This past Saturday, May 6, 2013, UIndy celebrated its annual Commencement in Nicoson Hall. The chosen speaker for the undergraduate ceremony was PBS broadcaster and author, Tavis Smiley, who offered the graduates an inspiring message to use their educational talents and skills as a way to tackle current issues that the nation is facing. A total of 428 graduate, and 849 undegraduate degrees were awarded.

So what's next for our newly graduated students? Some will venture out into the workplace, while others will start their graduate education. Whichever path they decide to take, we are confident that they will succeed. In a recent survey, 96% of UIndy grads said they felt prepared for their first job out of school, and 89% reported that they were able to find a job or placement into a graduate program within six months of graduating. But don't worry, we're not just making this up. UIndy students don't just learn inside a classroom, many of them gain real-world skills and experience through internships and summer job opportunities. Here are a few examples of what our students have done so far:

Donnie Strack (Class of '02, D.P.T. '05) Has been working as the director of medical services for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder since 2008. How did he land his dream job? A strong academic background, and attending school in a city that is big on sports certainly helped, but this UIndy grad would also attribute his success to the numerous opportunities for hands-on training that he received during his undergraduate years in the Athletic Training program. Of course, Donnie had even more opportunities to apply the skills he learned in the classroom as a graduate student at UIndy's Nationally ranked Krannert School of Physical Therapy.

Joey Myles (Class of '09, MBA '10) also took advantage of some great academic programs, internship opportunities, and even got to travel abroad. Now, he works as an auditor for the Department of Defense. Joey studied Accounting during his time at UIndy, and took advantage of the School of Business' Accelerated MBA , which allows students to complete their Bachelor's and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in five years. As part of the preparation students receive in this program, MBA candidates travel to different parts of the world each year to learn how business is done internationally. Joey got the chance to travel to Europe and South America. Like many UIndy students in different academic disciplines, Joey made sure to acquire some internship experience before completing both degrees.

At UIndy, students learn by doing. Many undegraduate and graduate programs encourage and promote local internship opportunities that allow students to put their classroom skills to practice in real-world experiences. The result? many students leave the university having completed at least one internship or work experience before they graduate, a unique characteristic that has proven to be beneficial when seeking that first job after college.

Want to read more about other big opportunities that are out there for a UIndy student? Check out our prospective student magazine, Inside UIndy.

Have you thought about completing a college degree, but don't know where or how to begin? The School for Adult Learning (SAL)  at the University of Indianapolis can help. SAL has created a one-stop-shop for adult learners.  Follow these helpful steps and you will have a college degree which will lead to opportunities:

Step 1:  Contact Chelsea Ward, Admissions and Academic Advisor,  at wardcb@uindy.edu or 317-781-5762  to schedule an individual advising session. Chelsea will explain the accelerated degree program for students 24 years of age or older. And, she will go over the Admissions Application with you. Students must have a high school transcript or GED to be admitted.

Step 2:  Complete the Admission Application and provide official transcripts from your high school (GED if applicable), and any colleges you have attended. There is a $20 application fee.

Step 3:  Schedule an appointment to register for classes.

Going back to school is as easy as 1, 2, 3! The SAL advisors are available day or evening hours to assist you. Once you are registered for classes, the SAL Financial Aid Representative will meet with you as you apply for financial aid. Financial aid is available and can cover the cost of tuition and books.

So, don't delay. Classes begin May 6th, June 17th, or August 26th. More information available at http://www.uindy.edu/school-for-adult-learning/sal-apd

Gone are the days when the only college majors with 'practical' and 'marketable' skills were those that lead to pre-professional programs. One thing UIndy Admissions Counselors always emphasize to prospective students is that they should select a major that caters to their interests. Students, keep in mind that virtually any major has practical and vital skills that can be marketable to any employer. In fact, here is one to consider.

The Experience Design (XD) major at the University of Indianapolis is an interdisciplinary program that fuses skills and concepts from different academic fields of study like art, theatre, communications, and business. XD majors research and create fun and interactive experiences for diverse audiences to enjoy. Whether these are virtual or real, themed programs or presentations, they are designed to entertain and engage participants in a way that will also draw meaning from the experience.

Similar to other majors offered at UIndy, students in this program really get the chance to 'learn by doing.' Many XD classes are project-based, allowing students to gain hands-on experience by implementing the concepts and techniques they have learned in the classroom, to real-world programs and events created by them. A Special Topics class, with a different theme every semester, provides a specific focus that guides students during the creative process to determine the type of program  and style of event that is most suitable. Among some of the themed programs created by XD students are those inspired by Heroes & Villains, the 1920's, and Futuristic Worlds. Something new this year, the undergraduate program has recently launched a student-run agency called the Imagination Emporium, that will serve community clients by creating custom programs for them.  

With a degree in Experience Design, students can use their acquired event planning, research, design, and other problem-solving skills to work in a variety of professional settings like museums, or hospitality fields at tourist destinations and resorts.  

If you're interested in learning more about the XD major at UIndy, check out the department wesite:

http://cas-orig.uindy.edu/experience-design/ 

Well, my first year of OT school is almost complete. I am in the final stretch of projects, presentations and competencies. Next, I get to look forward to all of the lovely finals and lab practicals. I will have to admit that this semester has been quite the balancing act. However, I have been reassured by multiple second years in the program that if I make it past this semester, I will make it through the rest of the program. This semester has taught me the importance of not procrastinating and that time management is essential for graduate school.

Second semester has been full of clinical applications and the building of a foundation for the real world. We have been able to gain a greater understanding of various theories and models that have provided a basis for the field of occupational therapy to understand the client-centered, holistic approach. Looking back a year ago, I can honestly say that my mentality towards graduate education and occupational therapy has changed – but definitely for the better. We have been introduced to interventions, evidenced-based practice techniques, and skills to complete measures of range of motion and manual muscle testing.  

My favorite thing about this semester has been our biomechanics course and the mastering of competency skills. It’s a very hands-on class that allows us to practice measuring range of motion and manual muscles tests on our peers. We are gaining valuable skills that we will use on a regular basis within our profession. It has been thrilling to consider all of the knowledge that we have soaked up within a year. I know that mentally, my brain cannot possibly wait for the summer, but it’s crazy to think about how much we really have learned in a year at UIndy. I can’t wait for what is to come. Soon enough, we get to have Lottery Day, which is when we pick our two 12-week clinical fieldwork rotation sites that begin next summer. We will be occupational therapists before we know it. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Elise Leung, 1^st Year MOT Student

University of Indianapolis

You are invited to an evening that could change your life! 

Join us at the University of Indianapolis on Tuesday, April 9th at 5:30 for an Information Program for the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and Design. This master's degree can be completed in two years by attending class just one night per week. No GRE or GMAT test is required. Courses meet once a week in the evening and are offered in a blended (online and on site) cohort format. 

Why Strategic Leadership & Design?  A graduate degee in this program offers education and development in the areas that will make a difference in today's world: strategies for problem solving, direction in how to conceptualize goals and communicate them effectively. Graduates of the Master of Strategic Leadership and Design program are prepared to lead their organization to greater effectiveness and success.

Job Outlook: Students graduating from this program can work as project managers, directors, strategic planners, business owners, consultants or sustainability professionals (internal and external) within businesses, nonprofit organizations and communiities.

The April 9th Information NIght will begin at 5:30 in Esch Hall Room 103. To reserve a seat,  email sallyr@uindy.edu or call Robbin Sally  at 317-788-2119.  More information, go to http://www.uindy.edu/sal/strategic-leadership

What do Nursing, Communication, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy all have in common?

They are all among our strongest academic programs at the University of Indianapolis. But what makes these programs so great?

• The School of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) includes three years of clinical instruction, during which students receive hands-on experience in local health care facilities
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• Most faculty at the Krannert School of Physical Therapy continue to practice on a part-time basis, allowing students to gain exposure to real-world situations through presentations with live patients.
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• For undergraduate students who are interested in jumpstarting their graduate education, the schools of Physical and Occupational Therapy also offer special programs for early admission.
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UIndy’s Department of Communication also fares well in preparing students for real-world jobs. Majors like Public Relations, Journalism, and Sports Information are each complemented by great opportunities for students to get hands-on training during their undergraduate careers. At UIndy, students have the chance to work for the campus newspaper The Reflector, the campus radio station WICR 88.7 FM, which reaches 22 counties in the state of Indiana, UIndy TV 5, or the student-run public relations agency, Top Dog Communication.

If you are a high school junior, and are interested in learning more about any of these programs, come check out our Spring Preview Days:

Health Professions Preview Day: Monday April 1^st, 2013 8:00a.m.–1p.m. EST

RSVP Now at: http://admissions-orig.uindy.edu/rsvp/fhpd/

Nursing Preview Day:  Wednesday April 3^rd, 2013 10:00a.m. EST

RSVP Now at: http://admissions.uindy.edu/visit/son

Communication Preview Day:  Wednesday, April 3^rd 2013 8:30a.m. EST

RSVP Now at: http://admissions.uindy.edu/rsvp/previewcomm

Each of these events will include academic presentations, tours of the facilities, and opportunities to hear from faculty and current students. Come and learn how our excellent faculty, programs and opportunities can help prepare you to achieve your goals!!

The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) motto is “Education for Service”, and that philosophy has long been integrated into nursing courses and the mission of the School of Nursing. In many ways, we “talk the talk and walk the walk”, as they say. It is heartwarming to see how this concept is carried out in the School of Nursing and the variety of ways we endeavor to “pay it forward” in both personal and group-driven projects.

For example, for the past nine years the second year associate degree nursing students have had a community service project that makes and donates baby blankets to a variety of organizations. Initially the project started with two students looking to perform a community service project as part of a course requirement. Five blankets were made that year.  The idea was so well received that it has been offered each year as a way to fulfill the community service project and provide fun and fellowship to the students after the demands of a very busy and stress-filled semester. In December 2012, over 40 students and a handful of faculty, with a wide range of skills, participated. One hundred thirteen blankets were made in just four short hours! All of the materials were donated by students and faculty. All totaled, it is estimated that over the course of the last nine years, 628 blankets have been gifted to the Julian Center, Angel Wings, Centering Pregnancy and the St. Elizabeth Coleman Center.

Another example is the project that nursing faculty member, Christie Flint, coordinates with the United Christmas Service. Each year for the past five years approximately 40-50 students, faculty, and staff from the School of Nursing, School of Occupational Therapy, and Krannert School of Physical Therapy help. During this time, we’ve raised over $2,500 in gift cards and money, provided over 800 gifts, donated several boxes of food and household items, and have helped over 75 people have a better Christmas.

On a personal level, two of our faculty members serve as great role models to students and staff. In addition to her full-time job as a nursing professor, Dr. Marjorie Porter serves as the Executive Director for the Good Shepherd Community Clinic located in the First Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, Indiana. The clinic was started in April 2006 by the health ministry at the church. Funded primarily by the Kendrick Foundation and donations from community groups and individuals, Dr. Porter and several others got the clinic up and running. The clinic is open every Saturday morning and serves uninsured Morgan County adults who are below federal poverty guidelines. Approximately 250 adults are seen each year. The clinic requires a staff of three MDs, one Nurse practitioner, one psychiatrist, one diabetes nurse educator, 12 Registered Nurses, four pharmacists, one social worker, and many lay volunteers to support its mission. 

Dr. Linda Rodebaugh finds time in her busy teaching and clinical schedule to serve on the Planning Board for Camp Healing Tree. She also serves as a group facilitator for the Camp that is held each August. Approximately 70 grieving children and teens attend and share their grief in a safe and nurturing environment. Dr. Rodebaugh also serves as a volunteer facilitator for Caterpillar Kids, a six-week support group for children ages 5-12. Caterpillar Kids is a grief and loss support group offered through St. Francis Hospice.

Our University of Indianapolis masters in educational leadership program, iLEAD, is transforming to include increased opportunities for authentic experiences in school reform.  Students in Cohort XIV began their program of study this fall mentored by current school leaders who advise and de-brief with them on a regular basis.  Each semester, the students complete shadowing experiences and reflective interviews with their mentors.  Field experiences for the principal leadership program are aligned with the coursework.  In EDUC 600, our introductory leadership class, students complete school improvement projects  as well as projects in which they are already involved as teacher leaders in their schools.  EDUC 605 students analyze data to identify learning problems and design research-based interventions.  As the students develop their skills, increasingly their mentors observe them, offering feedback as students lead professional development, work with the school community, and engage in other leadership activities.   During the final two semesters of the program, students serve as interns in their schools and experience the day-to-day responsibilities of building-level leaders.

Our hybrid courses are changing also.  In our professional development class (EDUC 610), students practice leading the professional development process and review case studies in initiating, managing, and sustaining change.  Students create communication and marketing plans for their schools (EDUC 615).  Multiple experiences observing and evaluating teachers are a focus in EDUC 620. 

Simulations, including The Change Game being played by Cohort XI students in the pictures below, provide another source of case study experiences in leading school change.  Additional information about our curriculum is available on the iLEAD website:  http://www.http://education.uindy.edu/ilead/   Our Cohort XV will begin Saturday, May 18th.  Application materials may be accessed online:  http://education.uindy.edu/ilead/Applying_to_iLEAD.php.  Graduate education faculty and our iLEAD administrative assistant are available to talk with you if you call (317) 788-6098.  Learn more about how iLEAD can help you achieve your professional goals in a graduate education program at a university with personal attention, the University of Indianapolis. 

UIndy's Institute for Leadership and Professional Development

Presents:  Supervisory Institute March 13-14, 2013

For more than 60 years, the University of Indianapolis has provided training for businesses and individuals. Whether you are a new supervisor or experienced manager, the Supervisory Institute (SI) will develop and enhance your leadership skills. SI will be held in UIndy Hall C, Schwitzer Student Center, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. For just $395, this two-day program includes networking, workbook, certificate of completion with CEU’s, a buffet lunch each day, and the following four modules of instruction. Register by March 4th and receive a 10% discount. 
                                            Registration closes March 6, 2013.

Sessions include:

• Getting Outcomes: Using a Logic Model
• Engaging Your Workforce to Maximize Results
• Complexity in Organizations
• Emotional Intelligence

Learn more about these four exciting instructional sessions by visiting http://www.uindy.edu/school-for-adult-learning/supervisory-institute-march2013.

Can’t attend both days? Choose the sessions you can attend and pay just $99/session.

To Register:  Email Joyce Simmons at jsimmons@uindy.edu or call (317) 791-5716.

Additional information about the Supervisory Institute is available at http://www.uindy.edu/school-for-adult-learning/supervisory-institute-for-supervisors-and-managers.

The University of Indianapolis is taking one of its most popular nursing degree programs online, making it accessible to working nurses throughout the state who want to advance their careers.

UIndy’s School of Nursing first launched its RN-to-BSN program in the early 1990s to help registered nurses – licensed after two to three years of education – to complete their bachelor’s degrees, the level of preparation that is becoming the healthcare industry standard. The program is currently offered in an accelerated hybrid format of weekly class meetings and online content that can be completed in 12 months, and also in on-site formats designed for employees of the IU Health, Hendricks Regional and Franciscan St. Francis health systems.

Beginning this fall, the same UIndy curriculum will be available in an online format that also can be completed in 12 months. Now accepting applications, the online program is open to licensed nurses currently working in Indiana. Financial aid is available, and students will have the flexibility to move from the hybrid to online format, or vice versa, as their circumstances change.

“It opens the door for people who don’t have access to our campus or our partner locations,” said Professor Connie Wilson, director of UIndy’s RN-to-BSN program.

Evolving standards among healthcare providers and nursing professional associations are making the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree more important than ever, Wilson said.

The industry is bracing for a wave of nursing retirements. Enrollment in two-year associate’s degree programs is increasing, but those nurses typically will be expected to complete their bachelor’s degrees within five years of entering the field. And major hospital systems are now adopting the nursing associations’ recommendation that 80 percent of their nursing workforce should hold bachelor’s or advanced degrees by 2020.

“The thrust is coming now from the employers too,” Wilson said, noting that nurses who delay obtaining higher degrees may find their career options limited.

More information about the UIndy School of Nursing’s online RN-to-BSN program is available at nursing.uindy.edu or by emailing nursing.rnbsn@uindy.edu or calling (800) 232-8634.

