As gatekeepers to the profession, both site supervisors and U of I supervisors have a duty to assist neophyte counselors by being open and honest about their skills. The input of site supervisors is, of course, invaluable because they observe the student under conditions that the U of I supervisor cannot.  Even though the U of I supervisor will observe the student during individual and group supervision and will listen to tapes, site supervisors have the unique opportunity to see the student in all aspects of practice in the school. Site supervisors' observations, expertise, and knowledge are valued and believed necessary to help the student with his or her growth as a counselor. In addition to feedback throughout the semester, site supervisors will provide an evaluation of the student at the end of each semester.

It is important to mention, however, that no decision about a student is based solely on any one source of information or perspective.  Additional sources of information, complementing site supervisor input, are utilized for making decisions in the evaluation process.  The most thorough and useful evaluation can be achieved when all parts of the process work together to evaluate the student's progress. 

Comprehensive Examinations (Final Examination)

Each school counseling intern seeking a degree must take a comprehensive examination (written and oral). The comprehensive examinations are arranged through the Office of Teacher Education and Student Support (TESS).  All MA students in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and student development must successfully pass the comprehensive examination to proceed to graduation.

The Comprehensive Exam committee will consist of 3 faculty members, for school counseling this is typically your advisor and 2 school counseling faculty.

The requirements for master's degrees will include a final examination consisting of a written part and an oral part. Such an examination will not duplicate course examinations. It will be evaluated by the examining committee as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If the committee unanimously evaluates the written part as satisfactory, they may waive the oral portion of the exam. In the event of one or more unsatisfactory votes, the committee must conduct an oral part of the exam. In the event of two unsatisfactory votes on the oral exam, the committee must judge the exam as unsatisfactory. The report of the final examination is due in the Graduate College not later than 48 hours after the oral examination, and by the deadline date established by the Graduate College. (COE Policy adopted 9/2006)

Students will be notified by their advisor of the committee determination. A letter will be sent from the TESS office as the official notification.