UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 20, Page 14
February 15, 1996
Counseling program grads active on campus

     The Master of Education program in college counseling is well-
represented across the UD campus, with graduates working in such areas
as admissions, continuing education, the Center for Black Culture and
Wellspring, among others.
     The program is jointly administered by the College of Education
and the Center for Counseling and Student Development.
     According to John B. Bishop, assistant vice president of student
life, a 1995 survey of program graduates shows 21 currently employed
by the University, plus some retirees.
     "It is unusual to have an academic program that also has been so
instrumental in training professional staff for the University. We are
pleased that campus offices have hired our graduates," Bishop said.
     The program was established in 1966 to train counselors for
college-age students who may need assistance in adjusting to college
life and who may have personal, emotional and developmental problems.
It also trains counselors to help students explore educational and
career options.
     The two-year program requires full-time participation. The
internship and practicum parts of the program require up to 20 hours
of work per week, Bishop said.
     Center staff practice what they teach, doubling as counselors at
the center and as faculty members in the master's program. The
combination of scholarly activities and working directly with students
keeps the staff in touch with developments in the field through both
research and experience. "Student culture changes and the challenges
change, and it is important to be aware of and respond to these
changes," Bishop said.
     The program admits 9-12 students a year from more than 45
applicants. Nearly 100 undergraduate schools are represented by those
who have matriculated in the program. Roughly a fourth of the program
graduates pursue doctoral programs and others now hold administrative
positions in academic institutions, including seven who head college
counseling services, Bishop said.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure