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Strategic Plan
SEPTEMBER 2020 –SEPTEMBER 2025

Mission Statements:

Florida Atlantic University – Mission Statement

Florida Atlantic University is a public research university with multiple campuses along the southeast Florida coast serving a uniquely diverse community. It promotes academic and personal development, discovery, and lifelong learning. FAU fulfills its mission through excellence and innovation in teaching, outstanding research and creative activities, public engagement and distinctive scientific and cultural alliances, all within an environment that fosters inclusiveness.

College of Education – Mission Statement

The mission of the College of Education is to serve the community of Florida Atlantic University by providing effective leadership in areas of research, service, and teaching at the local, state, national, and international levels, through the initial and advanced preparation of informed, capable, ethical and reflective decision making professionals. Our faculty and students seek to promote and sustain authentic change, excellence, and equity in their respective fields, and in the organizations and systems with which they are associated. The College’s programs reflect changing societal needs and incorporate web-supported delivery systems, current methodologies, and research, which bring faculty and students together to improve the quality of education for all in an increasingly diverse, technological, inclusive, and global society.

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders – Mission Statement

The Mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is fourfold:

  • to prepare highly qualified, capable, ethical professionals who will engage in reflective decision-making and promote and sustain authentic change, excellence, and equity, as well as exceeding the Department's and ASHA's guidelines for clinical and academic preparation in speech-language pathology;
  • to engage in research of the normal and abnormal processes of speech, hearing, and language towards the furthering of both clinical and academic knowledge reflecting the diversity and needs of a global society while considering current methodologies and incorporating current technology;
  • to provide quality speech, language, swallowing, and hearing diagnostic and habilitation/ rehabilitation services to all FAU students, staff, and faculty and to any individual outside of the FAU community requiring such services;
  • to act as a resource for the University, as well as for local, state, national, and international communities, by serving as consultants, liaisons, lecturers, facilitators, master clinicians, and authorities in the various areas of communication disorders.

Approved November 30, 2005

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) Irish poet and dramatist

Vision:

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida Atlantic University is dedicated to excellence in academic preparation, clinical education, research, and service to the community. The department is committed to preparing entry-level clinicians who utilize evidence-based practices in the clinical environment, adhere to ethical standards professionally and personally, employ critical thinking and self-analysis, aspire to exceptional quality in clinical practice, utilize technology to further treatment and research goals, and recognize the value of life-long learning.

Core Values:

