Conference Presentation Policy

Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program
Purdue University 
  
            One of the important ways that counseling psychologists contribute to the profession is through presentations at conferences. One of the essential skills of the scientist-practitioner counseling psychologist is the ability to prepare program proposals and disseminate knowledge through oral presentations. Counseling psychology students are expected to demonstrate this competency through an presentation at a state, regional, or national meeting in the field of psychology or counseling or a closely related field. The student should be the sole or lead author of the presentation. Students are expected to take the lead in the preparation of the proposal as well as the preparation of the presentation. Poster presentations are an acceptable way to fulfill this requirement.
 
            Students should present a copy of the conference program or proceedings documenting the presentation to the faculty advisor to confirm that the Conference Presentation Requirement has been completed.
 
            Students should note:
 
It is advisable to consult with one's advisor about whether a specific conference or meeting will be acceptable before submitting the proposal.
Conferences have proposal deadlines that are many months before the conference, so advance planning is essential. Further, there is no guarantee that a proposal will be accepted.
 
            Counseling psychology students typically will complete this requirement during the second or third year in the program. Students must complete the Conference Presentation Requirement by May 1 if August prelims are planned and by December 1 if January prelims are planned.