Dr. Michael Poulakis received his PsyD from the University of Indianapolis in 2002 and has been teaching at UIndy since 2005. In addition to his heavy teaching load, Dr. Poulakis is the Director of the Office of Hellenic Studies and is the Athens Campus Academic Liaison. Dr. Poulakis teaches at both the graduate and undergraduate level, and the Undergraduate classes he teaches are Introduction to Psychology, Personality Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Theories and Techniques of Counseling and Multicultural Psychology and Addictions. At the graduate level he teaches many classes both here and in Athens, including Interventions with Family and Couples Systems, Life Span Psychology, Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior, Brief Therapy and Crisis Intervention, Doctoral Seminar and Consultation and Education.  

Dr. Poulakis' clinical and research interests include multicultural issues and diversity, addictions and binge drinking, interracial relationships, South Asian psychology, LGBT issues and cyberspace psychology. Born in Greece, Michalis Poulakis is better known as Dr. P to his students. He loves talking about Greece and encourages everyone to visit.   

Away from campus Dr. P enjoys spending time with his wife and twin sons. To learn more about Dr. Poulakis, other School of Psychological Sciences faculty or the program offered, please visit our web pages. 

The master's program in clinical psychology at the University of Indianapolis is designed to provide training for individuals who wish to obtain graduate education but do not desire a doctorate or who are not able to pursue a doctorate currently, but may do so later. The MA is intended to stand on its own as a separate degree program. 

The master's degree in the clinical psychology program is designed to produce competent professionals who are able to think critically about issues, are wise consumers of research, and are able to apply their skills in a variety of settings. Currently there are two tracks offered in the master's program: the clinical psychology (CP) track and the mental health counseling (MHC) track.  

The clinical psychology track is based on resolutions and guidelines from the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP) and the Master's in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC) and is intended for those students who do not plan to engage in independent practice or those students who plan to attend a doctoral program after completion of the master's degree. 

The mental health track curriculum is designed to meet the requirements for graduate study specified in Indiana state laws regarding licensing of Mental Health Counselors. 

The School of Psychological Sciences will be adding two new, exciting tracks to it's master's curriculum. Planned for the fall of 2013 are tracks in Research and Addictions Counseling. Be sure to watch the School of Psychological Sciences website for details as plans progress for these offerings. 

The new year brings a new opportunity to complete your education. The School for Adult Learning at the University of Indianapolis will have an Information Night on Monday, January 7, 2013, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in our office Esch Hall Room 103. If you have thought about going to school, this is the program for you. The classes are designed for students 24 years of age or older. The classes meet just one night per week for five weeks. In a typical fifteen week semester, students attend class just one night per week, complete three five-week classes, and earn nine credit hours! This program allows working adults to earn a degree and keep their job.

The School for Adult Learning will help you every step along the way. Join us on Monday, January 7th and take the first step toward a better life. Academic Advisors and a Financial Aid Representative will be there to answer your questions.

To reserve a seat call 317-788-3442 or email ldaeger@uindy,edu. You can find additional information on our website, www.sal.uindy.edu. The University of Indianapolis is conveniently located at 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227.

One of the "perks" for our psychology masters students and our psychology doctoral students is the opportunity to spend some time in Greece and receive course credit at the same time. In August 2013 the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Indianapolis will offer our Indianapolis-based graduate psychology students a summer course in Athens, Greece. The course is PSY 580 Introduction to CISM (Critical Intervention Stress Management) Group Intervention Process taught by Dr. Anastasia Rush, Chair of the Social and Psychological Sciences Department at the UIndy campus in Athens. CISM is a multi-component crisis intervention system that has become the standard of care for crisis intervention in business, industry and government worldwide.

The Athens Campus of the University of Indianapolis (the only accredited American University in Greece fully owned and controlled by its U.S. parent), located at the foot of the Acropolis, was chartered in 1989, with the purpose of offering a quality American education in Greece. Since its inception, the University has grown to become one of the leaders in higher education in Greece. Its programs are, and will continue to be, designed to offer tomorrow’s leaders effective solutions in a professional environment. The University of Indianapolis Athens offers 29 undergraduate programs and 10 graduate programs in Athens.

In addition to the time spent in the classroom, the cost of the trip to Greece will include several excursions and some free time to explore some of the wonderful people, places and things that are Greece. The planned excursions will take the students on a two-day land excursion to Delphi, Olympia to explore this famous archeological site and a one-day three island cruise to Hydra, Poros and Aegina. 

