MSCHE/ACOE Self Study

an average national indebtedness of $132,035 for students who took out loans (ASCO 2009). SUNY State College of Optometry graduates have had a less than 1% federal default rate for last 8 years, pointing to the effectiveness of its debt counseling program. Academic Counseling and Learning Support Services Academic counseling services are available for optometry students through the Office of Student Affairs. The Office of Graduate Studies and Research provides these services for graduate students. Individual residency programs, as well as the Office of Residency education provide academic counseling and learning support services. (In the case of personal issues, short-term counseling can be obtained through University Eye Center’s Social Services Office. For long-term personal counseling, referrals are available). Professional students who need assistance with coursework are encouraged to reach out, as a first step, to their instructor(s). For students having difficulty in the clinic, the educational facilitators are available to provide assistance. Peer tutoring is available to students at no cost and can be arranged by contacting the VPSA. All student transcripts are screened each semester, and those students experiencing academic difficulty are reviewed by the faculty Committee on Course and Standing, which reports to the dean. This committee may recommend modified schedules, academic counseling or other remedial actions to the dean. Career Placement Assistance As part of the third-year professional curriculum, students are required to pass a semester length practice management course that provides information on private and group practice, practice as an independent contractor, employment contracts, resume writing, debt management and legal issues. The vice president for student affairs is also available to provide counseling on career options and successful resume building. During the fourth year, topics related to career opportunities are discussed during seminar sessions. The College sponsors a Webpage (http://www.sunyopt.edu/practice/index.shtml) that allows local practitioners to post job openings to be viewed by students and residents (and alumni) at no charge. Links are provided to other similar Web sites. Graduate student placement is coordinated through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, which assists its graduates in locating positions by recommending appropriate post-doctoral training opportunities, working with the graduate advisor to locate appropriate opportunities in academia or industry, and discussing potential careers paths with students. The College’s strategic plan calls for the development of a Center for Career Development (Goal 1.5). With Dr. Philpott’s hiring, work has begun on this initiative with an implementation plan scheduled for completion by June 2011.

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