AAQEP Accreditation 2022
Standard 4 Aspect D
Standard 4d. Investigates available and trustworthy evidence regarding completer placement, effectiveness, and retention in the profession and uses that information to improve programs
The program works with the completers in various ways. Many of the site supervisors in our COUN 249 Field Placement course are alumni of our program. The part time faculty in our program are also alumni of our program and provide feedback on the program and how the program supports students and completers. We use the available CCTC and CSU data on completers to contextualize the students in the program, however there is room for improvement in monitoring/supporting completer retention in the profession.
Data Sources and Analysis
- EXIT SURVEY 2020 (Items 8, 18, 10, 21)
- EXIT SURVEY 2021 (Items 17, 16, 23)
Data Source 1
EXIT SURVEY 2020 (Items 8, 18, 10, 21) - Note that the program needs to do a better job of ensuring that the instruments we use have reliability and validity. This survey was drafted by program faculty, but as of 2021 we use a more robust completer survey that is used across counseling programs in our department. In the future we plan to use surveys that have demonstrated validity and reliability.
Q8 - Were you employed as a student?
| # | Field | Minimum | Maximum | Mean | Std Deviation | Variance | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Were you employed as a student? | 1.00 | 3.00 | 1.86 | 0.64 | 0.41 | 7 |
| # | Answer | % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yes (Full-time) | 2 | |
| 2 | Yes (Part-time) | 4 | |
| 3 | No | 14.29% | 1 |
| Total | 100% | 7 |
Of the seven students that completed the survey, 57.14% of students were employed part time, while 28.57% were employed full time and 14.29% were not employed as a student. This data aligns with the structure of the program with many students opting to work part time due to the workload of the program, family responsibilities and availability.
Q18 - Now that you've graduated, what is your current status of employment? (Check all that apply)
| # | Answer | % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Employed as a school counselor (Full-time) | 42.86% | 3 |
| 2 | Seeking employment as a school counselor | 42.86% | 3 |
| 3 | Employed in a counseling related position (not school counseling) | 14.29% | 1 |
| 4 | Seeking employment in a counseling related position (not school counseling) | 0% | 0 |
| 5 | Not seeking employment at the moment | 0% | 0 |
| Total | 100% | 7 |
Of the students that responded to the survey, 43% were employed as school counselors, 43% were searching for school counseling positions, and 14% were employed in a counseling related position. This information is beneficial because it shows that 57% were hired after completing the program, however, the program needs to be more intentional about supporting completers as they transition to their first role after graduation.
Q10 - Have you applied to doctoral programs?
| # | Field | Minimum | Maximum | Mean | Std Deviation | Variance | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Have you applied to doctoral programs? | 2.00 | 5.00 | 3.25 | 1.09 | 1.19 | 8 |
| # | Answer | % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yes | 0.00% | 0 |
| 2 | No | 37.50% | 3 |
| 3 | I plan to apply in the upcoming year. | 12.50% | 1 |
| 4 | I am considering applying in the future. | 37.50% | 3 |
| 5 | I do not intend to apply. | 12.50% | 1 |
| Total | 100% | 8 |
None of the program completers that responded to the survey applied to doctoral programs but 40% are considering applying or planning to apply in the upcoming year. Students have mentioned hoping to apply to doctoral programs in the future. We serve many students of color and first-generation students that may not see themselves represented in the doctoral journey or they may not know the road to take to apply. The program will work to be intentional about creating opportunities for students to be on the trajectory for successful admissions into doctoral programs.
Q21 - What additional support do you need as an alumni?
- What additional support do you need as an alumni?
- none.
- At this time I am not sure.
- N/A
- Job Hunting, how to market myself, how to continue to build skills as school counselor, and how to negotiate salary.
- N/A
- N/A
- I would like counseling services
Of those who responded, two asked for services, including counseling services and support with job placement. These two statements indicate that students are in need of assistance after the program and we can further support them in nontraditional ways. Nontraditional support is appropriate for this population due to the rates of burnout, secondary trauma and compassion fatigue clinicians experience in the field with this line of work. Completers may then seek support for overall wellness and holistic practices to help them be successful in their role. The curriculum now includes a “Self-care plan” and courses now explicitly lecture on holistic wellness and self-care to combat the burnout and increase retention in the field.
Data Source 2
EXIT SURVEY 2021 (Items 17, 16, 23) This survey is used throughout the department in the various counseling programs. Eventually, the program and department will work to make sure reliability and validity of the instrument are established and maintained.
Q17 - Are you currently pursuing additional education (e.g., PhD)? If so, please indicate the specific degree and University?
| # | Answer | % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yes | 13.04% | 3 |
| 3 | No | 86.96% | 20 |
| Total | 100% | 23 |
Q16 - Where are you currently employed (e.g., school/district, etc.) and how long have you been employed (e.g., 9 months, 2 years)
- MUHSD 1 year
- On-Site Counseling 1 year, 1 month
- School district 1 year 4 months
- Madera Unified, 8 months
- Coalinga Huron school district
- California State University, Stanislaus 1 year 3 months
- Yes, 0 yrs, 5 months
- Currently not employed
- State Center Community College - Fresno City Community College
- Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (10 months)
- Fresno State, Academic Mentor (part time), 15 months
- Kings River Union Elementary School
- Still looking for employment
- Non profit, 12 years
- Non-profit agency 1 month
- Fresno Unified Substitute and 2 years
- Cal-SOAP 12 months
- Golden Valley Unified School District, employed 7 years (prior to beginning Counseling program at Fresno State)
- Not employed
- Agency contract with school district/ 1 year and 6 months
- Fresno State Foundation- Enseñamos en el Valle Central for 11 months
- North Star family center, 3 months
- Fresno unified
Of those who responded to the survey, 10 are employed in a school district, five are at college/university, four are in non-profit, one in a counseling related position, and three completers indicated that they are unemployed.
This information really helps the program determine the effectiveness and preparation in the program. Since many of the students are employed within the school districts, this speaks to their abilities to perform well and secure a position after graduation. For the completers that have not secured positions, this is where we can develop additional programming and support for alumni to ensure that are able to transition quickly to new positions after graduation. Additionally, it is important to note that there are few openings in the Central Valley, and many of the students want to stay local. This presents a challenge when there are limited opportunities in the area and several programs
Q23 - Were you employed before or within six months of graduating from the School Counseling program?
| # | Answer | % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yes | 74.07% | 20 |
| 3 | No | 25.93% | 7 |
| Total | 100% | 27 |
This item indicated that 74% of the completers that filled out the survey were hired before graduating or within six months of graduation and about 26% were not. This information clearly indicates that the program can further support the completers as they enter the job market. While the 74% is celebrated, there is a definite need to ensure that all students' needs are met during and after the program.