College Student Personnel Program
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Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)
Questions about:
ADMISSIONS
What is the application deadline?
February 1
Is there a specific major or coursework required for admission?
The CSP Program does not require any specific undergraduate major or prerequisite coursework. Students in the College Student Personnel Program at the University of Tennessee come from a wide range of undergraduate institutions with many different majors. The diverse experiences of the members that make up the CSP program allow for exciting interactions in the classroom. Below is a sampling of the undergraduate institutions and majors of some of our past and current CSP students:
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How and when are decisions about admissions made?
After the February 1 deadline, the program faculty will make preliminary admissions decisions. Students should know their initial status approximately 2 weeks after the application deadline. Students who are likely to be admitted to the program are invited to the Recruitment Weekend to learn more about the program, meet faculty and current students, and interview for assistantships.
PROGRAM
Can I attend classes part-time?
Yes. While most of the students in the CSP program attend full-time, some take fewer classes each semester and extend the time it takes them to complete the degree.
Is there any flexibility in the program? Can I take classes from outside of the program?
The CSP curriculum consists of a set of core classes that all students must take. Students are also welcome to take additional classes from outside of the program; however, these classes will not substitute for required CSP classes. Some areas in which students often wish to take courses are public administration, counseling, education, and business administration, although courses in all sorts of fields are open to them.
There are a number of other ways to personalize the CSP program. Both CSPA (College Student Personnel Association) and UT provide a number of opportunities for professional development through special speakers and seminars that cover a variety of topics. Practicums also offer ways to get experience in specific areas of interest. In addition to thw two practicums that the program requires, students are encouraged to volunteer on campus to gain additional experience. Departments value practicum and volunteer students, so finding these opportunities will not be difficult. Students can also focus their research (both for classes and for the problems paper or thesis) on topics of interest.
How long is the program?
For students who attend classes full-time, the program will take 22 months. Students begin in August and graduate two years later in May.
When are classes offered?
Weeknights (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) from 5:45-8:35 PM.
Who teaches classes?
Classes are taught by our program faculty (full-time and adjunct).
What is the difference between the thesis and problems in lieu of thesis?
Both the thesis and problems in lieu of thesis (also called the problems paper) involve students identifying an issue, problem, or gap in knowledge that they will explore. The problems paper involves identifying a problem, reviewing related literature, and making recommentations to the field: A thesis involves conducting original research and reporting the results and implications. Both a problems paper and a thesis must be defended before a committee of three faculty. For the problems paper, the committee members must have their doctorate, but may be adjunct faculty or staff; for the thesis, they must be full-time professors and have their doctorate.
How many students are in the program?
There are approximately 40 students currently in the CSP program. Between 15 and 18 students are admitted each year.
What makes UT's CSP program unique?
We have one of the longest running CSP programs in the country (over 40 years). We pride ourselves on the intimacy of our program with small classes and accessible faculty. The faculty members at UT are interested in helping students find their niche in higher education and student affairs. They give students the attention they need to achieve their full potential.
What is the typical schedule of a full-time CSP student?
The schedules of CSP students vary widely depending on their graduate assistantships, practicums, and courseload. All of the core CSP courses are held in the evening one night per week for almost three hours. Depending on the semester, students will take 2-3 classes. Most students have a graduate assistantship, which averages 20 hours of work a week. Graduate Assistant's schedules are determined by the department or office for which they work. Some GAs work regular business hours, while others may be required to put in night and weekend hours. Additionally, CSP students complete two practicums. In order to complete a practicum in a single semester, students must work approximately 12 hours a week. Some students choose to stretch their practicums out over two or more semesters.
I'm an adult student, is this program for me?
Certainly! Adult students, returning students, and full-time student affairs professionals are all welcome in the program. All of our courses are at night, which is convenient for students who work during the day. The program can also be completed on a part-time basis.
Will I be in a cohort?
Yes.
Are there any students from the program that I could talk to?
Yes! CSP has an organization composed of CSP members call the College Student Personnel Association. They are great resources if you have any questions. The officers are listed on the C-SPA web page.
FINANCES
How much doe the program cost?
The following is a link to graduate tuition and fees:
http://web.utk.edu/~bursar/graduaterate.htmlThe majority of students have graduate assistantships, which helps relieve the financial burden of graduate study. Many graduate assistantships waive both in-state and out-of-state tuition (not including fees) and provide students with a tipend. Assistantships through housing also provide room and board.
