Handbook and Policies

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MFT Program Handbook
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MFT Center Teletherapy Guidelines

MFT Program Policies

Non-Discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion Code of Conduct Auburn University Marriage and Family Therapy Program: Environment, Non-Discrimination, Diversity, and Professional Behavior

PREAMBLE
The desire of the Auburn University MFT Faculty and program is to create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment that fosters inclusive interactions and values freedom of expression among all individuals within our professional sphere. Ours is an environment that welcomes debates and questions about set beliefs and accepts that people hold dissenting views. We embrace cultural diversity and strive to respect and support those who voice minority or unpopular opinions. We hope to uphold expressive and intellectual freedom, allow diverse perspectives, and create space for dialogue across lines of identity and ideology through critical thinking, inquisitiveness, open-mindedness, and epistemic humility. We strive to maintain professional integrity and honesty in all activities and interactions, maintaining professional boundaries in the classroom, the therapy room, and our internship placement work. Our program and the field of therapy dictate that you must actively work to understand your social location and how it intersects with others. In alignment with COAMTE standards, every faculty member, staff, and student who professionally passes through our program is expected to demonstrate a conception of diversity and inclusivity that encompasses the values underlying our program mission statement to improve the lives of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research and scholarship, and selfless services.

Expected Professional Behaviors
We expect all parties who participate in AU MFT program interactions to abide by Auburn University policies and Code of Conduct, AAMFT Code of Ethics, Alabama MFT Code of Ethics, AU MFT program policies, and AAMFT professional ethical standards and acceptance and value for inclusiveness when representing the MFT program in the classroom, clinic, and community. “MFT Program interactions” include, but are not limited to, MFT program events, including meetings, courses, conferences, staff meetings, non-MFT program courses, forums, and any ancillary events or other interactions involving students, staff, and faculty in the MFT program.

Further, we expect and ask from everyone in the program (faculty, staff, and students alike) to commit and agree to:

• A personal commitment to improve our sociocultural awareness and understanding of our own and others’ social location in regard to race, gender identity, ethnicity, age, marital status, sexual identity, class, socioeconomic status, religion, national status or country of origin, disability, health status, relationship status, political affiliation, or any other qualification or characteristic (AAMFT 1.1 & AAMFT 1.8).
• A personal commitment to identifying and examining how our values, attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and past experiences affect thinking, behavior, and relationships (Aspirational Core Values of AAMFT Code of Ethics)
• Seek assistance when life experiences, traumas, or illness may impair work performance, interactions in the program, work with clients, or clinical judgment (AAMFT 3.3, 3.12).
• Recognizes and handles stress effectively by using appropriate self-care and communicates needs for additional resources with supervisors and faculty.
• Demonstrates an awareness of one’s limitations (AAMFT 3.10), while also recognizing one’s unique strengths.
• As professional fiduciaries in training, we accept accountability for our actions in completing professional tasks and activities throughout the training process and graduate education (AAMFT Standard III).

Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures

Auburn MFT Program Guidelines for Navigating the Intersection of Personal and Professional Issues in the Learning and Work Environment
It is highly likely that we will each experience challenging moments and difficulties in our relationships with one another and our work with clients. A high-stress environment, schedule, and expectations stacked upon digging into family-of-origin (FOO) experiences, our past trauma, and who we are as a people is bound to initiate emotional and physiological reactivity. We recognize that this is not only likely, but perhaps expected. If we do not each do our part to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment, then this can compound and create difficulties that can reinforce our earlier experiences and further the cycle of stress and trauma. It is up to all of us to do our best to address these issues and challenges and create an atmosphere where we can feel safe to reflect, process, and grow professionally. Each of us has personal responsibility in creating emotional safety. Below are some guidelines and steps to help navigate this process:

Recommended Grievance Process

• If you find that you have encountered a grievance with a fellow student (see below for University procedures for reporting), use the following for guidance:
  • Initiate contact with the peer with whom you have the grievance in a direct and professional conversation. Professionally, the two will attempt to resolve the problem satisfactorily for all parties involved.
  • If the problem persists, the aggrieved individual is expected to approach their peer regarding the continued concerning behavior and discuss the situation and potential solutions.
  • Should the problematic behavior end, the conflict is resolved. If the problem persists after the attempts to resolve the issue with their peer, the aggrieved individual may seek support from the instructor, the clinical supervisor, or the Program Director.
• If you find that you have encountered a grievance with a faculty member, use the following for guidance:
• Contact the faculty member with whom you have the grievance and make an appointment to discuss the matter.
• If you feel that the grievance was not adequately resolved with the faculty member, make contact to speak with the Program Director (PD) about the concern.
• If you feel the grievance was not adequately resolved, or if it concerns the PD, contact the HDFS department head and/or Graduate Program Officer to speak with them.
• If the grievance is not adequately solved after this meeting, seek a meeting with the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies to resolve it.

Grievances and Procedural Guidelines for Reporting
If the above does not work (no action is taken, progress is not made, or you do not feel safe to do any of the above), please report your experiences through the following appropriate specific reporting mechanisms. In all instances, the Marriage and Family Therapy Program adheres to the Auburn University Student Academic Grievance Policy. This policy provides a means for students to resolve academic grievances resulting from actions from faculty and administration. The grievance policy includes types of grievances, grievance committee procedures, and revision policy.

Students should read the entire AU Academic Grievance Policy to know their rights if a fellow student, staff, or faculty member has committed an act that warrants an official grievance with Auburn University.

Keep in mind that if you do report these, AU will seek the following information:

• Identifying information (name/badge number, appearance) of the student, staff, or faculty member.
• The alleged behavior and potential violation.
• The approximate time of the behavior.
• The circumstances surrounding the incident.
• Other people involved in or witnessing the incident.

1. Auburn Cares
   Auburn University students, faculty, staff, and others are encouraged to refer students who are struggling with academic, personal, or emotional difficulties or who may be exhibiting hostile, worrisome, or other concerning behavior. Students can also refer themselves for support. We will evaluate the report during normal business hours and determine the type of follow-up necessary to address the concerns. Report Here.
2. Student Conduct Violation
   Faculty and students can report potential violations of the community conduct policy; they can follow the university procedure for filing at the university level. Student Conduct (SC) at Auburn University is responsible for addressing non-academic violations of University policy involving University students and student organizations through the Code of Student Conduct. Report through Student Conduct Incident Report.
3. Student Grievances
   Submit your complaint using the Student Complaint Form. If you need assistance identifying the first point of contact for your complaint, contact Student Conduct by calling 334-844-1305 or emailing conduct@auburn.edu.
4. Bias Incident Report
   Auburn University is committed to providing a safe environment for all members of the community. Students, faculty, and staff all play a vital role in creating living and learning spaces that are free from bias, discrimination, and harassment. A bias incident involves actions committed against or directed toward a person or property that are motivated, in whole or in part, by a bias against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or other protected classes. If you have been the target of a bias incident (or have witnessed a bias incident) you are encouraged to complete the online form below.
5. Auburn University Threat Assessment Team
   If an individual engages in behavior that could possibly result in a threat to the safety and well-being of other members of the university community, that must be reported to the Auburn University Threat Assessment Team (334) 844-5010 or write an email. In cases where a person may pose an immediate risk of violence to self or others, call 911 to reach the City of Auburn Police Department.
6. Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance
   You may decide to speak with Auburn’s Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance.
   
