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Target Audience: Students in higher education with a major in allied health professions, education, special education, dentistry, or those interested in a career in speech-language pathology.

Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

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The Communication Sciences and Disorders Minor at Gwynedd Mercy University will be offered on-site (ground). This will promote optimal learning as the student learns the appropriate linguistics. Faculty have the freedom to offer remote learning 1-2 weeks during the course. This will allow the faculty to practice Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

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The course requirements for the CSD minor include all of the courses listed. Before a CSD minor can begin, the student needs to be a sophomore (200-level student) and complete the addition of a minor form with their advisor. The student also needs to meet with the Director of the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program. Once the advisor and SLP director approve and sign the addition of the minor form, the student can begin classes. English 101 (Eng 101), Sociology 100 (Soc 100), and Developmental Psychology (PSY 202) are prerequisites to this program. All courses listed must be taken to be awarded the minor. Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD200) must be first followed by Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing (CSD 202). Please note that if a student took Bio 107 (A&P I) and Bio 108 (A&P II) they do not need to take CSD 202 because they met the requirement. The student can then take Clinical Phonetics (CSD 204). Upon completion of CSD 204, the student can take either Introduction to Speech and Language Development (CSD 302), Introduction to Audiology (CSD 304), or American Sign Language (ASL 100). All three courses need to be taken to meet the requirement, but the order of progression is flexible. The student will conclude the minor requirements by taking Clinical Observation (CSD 308).

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PLO1: Synthesizes the knowledge of basic concepts of language development, human communication, and swallowing processes.
PLO2: Demonstrates an understanding of phonetics, transcription, and American Sign Language through assessments, lab, and clinical.
PLO3: Applies the communication skills learned to students or clients in their professional field.
PLO4: Collaborates with other professionals to advocate for a supportive environment for the client with a communication disorder.
PLO5: Articulates the value of pursuing a Communication Sciences and Disorders minor in relation to a prospective career.

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Introduction to Speech and Language Development (CSD 302): 3 Credits  PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, & PLO 3

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Introduction to Speech and Language Development (CSD 302): 3 Credits  PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, & PLO 3

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This course will discuss the development of language skills and speech for children and adolescents. This course will also discuss strategies for the acquisition of speech and language after a trauma or stroke.

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Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD 200): 2 Credits PLO Alignment: PLO 1

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Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD 200): 2 Credits PLO Alignment: PLO 1

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This course provides an introduction and overview to communication sciences and disorders. The students will learn about the etiology, assessments, and treatment for those with speech and hearing disorders.

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Clinical Observation (CSD 308): 3 Credits PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 3, PLO 4, & PLO 5

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Clinical Observation (CSD 308): 3 Credits PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 3, PLO 4, & PLO 5

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This course provides the student with guided observation of of the client with a communication disorder. The student will work with a preceptor in the field and apply assessments and interventions to these clients. The student will gain a deeper understanding of speech and audiology for clients across the lifespan. The student will also have the opportunity to enhance their practice of ASL. The student will spend 20 hours on-site with their preceptor and 2 hours a week are dedicated to meetings with the course faculty member and written reflections.

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American Sign Language (ASL 100): 3 Credits PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 3

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American Sign Language (ASL 100): 3 Credits PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 3

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This course will serve as an introduction to American Sign Language. The student will learn about American Sign Language as a visual-gestural communication system that incorporates the use of facial expressions, body language, hand shapes, mouth movements, and space to convey information.

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Introduction to Audiology (CSD 304): 3 Credits PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, & PLO 3

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Introduction to Audiology (CSD 304): 3 Credits PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, & PLO 3

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This course serves as an introduction to the auditory and vestibular systems, hearing and balance evaluations, and basic interventions.

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Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing (CSD 202): 3 Credits  PLO Alignment: PLO 1 

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Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing (CSD 202): 3 Credits  PLO Alignment: PLO 1 

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This course is required for students who did not take Bio 107 and Bio 108. This course introduces the student to the basic structures and concepts related to speech and swallowing. Other systems included will be respiratory, phonatary, resonance, and articulation. The systems will be covered in length across all lifespans.

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Clinical Phonetics (CSD 204): 3 Credits (2 Credits Lecture; 1 Credit Lab) PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 3, PLO 4

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Clinical Phonetics (CSD 204): 3 Credits (2 Credits Lecture; 1 Credit Lab) PLO Alignment: PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 3, PLO 4

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The didactic portion of this class will focus on introduction to the science of human sound production and speech sound systems. The lab portion will focus on the application into clinical settings. The students will participate in active learning on how American English speech sounds are produced. This will include the process and practice of clinical transcription, along with dialect variations.

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Student Demand: I would send a Survey Monkey to students in allied health professions, education, special education, dentistry, and those interested in a career in speech-language pathology. I could also survey undeclared freshman students to gauge their interest. I would explain the program in the survey’s introduction. I would utilize a Likert scale and ask students to gauge their interest from no interest (0) to extremely interested (5). The second question would require students to check which program they are currently enrolled in. This minor could also transfer over to a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP).

