with the administration and faculty. Students at Harding University Communication Sciences and Disorders are expected to cultivate involvement in professional organizations and extracurricular activities while enrolled. A variety of student organizations are available:
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA): The National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is a pre-professional membership association for students interested in the study of communication sciences and disorders. Membership in NSSLHA is available to undergraduate or graduate, students enrolled full-or part-time in a communication sciences program or related major. Additional information may be obtained at the NSSLHA website (https://www.nsslha.org/).
Harding University Student Speech and Hearing Association (HUSSHA): Students may join the campus Student Speech and Hearing Association. This organization provides the social interaction and the opportunity to participate in local professional oriented activities without the additional benefits of membership in the Harding University Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
If the President of the University closes the University due to inclement weather, an announcement will be made to the local news media. You may call 501-279-4000 or 5000 for current information or check the Harding University website (www.harding.edu). Arrangements for missed classes will be announced at the next scheduled class time or based on syllabus instructions. Closure of the University does not affect clinical practicum experience responsibilities if the clinical site is open. When on off-campus clinical assignments, check with the clinical site first and then proceed using sound judgment. More information on Inclement weather can be found here.
Name badges will be provided for students at the beginning of the first semester. These name badges must be worn at all clinical practicum sites. Additional or replacement name badges will be provided as necessary and cost $10.00. These may be obtained through the Department of Public Safety/Security Technology.
CSD students must be readily identifiable at all times. In all clinical practicum experience areas or places where other health professionals or patients are likely to be met, a CSD Program approved nametag identifying the wearer as a CSD student clinician must be properly worn and visible. When meeting another health professional or a patient, a CSD student must introduce him/herself as a student and do so with sufficient clarity to ensure that the other person understands. Some CSD practicum experience sites may require additional identification.
All members of the Harding community are expected to maintain standards of modesty and decency in dress appropriate to the Christian lifestyle and consistent with professional employment expectations. For these reasons, students are expected to adhere to an established dress code. Violations of the dress code will be referred to the CSD Department Chair or Clinical Director(s) as appropriate. See the Harding University Speech Clinic Handbook for expectations.
During clinical practicum experiences, professional dress is expected. Specific dress must meet professional expectations as presented in the Speech Clinic Handbook. Students must always wear the Department-issued name badge. Check Speech Clinic and/or Externship Manual for additional details.
Students will be required to complete a background screening at the beginning of the program. Individuals found to have convictions including but not limited to violent crimes, sexual offenses, drug-related crimes, theft or fraud, white collar crimes (money laundering, embezzlement), crimes involving dishonesty (perjury, forgery), DUI/DWI, and weapons charges may not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Externship sites may have additional policies surrounding criminal background and client contact.
Harding is committed to the policy of providing equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate in admissions, programs, or any other educational functions and services on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, religion or disability to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Code of Conduct.
Based upon this commitment, Harding follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates with applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Harding is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of gender in its admission policies, treatment of students, employment practices or educational programs except as required by religious tenets of the churches of Christ. Harding has a nondiscrimination policy available upon request in the offices of Student Services and Human Resources. Inquiries concerning the application of federal and state laws or regulations may be referred to the Office of Human Resources, Box 12257, 900 E. Center Ave., Searcy, AR 72149-0001; telephone (501) 279-4380. The person to ensure compliance with the nondiscrimination policy and discrimination laws and regulations is the chief financial officer of the University.
Clinical practicum experiences throughout the graduate training are offered at off-campus sites. Students must provide their own transportation to practicum sites and classroom activities. It is therefore required that all graduate students have a means of transportation. This includes a valid driver's license and current auto liability insurance if transportation is to be provided through a personal vehicle.
Graduate students are responsible for their own housing during all phases of the professional curriculum. Information on available housing can be viewed on Pipeline.
Harding University Communication Sciences and Disorders Department is committed to a policy of fair treatment of its students in their relationships with the administration, faculty, staff, and fellow students. The department follows the institutional Complaint Policy. See the Provost’s website for information about filing a formal or informal complaint.
Consistent with the University’s complaint policy, formal complaints can only be initiated when a matter cannot be resolved informally. Informal complaints should be directed to the Chair of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department in writing. The Chair will respond in writing within seven business days. If the individual remains dissatisfied with the response the concern will be treated as a formal complaint and handled according to the institution’s policies. Formal complaints should be submitted in writing according to the procedure outlined here. Complaints against the accredited graduate program may be filed with the Council on Academic Accreditation according to their published policies which may be accessed online here or at https://caa.asha.org/programs/complaints/.
Complaints against the program must meet submission requirements (found online) and be mailed to:
Chair, Council for Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard #310
Rockville, MD 20850
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