   The Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, fair, and supportive environment for all faculty, staff, and students. We ensure compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including Title IX, Title VII, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
   
   Our services include oversight and support for the University’s compliance with federal and state laws in the areas of equal opportunity, affirmative action, harassment, and discrimination; supervision and monitoring of the AU Equal Opportunity Program; investigation of complaints of potential violations of University policies regarding equal opportunity, affirmative action, harassment, and discrimination; and training and outreach for the Auburn University community. Please note that you should keep documentation of the day/time of your experiences and the failed response of the program/department. Report HERE.
7. Auburn EthicsPoint Anonymous Reporting through Human Resources
   Auburn University (Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station) uses the EthicsPoint anonymous Reporting System to enhance communication and empower individuals to promote safety, security, and ethical behavior. Use this anonymous, confidential system to report situations, events, or actions by individuals or groups that you believe unethical or otherwise inappropriate. Frivolous or unfounded reports do not help foster a positive workplace. Report HERE.
8. University Ombudsperson
   The Office of the Ombudsperson assists all members of the Auburn University community navigate through difficult situations encountered at the University. The Ombudsperson is responsible to the principles of independence, neutrality, confidentiality and informality, as well as the values and mission of Auburn University. Every visitor to the Ombuds office is treated with respect, dignity and honor.
   
   University Ombuds Office:
   
   Ombudsperson Office
   Quad Center, Suite 005
   (Located on the ground floor)
   (334) 844-7170 Office
   (334) 844-7089 Fax
   
   C. Kevin Coonrod, JD
   University Ombudsperson
   (334) 844-7170
   ombuds@auburn.edu
   
   Dona Yarbrough, PhD
   Associate Ombudsperson
   (334) 844-7174
   aumbuds@auburn.edu

Grading and Assessment

Academic performance is evaluated by the faculty and is based on the student’s performance in coursework. The faculty is responsible for informing students of assignments and corresponding due dates. Penalties for failing to complete the assignment adequately or on time should be made known to the student at the beginning of the course or project. The faculty should discuss the criteria for success or failure (via syllabus/discussion) with the students. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (“B” Average) while enrolled as graduate students in the Department of Human Development and Family Science—grades below "C" count in computing the GPA. The AU Graduate School sets forth academic standards that must be followed to graduate.

The faculty considers the student’s satisfactory progress toward completing his or her degree to be an issue of competence. Students not meeting the minimum academic requirements will be placed on academic probation and/or dismissed from the program.

Authenticity of Student Work

All Auburn University MFT students are expected to maintain standards of conduct appropriate for healthcare professionals and graduate scholars. Auburn University faculty expects academic integrity from its students and for them to follow the Academic Honesty Code.

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to, each of the following acts when performed in any academic or academic-related matter, exercise, or activity.

1. Cheating: using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or computer-related information.
2. Plagiarism: representing words, data, pictures, figures, works, ideas, computer programs or outputs, or anything generated by someone else as one's own.
3. Fabrication: presenting as genuine any invented or falsified citation, data, or material.
4. Misrepresentation: falsifying, altering, or misstating the contents of documents or other materials related to academic matters, including schedules, prerequisites, and transcripts.
5. Misuse or non-identified AI use within assignments. It is the instructor’s right to deny use of AI for their course. If AI is allowed a student should include the following statement in assignments to indicate use of a Generative AI Tool: “The author(s) would like to acknowledge the use of [Generative AI Tool Name], a language model developed by [Generative AI Tool Provider], in the preparation of this assignment. The [Generative AI Tool Name] was used in the following way(s) in this assignment [e.g., brainstorming, grammatical correction, citation, which portion of the assignment].”

Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the Academic Honesty Code.

Policy Concerning Academic Integrity
The AU MFT program does not tolerate plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty. The Auburn University Student Academic Honesty Code applies to all classes you take at Auburn University during your degree program. All instructors have access to resources to assess student work's authenticity and may submit any suspect assignment for assessment.

The following is a hyperlink to AU Academic Honesty Resources for Students that includes possible sanctions: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/academicHonestyStudents.html

Student Unprofessional Behavior, Remediation, and Dismissal Procedures

Handling of Unprofessional Behavior Students who participate in unprofessional behavior will be subject to the procedures outlined below in the “Student Remediation” section, depending on the facts associated with the case, and based on Alabama and Federal legal requirements (see Student Grievance, Deficiency, and Dismissal Procedures).

