Philosophy of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program

The philosophy of the Communication Sciences and Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology (CSD/SLP) Program at Lebanon Valley College is that the role of the speech-language pathologist is to provide client-focused therapy that is outcome-based and culturally sensitive. This philosophy aligns with the student-centered mission of Lebanon Valley College that embraces differences and seeks to empower students with a liberal arts education.  We believe in the mission of the college to provide immersive learning experiences that will aid in the development of analytical decision-making skills using evidence-based approaches for clinical practice. We encourage the students to pursue citizenship and lifelong learning. 

Vision Statement 

The vision of the CSD/SLP department is to receive full candidacy status with the CAA for accreditation. The CSD/SLP program seeks to be a resource and a model to support the campus and local community and prepare our students to provide the highest quality innovative and evidence-based services.

The mission of the Speech-Language Pathology Program

The mission of the Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology (CSD/SLP) program at Lebanon Valley College is to support the critical thinking and reflective capacity of our students through closely mentored relationships, which enable all students to grow to their potential. This departmental mission aligns with the student-centered mission of Lebanon Valley College that embraces differences and seeks to empower students with a professional education based upon the liberal arts.  We believe in the mission of the College to provide immersive learning experiences that will aid in the development of analytical decision-making skills using reflective practice and evidence-based approaches. We educate students to be clinically and culturally competent clinicians that serve the diverse needs of people with communication and swallowing disorders. The rigorous curriculum offers courses to help students think critically and comply with ethical standards expected by those holding the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence. We encourage the students to pursue citizenship and lifelong learning. 

Goals:

1. The program will obtain full accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
2. The program will continue to support faculty and staff development.
3. The program will maintain academic and clinical handbooks.
4. The program will provide a comprehensive academic and clinical curriculum that promotes student growth to become culturally and clinically competent speech-language pathologists.
5. The program will provide on-campus clinical experiences for Clinics 1, 2, and 3.
6. The program will establish and maintain relationships with external clinical placement supervisors that are qualified and meet program expectations.
7. The program will develop and implement program assessment that aligns with the knowledge and skills required by ASHA, the program’s mission and goals, and the mission of LVC.
8. The program will ensure that students can demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for ASHA credentials with 80% of students passing Praxis.
9. The program will provide the courses stated in the program map to ensure that all students graduate within the expected time frame.
10. The program will maintain a web-based tracking system for each student’s knowledge and skills, clinical hours, and clinical performance evaluations.
11. The program will maintain a remediation plan for students who are not meeting academic or clinical expectations.
12. The program will provide the technological resources necessary for student success.
13. The program will increase diversity in the student body.