Current UIndy psychology graduate students may contact Dr. Michael Poulakis for more information. Future students will be able to participate in this program once they have been admitted. For information about the graduate psychology programs please visit our web pages. 

This year, I had the unique opportunity to attend the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) National Student Conclave held in Columbus, Ohio. It was fabulous! I made the road trip with two other first year students from UIndy. We had a blast – everything from the road trip, to the expo event with networking opportunities, and even with our Ohio State MOT student hosts. Because we are first years, we haven’t been exposed to all of the many topics discussed at the Conclave, but each of us was thankful for the opportunity to simply be a part of the environment. It was inspiring to hear all the guest lectures by world-renowned occupational therapists, professors in our field, and even clients who have been impacted by occupational therapy.

My favorite part about the Conclave was the expo. It was a neat opportunity to network with various companies from across the country to hear about their missions, their expectations of new employees, as well as the many types of occupational therapy offered. I was extremely interested in travel therapy opportunities, pet therapy, information on the national board exams (NBCOT), and postprofessional programs. All of my interests were met in one place! As new OT students, we received practice on how to interact with business professionals and great tips on how to prepare us for our future.

Having the ability to interact with OT students from across the country was definitely an eye-opener. It was interesting to hear how UIndy’s MOT curriculum differs from other schools. For example, UIndy incorporates the importance of evidence-based practice with research opportunities, whereas some schools do not implement any sort of research component into their education at all. Being in such a high energy environment with OT students focused on becoming the best leaders and occupational therapists that they can become was a great feeling. I’ll definitely be marking it off my bucket list, but I won’t be surprised if I keep attending these Conclaves for the next couple of years!

-Elise Leung, 1st year MOT student, University of Indianapolis

You can earn a college degree in less time than you might think. The School for Adult Learning at the University of Indianapolis invites you to an Information Night on Monday, November 5, 2012, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in Esch Hall room 103. You will receive information on the accelerated degree program where students 24 years of age or older attend class just one night per week and earn a degree in Organizational Leadership or Liberal Studies.

The School for Adult Learning will help you every step along the way as you work to complete your degree. Financial Aid is available and a representative will be available at the Information Night to answer your questions. 

Visit the website, www.sal.uindy.edu or call 317-788-3442 for more information.

The University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community (CAC) has been selected by Indiana University (IU) to collaborate on a federally-funded, multimillion dollar project to implement the Initiative to Reduce Avoidable Hospitalizations among Nursing Facility Residents.The goal of the four-year effort is to improve medical care and reduce costs at 19 Central Indiana long-term care facilities by reducing the frequency of unnecessary patient transfers to and from hospitals. 

Indiana University received the award from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and invited CAC to collaborate on the project. CAC, which has an impressive record of leading nursing home healthcare initiatives, will coordinate all training for the participating nurses and nursing home personnel. Indiana is one of seven states where such pilot projects are being funded by CMS.

In addition, Dr. Anne Thomas, dean of the University of Indianapolis School of Nursing, has been asked to co-chair the project’s advisory board.

For more information about the project, click here.

In addition to providing research and consulting services to improve the quality of life for all people as they age, CAC offers undergraduate and graduate online programs in Aging Studies.

There is no dispute about how important an educated workforce is. An educated workforce makes a company more competitive. Many states are finding, after the latest recession, that workforce development is the single most important economic development issue. But what is the impact of education on your employability?

A new study from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce finds that a college degree is the best defense against unemployment. A U.S. Census study shows that someone with a college degree may earn $1 million more in a lifetime than someone with only a high school degree. What does that mean for you? How can you earn a college degree?

The good news is that the University of Indianapolis School for Adult Learning (SAL) is has the programs in place to help educate the workforce:

• Accelerated Bachelor Degree Program:  Classes meet one night per week for five weeks, and you can earn a degree in less time than you might think. To apply for admission, students must be 24 years or older and have a high school degree or GED. There are no SAT, ACT or essays needed to apply. Transfer credits are evaluated. 
• Graduate Degree:  SAL offers a Strategic Leadership and Design Masters program. Earn your masters in 2 years by attending class just one night per week.
• Leadership Training programs:  SAL offers Supervisory Institute, The Coaching Clinic, and the Leadership Development Series on campus, and we will design and present training at your company.