Handling of Unacceptable Behavior

1. Unacceptable behavior related to the Auburn University Student Code of Conduct is enforced outside of the AU MFT Program. Faculty and students can report potential violations of the community conduct policy; they can follow the university procedure for filing at the university level.
2. Unacceptable behavior that may violate policies enforced by the Auburn University AA/EEO/TIX Office must be reported to that office and handled in accordance with applicable university policy.
3. If an individual engages in behavior that could possibly result in a threat to the safety and well-being of other members of the university community, that must be reported to the Auburn University Threat Assessment Team (334) 844-5010 or write an email. In cases where a person may pose an immediate risk of violence to self or others, call 911 to reach the City of Auburn Police Department.
4. Students who participate in unprofessional behavior will be subject to the procedures outlined below in the “Minor Deficiencies,” “Severe Deficiencies,” and “Remediation and Dismissal Procedures,” depending on the facts associated with the case, and any applicable policies or laws.

Student Remediation regarding Violations of client care, professional issues
When a student violates legal statutes protecting clients or does not meet ethical guidelines in providing professional and ethical services, the remediation process focuses first on client safety. Students must place client care as the primary focus when providing clinical services.

Students and faculty follow guidelines regarding safety, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries for their clients at the Auburn University MFT Center and external placement sites. Students who violate Alabama legal statute, ABEMFT rules and regulations, or the Alabama/AAMFT ethical code could have their caseload frozen at the AU MFT Center and extern placement sites while an investigation is conducted. Client safety is the primary focus of care while students follow the due process of therapeutic violation. The MFT Core Faculty will meet to provide a remediation plan, which could include automatic grade reduction, withdrawal from the course, or expulsion from the program, depending on the severity of the violation (e.g., breaking confidentiality, sex with a client, business dealings with a client), the extent of the violation, and how the violation discovered. If a violation of the ABEMFT or AAMFT ethical codes has occurred, the student in question could have a report filed with the licensure board and professional governing bodies.

Additionally, students are expected to write case notes within 48 hours and treatment plans within 72 hours. Delinquency in writing case notes will result in a remediation plan regarding the non-professional practice. However, when a student has case notes or treatment plans over three weeks overdue at the AU MFT Center or external placement, the student’s therapeutic activities are frozen first at the MFT Center. The placement site will be contacted to ensure that file management is adequately maintained. If there are problems at the placement site, then a plan will be established to balance client needs and the freezing of the therapist’s clinical activity at the placement site. Furthermore, the MFT Core Faculty will meet to provide a remediation plan, which could include automatic grade reduction, withdrawal from the course, or expulsion from the program, depending on the severity of delinquent case filings, the length of the delinquency, and how the discrepancy was discovered.

The process is developmental to remediate the problem(s) when possible. When a student violates legal statutes protecting clients or does not meet ethical guidelines in providing professional and ethical services, remediation focuses first on client safety and ethical practice, followed by remediation, retention, and dismissal.

Remediation and Dismissal Procedures
The MFT faculty provides three tiers of support for student development. The first tier focuses on daily professional interactions and practices during coursework and clinical supervision. The second tier is implemented when a student struggles to progress in one or more competencies through standard coursework and supervision. These “minor deficiencies” are addressed through the collaborative development and implementation of an improvement plan via the “Minor Deficiency Procedures.” The third tier typically comes into play when a student has repeated “minor deficiencies” or when a single “severe deficiency” exists (e.g., a significant ethical violation with clients or a substantiated violation of the AU code of conduct). “Severe deficiencies” are addressed through the collaborative development and implementation of a remediation plan via the “Severe Deficiency Procedures.” Failure to adequately address a “severe deficiency” will result in dismissal from the program.

Minor Deficiency Procedures
A deficiency will be noted when a student does not adhere to the following: 1) Progress on one or more competencies through typical coursework and supervision procedures or under-performing in clinical responsibilities; 2) Nondiscriminatory and Professional Conduct.