Employment: While this minor does not give the graduate a job in SLP, it provides opportunities. The graduate can work in their major field of study and focus on CSD. This minor can be applied to children with communication disorders in schools, hospitals, camps, etc. Graduates can also utilize this minor to work with clients who had a stroke and experience swallowing, speech, and hearing deficits.

Competitive Intensity: I researched similar programs in Pennsylvania, and a few notable programs include:

Penn State University has a BS major in Communication Sciences and Disorders but a minor in deafness and hearing (Penn State College of Health and Human Development, n.d.).

The University of Pittsburgh’s program is ranked third in the nation and offers BA, Master, Doctoral, and Post-Baccalaureate degrees (University of Pittsburgh, n.d.).

West Chester University (Pre-professional program) for speech and hearing disorders across the lifespan (West Chester University, n.d.).

Temple University offers a major in communication sciences and disorders. Temple also offers a certificate in Linguistics and American Sign Language (Temple University).

Many of these universities offer this program as a major. The proposal is for a minor because there are few minors for allied health students. However, this minor could benefit a variety of majors, so it is open to most students. The Pacific University in Oregon offers a Communication Sciences and Disorders minor. This minor is an invaluable reference (Pacific University Oregon, n.d.).

Program Fit:
The mission statement of Gwynedd Mercy University is:

"That education is a lifelong process that enriches the intellectual, moral, and spiritual life of the individual and prepares one for an active role in society

That a solid liberal arts foundation is the best preparation for life and work

That the cultivation of compassion, intellectual inquiry, dedication to truth, mercy, and justice is essential in improving the human condition

That education is a process of transforming oneself and society

That individual attention in a caring environment promotes learning

On the road to becoming Distinctive Mercy Graduates, we offer a warm, welcoming and inclusive community in which each student can learn and grow" (Gwynedd Mercy University, n.d., para 2).

This minor will enable the dynamic graduate to communicate with clients in various settings. The graduate will be an active participant with other disciplines. A graduate with this minor will have the skill set to provide knowledgeable, compassionate, and empathetic communication and care. He, she, or they will feel empowered to provide sound judgment and advocate for their clients wherever they work. Not many graduates can state they are also trained to communicate and assist those with communication and auditory disorders.

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Council on Academic Accreditation. (n.d.). CAA fees. https://caa.asha.org/programs/caa-fees/

Gwynedd Mercy University. (n.d.). Mission.https://www.gmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/mission/

Pacific University Oregon. (n.d.). Minor in communication   sciences and disorders. https://www.pacificu.edu /academics/colleges/college-education/school-
communication-sciences-disorders/minor-communication-sciences-disorders

Penn State College of Health and Human Development.
(n.d.). Communications sciences and disorders undergraduate program. https://hhd.psu.edu
/csd/communication-sciences-and-disorders-undergraduate-program

Temple University. (n.d). Communication sciences and  disorders. https://bulletin.temple.edu/undergraduate
/public-health/communication-sciences-disorders/

University of Pittsburgh. (n.d.). Department of communication sciences and disorders. https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/csd/about

West Chester University. (n.d.). Department of
communication sciences and disorders.
https://catalog.wcupa.edu/undergraduate/health-
sciences/communication-sciences-
disorders/

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Faculty:  A Ph.D. in Communications Sciences is preferred, but the faculty who teach the CSD minor must have a Master's degree and completed the required supervisory hours. One full-time faculty member will coordinate all courses and one-two adjuncts can be assigned to teach the sections. Two full-time faculty members will be dedicated to the CSD minor program. The impact on the program can be both positive and negative. Two experts overseeing the program will produce stellar graduates. Consistency will be met if the full-time faculty create and coordinate the courses. The faculty may feel overworked and stressed. It may be difficult to retain adjunct faculty.

Time to Implement: The time to implement the CSD minor should be at least 1-2 years. The minor should start during the fall semester. Advertising should begin as soon as accreditation is approved. Administration and faculty will need adequate time to develop the courses. The time to establish relationships with agencies for clinical placements. This is an extensive process, which could lead to a delay in the start date. If there are insufficient funds to advertise the program, this could lead to a low-interest level. The program cannot run without students.

Equipment: Speech-language and audiology software, textbooks, ebooks, adaptive communication switches, sound measuring apparatuses, stroboscopes, tablets, medical software, analytical software, voice synthesizer, and office software.

Instructional Space: Classrooms, sim labs, and partnerships with schools and healthcare facilities.

Library: Students will need study space, electronic and on-site support, space to study and complete coursework, and access to ebooks and journals.

Technology/Teaching Resources: Medical software, analytical software, office software, Padlets, Kahoots, Nearpod, tablets, guest speakers, and clinical preceptors.

Impact on Existing Programs: The positive impact would be that the minor will complement the major degree. With the addition of a new minor, spatial concerns may arise. There might be limited space for class and labs. The registrar's office must work closely with the director to ensure no conflicts with other programs. This minor does require a lot of work on top of the student's other coursework. The director, the CSD minor, and the academic advisor must ensure the student understands the workload before initiating this minor.

Accreditation Fees: The Council on Academic Accreditation issues fees for the following:
Initial Accreditation: $6,000
Site Visit: $6,776
Annual Fee: $3,476
(8-year cycle)
$4,010
(5-year cycle)

(Council on Academic Accreditation, n.d.).