CMHC, School Counseling, and CCSA Students,

Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) will be hosting a Welcome Back Social for all CSI members and counseling students. This will take place this Saturday, Oct. 19^th right after the CMHC Internship Orientation. RSVP before the end of the day today (use QR code or link on the attached flyer). Any questions can be directed to Janine Moore at JMOORE44@depaul.edu.

Saturday October 19^th

1pm

Schmitt Academic Center “Pit”

(Across from the Career Center/Bean)

Music-Games-Snacks

Good morning!

I’m excited to share that Backline, in partnership with the Neal Casal Music Foundation, is now accepting applications for the Neal Casal Clinical Fellowship program for 2025. Now in its third year, we’re thrilled to see this fellowship continue to grow and make an even bigger impact on the music industry.

Having recently marked the fifth anniversary of Neal’s passing, the Neal Casal Music Foundation remains dedicated to honoring his legacy through meaningful support for music industry professional’s mental health and wellness. This fellowship is a vital part of that ongoing mission.

The Neal Casal Clinical Fellow will have the unique opportunity to work closely with me and our incredible clinical team at Backline, helping to shape our long-term clinical strategy and develop programs that address the evolving needs of the music industry.

To learn more about the fellowship and apply, please visit www.backline.care/jobs 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect and share more about this opportunity!

Warmly,

Ari

—

CPS will host a virtual informational for interns to explain the necessary steps to begin a school counseling practicum/internship with Chicago Public Schools. This informational orientation is for current second year school counseling students who will be beginning Practicum this upcoming Spring 2025. The meeting for potential interns will be on Wednesday November 6th, 2024 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Zoom link soon to follow!

This is the first step for applying to CPS schools – if you are not able to attend, we ask that you watch the video recording of the meeting afterward.

COE CSI Social flyer

RSVP Link

1. Monday, October 7 @ 7:00 PM U.S. Central Time
   Register Here
2. Monday, October 9 @ 7:00 PM U.S. Central Time
   Register Here

Some highlights of our program

• 100% of our doctoral students who request funding have been successful in securing graduate assistantships for the past several years. These are 10-20 hour per week paid positions during the fall and spring, with a tuition waiver that covers summer courses.
• Three-year program for full-time students, in an on-ground program with some hybrid online experiences throughout.
• Our in-house clinic, the Community Counseling Training Center (CCTC), provides our doctoral students exceptional learning opportunities in providing clinical supervision and conducting clinical research.
• Our faculty are productive scholars and leaders in the field, with diverse clinical and research interests. Many faculty members hold elected positions in national and regional counseling organizations.
• Our programs have held continuous CACREP accreditation since 1987.
• Home to CSI Chapter Rho Alpha Kappa (CSI), NIU Counseling Association, and Black Counselors Association.
• Recognized in 2018 by the North Central Association for Counselor Education & Supervision with the Innovative Program Award.
• Opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in Trauma-Informed Counseling.
• Located in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU is located 60 miles west of Chicago. Our students and faculty come from urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Prospective students must apply to our program through the NIU Graduate School, and if invited, attend our program’s virtual Pre-Admissions Workshop held in December for group and individual interviews. For admission to the Graduate School, you’ll need to apply, submit a written statement of goals, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation (at least one from individuals holding a doctoral degree and/or able to speak to your academic aptitude). If you are an international student, you must also submit official English translations of your academic records and all test scores, including the TOEFL or IELTS. All applicants complete the Ph.D. applicant essay, and submit a résumé or CV.

Apply online

For the best opportunity to secure GA funding, please apply early.

Early admissions deadline: November 15
General admissions deadline: February 1

If you have any questions, please contact cahc_admissions@niu.edu

Warmly,

The Counseling Faculty

Peitao Zhu, PhD, LCPC, NCC

Assistant Professor & Program Co-Coordinator

Department of Counseling and Higher Education

(815)753-9868 | pzhu@niu.edu

Graham 427C, DeKalb, Illinois 60115

https://cahe.niu.edu 

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Recent Selected Publications:

Relational processes of cultural humility

Professional wisdom in counselor education

Cultural Humility and Enactment Scale

Group cohesion

We have confirmed the room for the Professional Practice Orientation- please see below:

There will be a mandatory, in-person 2^nd Year Professional Practice Orientation on Saturday, October 26^th from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. This is mandatory for all school counseling students completing Practicum in Spring of 2025. We will be discussing all things related to Practicum and Internship that you will encounter during your Professional Practice experience. Continue to look for additional future communications on CSL News, the OASIS Newsletter, and via email. Please plan accordingly.

Please contact Jay Lesenko if you will not be completing Practicum in Spring 2025 so they can remove you from this email list and please reach out to them or Dr. Hamm if you have any questions.

Saturday October 26^th

10:00am – 12:30pm

SAC Rm #254

Schmitt Academic Center (SAC)

2320 N Kenmore Ave

Chicago, IL 60614

We have confirmed the room for the Professional Practice Orientation- please see below:

There will be a mandatory, in-person 2^nd Year Professional Practice Orientation on Saturday, October 19^th from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. This is mandatory for all CMHC students completing Practicum and Internship in 2025-2026. We will be discussing all things related to Practicum and Internship that you will encounter during your Professional Practice in 2025 – 2026. Continue to look for additional future communications on CSL News, the OASIS Newsletter, and via email. Please plan accordingly.

Please contact Jay Lesenko if you will not be completing Practicum and Internship in 2025 – 2026 so they can remove you from this email list and please reach out to them or Dr. Hamm if you have any questions.

Saturday October 19^th

10:00am – 12:30pm

SAC Rm #161

Schmitt Academic Center (SAC)

2320 N Kenmore Ave

Chicago, IL 60614

ICA/IMHCA Night of Networking

Friday, September 27, at 6:30pm-7:30pm

205 N 2nd Street, Dekalb, IL 60115

Please note that there are limited spots left, so if you’re interested don’t forget to register ASAP!

 All mental health professionals, members and non-members alike, are invited to our ICA/IMHCA office networking event on Friday, September 27th! This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what your professional organizations have to offer, network with professionals, and enjoy activities and hors d’oeuvres! Please RSVP to myimhca@gmail.com by Friday, September 13th. Questions? You can contact us via email or phone at (815) 787 8787.

RSVP