The mission of the Communication Disorders Graduate Program is to educate students to become competent speech-language pathologists, audiologists, teachers, and/or researchers who are committed to scientific inquiry and lifelong learning, to add to the knowledge base of the discipline, to provide public service to enhance the lives and dignity of individuals with communication disorders, and to embrace diversity.

The department of Communication Sciences and Disorders respects and abides by the University of Cincinnati policy on Affirmative Action.

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Strategic Plan 2010-2015

Goal 1:        Enhance Research and Creativity

• Strategy 1:  Maintain support for faculty time to engage in scholarship and research
• Strategy 2:  Enhance website support for documentation of scholarship and research
• Strategy 3:  Maintain and enhance collaborative relationships within and across the college & department.
• Strategy 4:  Maintain and enhance a culture of excellence among students and faculty.
• Strategy 5:  Review status of research and scholarship support at regular intervals.
• Strategy 6:  Increase access to research support services (i.e., statistical consultants, workshops, etc).
• Strategy 7:  Provide faculty with research time and support to write grant proposals.

Goal 2:  Improve Student Recruitment Process

• Strategy 1: Develop a method in the admissions process to identify the diverse cultural experiences of graduate applicants.
• Strategy 2: Enhance quality and diversity of program recruitment materials
• Strategy 3: Establish annual updates and funds for department recruitment plans for student  recruitment efforts (materials, brochures, travel, times, etc.).
• Strategy 4:  Maintain undergraduate enrollment
• Strategy 5:  Increase amount of funding available for scholarships and stipends awarded to MA/SLP and AUD students.

Goal 3: Strengthen Teaching and Learning

• Strategy 1:  Maintain/expand support for faculty participation in continuing education activities
• Strategy 2:  Provide travel funds for faculty to participate in continuing education activities (ASHA, AAA, etc.)
• Strategy 3:  Develop writing lab options across the curriculum to support students writing skills
• Strategy 4:  Enhance student understanding and appropriate use of current technology in classrooms, labs, and clinical settings.
• Strategy 5:  Explore the possibility of offering a clinical doctorate in speech language pathology
• Strategy 6:  Offer multiple opportunities for students to bridge the gap between classroom evidence-based practice and clinical application in the profession.
• Strategy 7:  Infuse diversity and inclusion information throughout the curriculum.
• Strategy 8:  Develop alternative approaches of instruction to meet the needs of distance learners.

Goal 4:  Provide Active Learning and Teaching Experiences

• Strategy 1:  Support opportunities for students to volunteer on campus and in the Greater Cincinnati community.
• Strategy 2:  Create service-learning options.
• Strategy 3:  Encourage students to participate in international service-learning programs.
• Strategy 4:  Encourage faculty to participate in international service-learning programs.
• Strategy 5:  Engage students in innovative laboratory activities associated with coursework

Goal 5:  Enhance Clinical Culture

• Strategy 1:  Maintain and enhance relationships with educational institutions (K-12 schools, preschools, 0-3 support programs, etc.)
• Strategy 2:  Maintain and enhance relationships with medical institutions (hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private practices, etc.)
• Strategy 3:  Expand service delivery options in our Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic
• Strategy 4:  Review clinical instruction and supervision at regular intervals.
• Strategy 5: Provide experiences for students to explore and discuss delivery of services to culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Goal 6:  Establish Sense of Place

• Strategy 1:  Develop an inviting, sustainable college/department setting. 
• Strategy 2:  Provide a safe and secure campus environment
• Strategy 3:  Reconfigure and maximize current space as needed.
• Strategy 4:  Plan for new space
• Strategy 5:  Establish a technology resource center for technology information sharing