  • Research
  • Commitment to excellence
  • Leadership
  • Independence
  • Respect
  • Mentoring
  • Scholarship
  • Cultural and ethnic diversity
  • Internal and external collegiality and collaboration
  • Professional and personal ethics and integrity
The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.
Robert Maynard Hutchins (1899–1977) Educational Philosopher
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.
Mark Van Doren (1894-1972) Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and critic.
LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL OBJECTIVES ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
1. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will meet, or exceed, all current CAA accreditation standards.
OBJECTIVES
  • To show compliance with CAA standards.
  • To submit CAA annual report documenting compliance with all standards and evidence of continuous improvement.
  • To remain in compliance with all CAA standards.
ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Submit CAA annual report.
    		•
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Yearly, Aug 1
    		•
    MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
  • CAA evaluation
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Regular review and calibration of CAs and curriculum review.
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • 1x during fall semester; 1x during spring semester
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Faculty, as a whole, will review assessment system data and discuss modification.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Representation on COE Assessment Committee.
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • 4-6x per year
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • The Department will maintain representation on the COE Assessment Committee.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Updating of CSD website, brochures, FAU catalog.
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • Ongoing
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • • The Department Chair will solicit faculty input for changes to brochures and the FAU catalog.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Review of CSD Strategic Plan
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • 1x in fall semester
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • All faculty will review the strategic plan and provide input for modifications.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL OBJECTIVES ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
    2. Students will demonstrate the critical knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level, independent practice in the field of speech-language pathology.
    OBJECTIVES
  • Use of educational methods that reflect developments and trends in technology and clinical practice
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Faculty and adjunct clinical supervisors complete continuing education requirements to maintain Florida licensure and ASHA CCC-SLP
    • SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Ongoing
    		•
    MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
  • Faculty and adjunct clinical supervisors provide copy of FL license and verification of CCC-SLP
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Deliver coursework and clinical experiences that encourage interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional practice (IPP)
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • Coordinate coursework with the university’s IPE Office
  • Invite speakers from related disciplines to engage with CSD graduate students
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • 2x per academic year
    		•
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Curriculum review by faculty.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Use and maintain clinical equipment and technology
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • Faculty members will monitor equipment during clinical experiences and research activities and report concerns to the Department Chair
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Ongoing
    		•
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Log of maintenance, repair and use
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Evaluate and strengthen academic and clinical programs
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • Curriculum review and revision, if indicated.
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Record discussion in department or committee minutes.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL OBJECTIVES ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
    3. Strengthen use and understanding of evidence-based practice.
    OBJECTIVES
  • Link academic content to clinical practice.
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Include clinical faculty in implementation and delivery of program objectives
    		•
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Ongoing
    		•
    MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
  • Document in meeting minutes.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Increase understanding of EBP
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • Provide information on EBP and best practices
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • 1x per year
    		•
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Discussion and review documented in meeting minutes.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Faculty/Supervisor meetings with specific agenda and/or topics for discussion.
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • 1x per semester
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Document in meeting minutes.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL OBJECTIVES ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
    4. Increase visibility of CSD department and clinical services on campus and in the community, and professionally.
    OBJECTIVES
  • Increase the FAU community’s awareness of the Department and on-campus Clinic.
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Investigate interdisciplinary collaborations for research.
  • Announce activities on University calendar.
    		•
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Ongoing
    		•
    MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
  • Discuss and record in department minutes.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Increase community knowledge of department and services provided.
    		•
    OBJECTIVES
  • Expand development of community partnerships.
  • Be available for participation in community groups.
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Ongoing
    		•
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Discuss and record in department minutes.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
  • Increase variety of clients
    • OBJECTIVES
  • Increase marketing efforts in the community.
  • Reach out to non-native English speakers on campus to improve use of language and improve use of English prosody, stress, pronunciation, etc.
  • Investigate additional third-party payers. Investigate increased need for documentation and billing support.
  • Investigate feasibility of CDC becoming Medicaid provider.
  • Continue global outreach through possible expansion of tele-therapy services
  • Engage in Better Speech and Hearing Month promotions.
    		•
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
  • Yearly at end of spring term
    		•
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
  • Discuss and record in department minutes.
    		•
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL OBJECTIVES ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
    5. Improve support to faculty and students for research and scholarly activities.
    OBJECTIVES
    • To further faculty research capabilities.
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
    • Work to increase submission of CoE/FAU technology grants
    • Use CDC funds (if available) for continuing education
    • Pursue supplemental tuition proposals, as conditions warrant
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
    • Ongoing
    MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    • Discuss and record in department minutes.
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
    • To develop students’ skills in basic and applied research
    OBJECTIVES
    • Increase student opportunities for research in laboratory and real-world settings under the mentorship of faculty with research expertise.
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
    • Document and record the percentage of students involved in research activities.
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL OBJECTIVES ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
    6. Work to improve diversity of faculty, staff, students, and clients.
    OBJECTIVES
    • To increase opportunities across cultures for employment in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
    • Recruitment of a diverse pool of students
    • Recruitment of diverse faculty
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
    • Ongoing
    MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    • Assess cultural representation of faculty, staff, students, and clients.
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
    • To provide speech, language, and, where applicable, swallowing services across cultures.
    OBJECTIVES
    • Marketing of clinic to diverse areas
    • ract with clinical sites serving a diverse population of clients
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
    • Ongoing
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
    • Use of clinic marketing materials
    • Feedback from externship students.
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL OBJECTIVES ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOAL
    7. To enhance inclusion and respectful engagement with different groups.
    OBJECTIVES
    • To assure that all people are comfortable in the department and clinic.
    ATTAINMENT STRATEGIES
    • Discuss (and redesign as needed) academic and clinical initiatives so that they fit all cultural beliefs and practices.
    SCHEDULE FOR ANALYSIS
    • Ongoing
    MECHANISM FOR REGULAR EVALUATION
    • Survey students and clients with respect to suitable engagement; meet with students, faculty, and/or staff upon request.