The student’s clinical supervisor will inform the MFT Program Director of any identified deficiencies, leading to a discussion with the student and developing an improvement plan. To ensure transparency, the HDFS Department Head will review all improvement plans. The improvement plan will encompass:

1. Specific measures to be undertaken.
2. A timeline for completing the plan.
3. Criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the measures taken.
4. Potential consequences for the student in the event of failure to adequately address the issue, including possible dismissal from the MFT program and the Graduate School.
5. Safeguards for protecting client rights and adhering to legal requirements in clinical service delivery.
6. Safeguards for protecting student rights throughout the process.
• A written version of the improvement plan will be finalized, provided to the student, retained in the student's file, and distributed to all MFT faculty members. Failure to meet the outlined improvement goals may lead the MFT faculty to classify the issue as a “severe deficiency,” prompting the initiation of the “Severe Deficiency Procedures.”

Severe Deficiency Procedures
The MFT faculty and the Program Director will collectively assess all prospective severe deficiencies to ascertain when a problem (comprising multiple deficiencies or ethical/professional infractions) warrants classification as a “severe deficiency.” A “Severe Deficiency” is delineated as follows: 1) competency issues persisting despite the implementation of strategies during clinical supervision and the aforementioned “Minor Deficiency Procedures;” 2) instances of ethical violations; 3) substantiated violations of the AU code of conduct or threat response assessment. The dismissal and Board reporting processes will be initiated in cases of egregious ethical breaches, conduct, or threats. Problems designated as “severe deficiencies” will trigger the following procedures:

• The student will meet with the Program Director to discuss the deficiencies in light of previous behavior.
• The Program Director will meet with the Department Head to inform them of the potential deficiency.
• A determination will be made to contact the Auburn Cares Coordinator to report any potential student toward student/faculty violation so that an Auburn University report can be determined.
• The Program Director will contact the Auburn Cares Coordinator and the Department Head to ensure that AU stipulations and required services are followed.
• MFT Faculty to discuss grievances and develop a remediation plan. The remediation plan will include at least the following components:
  1. Specific measures to be undertaken.
  2. A timeline for completing the plan.
  3. Criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the measures taken.
  4. The consequences for the student in the event of failure to adequately address the issue, including possible dismissal from the MFT program and the Graduate School.
  5. Safeguards for protecting client rights and adhering to legal requirements in clinical service delivery; and
  6. Safeguards for protecting student rights throughout the process.
• A written improvement plan will be finalized, provided to the student, retained in the student's file, and distributed to all MFT faculty members. Failure to meet the outlined improvement goals may lead the MFT faculty to classify the issue as a “severe deficiency,” prompting the initiation of the “Severe Deficiency Procedures.”
• The meeting summary will be given to the student, the Department Head, and, if appropriate, the Human Development and Family Science Graduate Program Officer.
• If the interaction between students or students and faculty has the potential for multiple layered offenses, the Department Head and Graduate Program Officer reserve the right to interview the students and faculty involved and determine how to proceed with the grievance processing, bypassing the MFT Program Deficiency Procedures.

At the end of the designated time, if the MFT Faculty or the Department Head Lead investigation determines that remediation has occurred, all individuals listed above receive notification by letter of that determination.

Unsatisfactory Programmatic Progress
Unsatisfactory progress within the program falls within two categories. Either the student demonstrates unprofessional practices contrary to the ABEMFT Ethical Code, legal statutes, or AU MFT Center policies focused on client care (e.g., case notes or treatment plan timeliness). Or, the student demonstrates unsatisfactory programmatic progress based on impediments related to emotional or physical dysregulation, unwillingness to interact professionally with diverse individuals, or an inability to care for self to the point that impedes client care (e.g., need to address mental functioning, concern for personal safety, or symptoms of psychosis). The MFT Faculty will determine the level of deficiency and proceed with the process.

MFT Procedures for Unsatisfactory Programmatic Progress
The student can prepare and present their case before the MFT faculty. The Department Head will be notified of the meeting and may opt to attend as the Committee Chair and voting member. Based on input from the student and the MFT faculty, a recommendation will be made to the HDFS Graduate Faculty.