Find out how UIndy's programs can help you have better paydays. Call 317-788-3442, email sal@uindy.edu, or, get more information on the SAL website, www.sal.uindy.edu.

When new recruits start their training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, Indiana, the trainees may have some University of Indianapolis School of Psychological Sciences doctoral students to thank for part of their curriculum. Students in Professor David Wantz’s Psychological Consultation and Education class spent a semester reviewing training material at the Academy and making suggestions for improvement.

The graduate psychology students from the School of Psychological Sciences discovered that the Academy curriculum that was being employed to understand human behavior was out of date. As part of a class assignment, the doctoral students reviewed the content being taught and realized that their knowledge of human behavior and reaction could be helpful. The UIndy doctoral psychology students developed new behavioral objectives designed to keep officers calm, safe, and alert while on duty. Students came up with a simple model that can be applied to all the skills the Academy trainees are learning about having situational awareness, maintaining a duty to self, and maintaining a duty to others. Situational awareness is about understanding how to lower anxiety in any situation and  how to predict whether anxiety is escalating.

The psychology students want the police recruits to become aware of how others may react to their behaviors and how an officer’s action can affect a situation. Methods such as lowering one’s voice, repeating a command, or simply slowing down can help to lower anxiety in a situation. To help the trainees quickly identify risk factors in a situation, the graduate psychology students developed a protocol called VEST, which refers to the potential for Violence, Emotional state, Situation, and Type of call. The officers can use a simple red/yellow/green evaluation process to determine the level of action needed.

“We want to find ways to help the officers understand the relationship between performance and anxiety,” explains Dr. Wantz. “Our students were using their clinical skills to inform their consultation, training, and teaching in a real-world setting.”

In May, psychology students began working with the Academy to help provide an evaluation of its recruits’ reading comprehension. The UIndy team will make recommendations about possible changes to the exam. Dr. Wantz would like students to understand that as psychologists, they may be asked to consult, evaluate, and use their skills beyond a private practice.

(Reprinted from the 2012 issue of 1400, a publication of the University of Indianapolis)

One aspect of the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant programs at the University of Indianapolis that sets those programs apart from other programs is UIndy's Community Patient Resource Group (CPRG). This unique program benefits students by allowing them to work with real patients in the classroom during all phases of their education – often as early as the second week of classes! 

What is the Community Patient Resource Group?
The CPRG is a group of individuals from the community who volunteer their time to the University of Indianapolis to help occupational and physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students see and work with individuals with "real world" disabilities. These volunteers have had, or currently have, a medical or rehabilitation condition and allow the students to see, feel, and better understand the impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions that are discussed in the classroom. This unique partnership benefits students by providing realistic clinical experiences with patients who aren’t "acting," but instead are able to share valuable life experiences with the students. Currently the CPRG consists of more than 90 individuals who range in age from 4-80+. Many of the members have been participating since the inception of the program in 1999 and find the opportunity to contribute to the education of our students to be highly meaningful to them. The UIndy students give-back to the CPRG volunteers each year by assisting them with home projects they have difficulty completing such as cleaning, painting, or landscaping.

Supporting Evidence
A recent article published by Stephanie Kelly, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, and Heidi King, DPT student, provides support for the value of this program. The article, published in the in Journal of Physical Therapy Education, reports that PT students and faculty perceive that this program contributes to development of student professional values, performance of examination skills, determination of appropriate outcome measures, and integration of health promotion and wellness principles. We greatly appreciate the service of our CPRG members and are proud of how this program contributes to the education of our students. 

Interested in being a part of the CPRG? 
KSPT faculty typically choose and invite patients to participate knowing which individuals will provide the maximum learning experience for our students. Participation in the CPRG is strictly on a volunteer basis. Activities performed as a part of the CPRG are not considered 'physical therapy' and individuals with ongoing physical therapy needs are encouraged to see a physical therapist. Volunteers must be able to provide their own transportation and be comfortable working within small and large groups. If you are interested in volunteering, please E-mail us.