What financial aid options are available to me?
Graduate assistantships are the most common form of financial aid to CSP students; however, there are some graduate fellowships available to students. Information about the fellowships can be found at http://gradstudies.utk.edu/gradfund.shtml#fellow. Also, student loans are available through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at http://web.utk.edu/~finaid/.
ASSISTANTSHIPS
What if I already have a full-time job at a college or university?
If you have a full-time job at a university, you would not be able to have an assistanship.
What benefits does a graduate assistantship provide?
Many UT graduate assistants receive a waver of both in-state and out-of-state tuition (not including fees, which amounts to approximately $500 a semester). Also, graduate assistants receive a monthly stipend; the amount of this stipend varies by department, but usually falls somewhere around $10,000 per year. Other benefits vary greatly among departments.
How do I get a graduate assistantship?
Once you have applied to the CSP program and are identified as a likely candidate for the program, you will be invited to interview for assistantships during the Interview Weekend. You will receive a list of available assistantship positions from which you can indicate your areas of interest; those departments or offices will then receive your resume. If a department or office feels that you are a candidate for their assistantship position(s), we will schedule an interview for you with them during the Interview Weekend.
Does everyone receive an assistantship?
There is no way for CSP to guarantee everyone an assistantship as there are usually more than enough qualified candidates. However, most CSP students have assistantships.
Do I have to have an assistantship?
Not at all! Assistantships are a great way to work through graduate school while gaining valuable experience. However, they are not a requirement of the program.
PRACTICUM
What is a practicum?
A practicum is a practical learning experience under the supervision of a student affairs administrator. The CSP program requires each student to complete two 180-hour practicums in different areas of student affairs/student services.
What are my options for a practicum?
Practicum opportunities are available in a variety of areas at UT, at area colleges (public and private, large and small), and at institutions around the country and around the world. Students have a lot of flexibility in choosing practicum sites, as long as the practicum relates both to the student's career goals and the program.
How do I find a practicum?
The best way to find a practicum is to explore your career goals and interests and decide what experiences will best prepare you for the future. The program Coordinator is there to help you do this. Once you identify areas and/or institutions in which you wish to do a practicum, you can contact the program or institution directly to explore the possibilities. the practicum site, supervisor and the objectives of the experience must be approved by the program Coordinator before you may sign up for the practicum. CSPA hosts a practicum fair each fall where representatives from various UT departments speak about practicum opportunities. You can also contact the Internationl Education Department about opportunities to do a practicum overseas.
Can I do a practicum at a location other UT?
Definitely! In the past, students have done practicums in Australia and Wales, as well as at various institutions around the country. Some students complete summer practicums at an institution in their hometown or at an institution where they would like to work.
UTK & KNOXVILLE
What's Knoxville like?
It's a mix between a college town and a southern urban environment. Plentyof places exist for culture, music, dining, and anything else you can think of. The university is well received by the community, which makes it a very friendly place to go to school. For the shoppers, there are 2 malls around the area along with many other shopping centers and downtown shops.
What is there to do on campus?
A range of activities and facilities including bowling, tennis, movies, cultural events, lecture series, political events, community service, athletic events, indoor hockey, swimming (indoor and outdoor), sand volleyball, religious events, coffee drinking, trip planning (STA Travel), and exercise facilities. UT students receive free tickets to athletic events (including football and basketball games). The campus is also located right next to downtown, so the urban environment is a few steps away.
What is there to do in Knoxville?
Pretty much anything you can think to do is in Knoxville: plays, sporting events, women's basketball hall of fame, cultural festivals and events, concerts, and parks (is you enjoy walking/biking). The East Tennessee area has a lot to offer as well. The Smokey Mountains are 30 minutes away, and Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg are less than an hour away.
What are my housing options?
University-owned property:
- Laurel Apartments (http://uthousing.utk.edu/unvaptslaurel.shtml)
- Golf Range Apartments (http://uthousing.utk.edu/unvaptsgolfrange.shtml)
- Sutherland Apartments (http://uthousing.utk.edu/unvaptssutherland.shtml)
Non-university owned:
- Listing of apartment locations: http://local.nashville411.com/Knoxville/Apartments.zq.html
Updated 02/27/2008
Contact EPC
525 Jane & David Bailey Education Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3452
Phone: 865-974-8145
Fax: 865-974-0135