Retention and Dismissal of Students
By policy, consistent with the Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Counseling Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Richmont expects students to secure remedial assistance when needed, and dismisses from the program students who fail to comply with Richmont policies and procedures or who are believed to be unable to provide competent services due to academic, dispositional, or personal limitations.
Students are expected to meet the Standards of Performance and must demonstrate professional behavior and dispositions expected of a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling. This policy is referenced during the admissions process, during the new student orientation, and in the relevant course descriptions. Because specific skills and personal qualities are essential to adequate performance as a counselor, not every student is suited to the profession of counseling, and acceptance into the program does not guarantee continuation in the program. The admission process is designed to accept students who, through testing, prior academic performance, interviews and other applications processes, appear to have the academic, professional, and dispositional characteristics that may lead to success in counseling. However, such judgments inevitably are based on limited data. Moreover, life circumstances, personal crises, and difficulties may arise which interfere with a student’s continued success in the program. Faculty and advisors are encouraged to communicate their concerns to students throughout the semester, and not only during the Student Performance and Disposition Performance and Dispositions (SPDR) Review process.