Vision, Mission, and Program Goals for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Vision
To be recognized as a leader in the advancement and practice of speech language pathology through innovative teaching and research, mentored professional practice, and ethical preparation enabling students to construct new ideas and to lead lives of impact.
Mission
To provide a transformative learning experience consistent with the University’s core values of gentleness, humility, gratitude, hospitality and wisdom.
Program Goals
Students and graduates will:
- use their knowledge and skills to integrate scientific inquiry and evidence-based clinical reasoning into everyday practice, addressing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
- be prepared to adapt and lead in the complex and dynamic healthcare environment of today and tomorrow through inter-professional collaborations
- advance innovations in clinical practice through implementation science and cross-disciplinary efforts to improve the quality and delivery of services.
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CS&D) Strategic Plan
Consistent with the University’s vision, mission and values our Program’s Strategic Plan aligns with the following FIVE goals in the University’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan:
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Goal 1: Deliver the best student experience
DeSales will create a campus wide learning ecosystem with students at the center. This ecosystem will engage students, faculty, staff, and community partners regionally and around the world in a continuous and sustainable process of active learning based on student outcomes.
CS&D Actions
- Engage in critical inquiry and scholarly activities within clinical practice that lead to innovation in the profession and a personal plan for lifelong learning.
- Function competently in a variety of clinical settings upon entry into the field.
- Respect the uniqueness of cultural beliefs and values that influence interpersonal communication and behavior in a complex healthcare environment.
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Goal 2: Inspire outstanding employee commitment
DeSales will become a campus community that intentionally recognizes innovation, rewards achievement, and values inclusiveness to engage faculty and staff through recruitment, professional development, and programming.
CS&D Actions
- Communicate effectively with a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration as productive members of a diverse faculty and inter-professional healthcare team.
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Goal 3: Improve educational products and services
DeSales will transform the development and delivery of higher education through a reengineering of pedagogy, processes, and systems centered on student learning outcomes.
CS&D Actions
- Integrate theoretical knowledge of foundational and clinical sciences in communication and swallowing disorders with evidence-based practice in the creation and implementation of effective and contemporary treatment plans.
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Goal 4: Achieve financial, operational, and quality commitments
DeSales will support its success through a foundational culture of data-driven decision-making and accountability, a capacity for collaboration, creative risk-taking balanced with financial sustainability, and outstanding infrastructure and effective operations.
CS&D Actions
- Consistently meet and exceed the institution’s goals and the profession’s standards for graduating student clinician-researchers.
- Showcase best practices to maintain continuous quality improvement for the program and drive innovative best practices through clinically-based research.
- Adopt a servant-leadership attitude to initiate and advocate for changes in health policy toward health promotion, disease prevention, wellness, and equitable access to care.
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Goal 5: Leverage strategic partnerships and community outreach
DeSales will solidify its status as a leading Catholic, regional universityby tailoring programs to meet emerging market needs.
CS&D Actions
- Practice with a compassion and understanding that exemplifies Salesian and Christian humanistic values of gentleness, humility, and simplicity for every person in their care
- Consider the patient holistically in the context of family, community, and society, and incorporate ethical principles into a patient-focused practice