• Should the student maintain good academic standing, the HDFS Department Head and Graduate Faculty may propose that the student formally remain within the department as an HDFS graduate student, provided an HDFS Faculty member agrees to serve as their advisor. Should the student opt to transition to a non-clinical HDFS degree, they will continue as a graduate student within the department.
• If a recommendation is made to withdraw the student from the HDFS Marriage and Family Therapy Program, and the student is not offered the opportunity to transfer concentration within the department, the committee will draft a statement reiterating the grievances and forward it to the student, the HDFS Department Head, and when appropriate, the CHS Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies.
• If the ultimate decision is to dismiss the student from graduate school, the MFT faculty will facilitate this transition for the student. The dismissed student will receive a formal notification of dismissal from the Program Director, accompanied by copies distributed to all MFT faculty members, the HDFS Department Head, and the Dean of the Graduate School. A notification copy will also be filed in the student's records. Students desiring to contest the dismissal decision will adhere to the procedures outlined in the AU Graduate Student Handbook, directing their appeal to the Dean of the Graduate School. The Graduate School Dean will allow the student to respond and decide on the committee recommendation.

Counseling students out of the program is challenging for faculty and students. Faculty will collaborate with students experiencing severe deficiencies whenever feasible to help them rectify the issues. However, in instances where remedial measures are deemed unfeasible—such as in cases involving ethical misconduct or substantiated emotional or mental instability—the student may face dismissal from the program. In such circumstances, the student will receive detailed feedback regarding the rationale for dismissal. The members of the MFT faculty remain steadfast in their commitment to student development and are deeply invested in the success of all program participants. Consequently, every endeavor will be made by MFT Faculty to support students in addressing any deficiencies, enabling them to fully benefit from their training and realize their potential as therapists.

If the final decision is to drop the student from graduate school, the MFT Core Faculty will be responsible for facilitating this transition for the student.

Student Technology Requirements

Student Technology Requirements
The AU College of Human Sciences requires that all students have a laptop computer that meets the following specifications: https://humsci.auburn.edu/academics/computer_specs.php. The software agreements allow students to have easy access:

• Word processing software
• Web browsing software
• E-mail software
• Presentation software
• Calendar Software

Auburn University has site license software agreements with many vendors, many of which provide free software to students, staff, and faculty. We strongly encourage students, staff, and faculty to use the site license for Microsoft Office 365 and AU Box. The software is free to students, staff, and faculty and provides the recommended software and 1TB of cloud storage. A list of site-licensed software and instructions for downloading the software is available at https://auburn.service-now.com/it?id=software_catalog. Students, staff, and faculty have access to three computer labs in Spidle Hall.

Students, staff, and faculty in the MFT Program also have access to the computers in the MFT Center (Room 277). The AU MFT Graduate Program does not require specific software or hardware training. However, basic familiarity with Excel, word processing, presentation, web browsing, and e-mail software is strongly recommended and necessary to complete your degree. Individual courses will require writing papers and developing class presentations. The graphing of client outcomes is performed in Excel or SPSS. Also, the most official University and AU MFT Program communication will be within Outlook email.

All AU MFT students, staff, and faculty are provided with an individual school e-mail account upon acceptance to the MFT Program. The Office of Information Technology Support offers a wide variety of technology services and support videos for using AU technology (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBjooqS8f03kRAb3ESrIGlQ)

During new student orientation and clinical practicum, students will receive training in using the electronic client file management system used by the AU MFT Program and Family Therapy Clinic. Training in research/statistical software will be part of your required courses.

Environmental Resources and Supports

Handbook Appendices

Thesis
Theory of Change Project
Portfolio Capstone Project
Sociocultural Attuned Practice Paper Project

Forms

Affidavit of Compliance
Regulatory Alignment Student Signed Acknowledgement
Internship Agreement
Vacation Leave Form
CAN Reporting
ABEMFT Application for the National Exam