Professional Readiness

Indicators of Professional Readiness

Essential characteristics expected of all candidates matriculated in a degree program in the CPS Department are as follows:

• Willingness and ability to self-explore and reflect on experiences in order to grow as a professional
• Ability to demonstrate excellent listening skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with others
• Ability to work respectfully, appropriately, and effectively with authority figures including university professors and site supervisors
• Ability to hear and accept critical feedback
• Ability to integrate and make changes based on communicated feedback
• Ability to act according to the professional expectations of the classroom and school/agency placement sites especially with regard to:
  • Appropriate dress
  • Promptness
  • Respectful attitude and behavior
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, staff, students/clients, and parents
• Ability to engage students/clients in a competent, ethical, and professional manner that respects and enhances their inherent dignity and worth
• Ability to recognize and value client diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, social class, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to practice in a manner consistent with the ACA/NASP ethical guidelines; especially those related to ensuring the welfare of all students/clients and doing no harm to students/clients