Meeting Minutes: Counseling Directors Association
Fall 2001 Meeting Report
The Fall meeting of the Counseling Directors Association was held November 9, 2001 at Macon State College. Thanks were expressed to Ann Loyd, Director of Counseling and Career Center, for hosting the visit. Seventeen directors were in attendance and introductions were made. Campus concerns were shared and centered around workload, budgetary concerns and staffing needs. There were many similarities in the way our campuses responded to the September 11 tragedies. Memorial/Remembrance services and/or forums were held on most campuses. All centers were proactive in reaching out to the campus community. No significant increases were reported in the number of students seeking services in the aftermath of 911. However, a few campuses continue to experience ongoing disturbances from bomb threats and other activities.
Job Descriptions/B-Codes
RACSA has endorsed all the B-Codes submitted (Licensed Professional Counselor,
Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Social Worker, and Coordinator/Director of
Testing). These B-Codes were to be submitted to the University System Office.
Follow up is still necessary to ensure this issue is completed. New issue
to watch is the fight of those folks with the master of psychology degree.
This group is seeking licensure and to add a new job title. APA is opposed
to their using "psychologist" saying it is reserved for those with doctorates.
Bylaws Review
A chair-elect was needed for compliance with the bylaws. After a unanimous
vote, Bates Canon was elected and agreed to serve. The bylaws state our meetings
are to be held each semester. The group clarified each semester to mean fall
and spring terms.
BOR Website (www.usg.edu/student_affairs/)
The University System Office of Student Services has a website which includes
Student Services Committees. Tonya Lam, Senior Advisor, Student Enrollment
and Information Services with the Board of Regents, oversees this area and
has requested information from this group. A listing of officers, our next
meeting date, and reports from previous meetings will be submitted for posting
on the website.
Site Visits
Those desiring a site visit should notify the chair. Review teams still need
to be established and trained. Macon State found the checklist extremely
helpful during their recent accreditation visit.
Annual Survey
Some modifications are needed so a subcommittee was formed to review the form
and make recommendations. Members of the subcommittee: Bates Canon, Dave
Matthews, Kimberly Pennamon
Other Issues
Subcommittee on Medical/Psychological withdrawals formed. Members include Bates
Canon, Carol Trieble. Ivy Mallisham and Phyllis Weathelry.
Website Accessibility - to be discussed at next meeting
Emergency/Disaster Counselor Network
RACSA asked that we organize a "crisis management counselor network" after
their Spring 2001 meeting. The purpose of the network would be to provide support
for schools encountering emergencies beyond what the counseling center and/or
residential life staffs can handlesituations such as the aftermath of a natural
disaster, a suicide on campus homicide, bombing, etc. A list of individuals,
primarily directors, has already been identified and some preliminary work
done to develop the network. Directors in attendance indicated an interest
in being involved, and believe it is desirable for all counselors to complete
the training. However, questions about funding and campus coverage while supporting
other institutions were raised.
Action Plan:
- each director should speak to their vice president about the network and ask for support.
- Follow up contacts: Dr. Joan Thompson (RACSA Chair), Dr. Barry Fullerton and Dr. Dan Papp
- Emergency Response Planning Issues Subcommittee: Tom Parker, Mlydred Hill, Joy Evans, Ivy Mallisham and Maggie Martin to explore next steps and make recommendations.
The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m. The next meeting will be held Friday, January 25, 2002 at Macon State College.
Respectfully Submitted,
Phyllis N. Weatherly, Chair