As students progress through the Clinical Program, questions and/or challenges may come up concerning the completion of courses, clinical training, and/or thesis work. Such situations may leave students feeling stuck and unsure about how to proceed. The following are possible courses of action to consider:
- The first step is always to address questions or speak with the individual with whom a student is experiencing difficulties, be it a course instructor, clinical supervisor, thesis supervisor, or student colleague. Because they are the most directly involved, they are best positioned to answer the question, understand the challenge and/or problem solve around a solution.
- If speaking directly to the instructor, supervisor, or student colleague does not result in a solution to a student’s satisfaction, they have the option to contact a director.
- Clinical matters may be brought to the attention of the Coordinator of Practica and Internships (CPI), the Director of the Centre for Psychological Services and Research (CPSR), or the Interns Coordinator.
- Matters related to courses and theses (as well as any other program-related matter including clinical training) may be brought to the attention of the Clinical Program Director.
- Matters that are not specifically related to the Clinical Program, but are related broadly to the School of Psychology, may be brought to the attention of the School’s Director or Assistant Director.
- Note that the Director of the School should not be contacted until resources in the Clinical Program have been accessed and/or exhausted. If not, the Director is likely to send the student back to the Clinical Program to address the issue since individuals within the Clinical Program are best positioned to answer student questions or deal with challenges.
- Note that the Director of the School should not be contacted until resources in the Clinical Program have been accessed and/or exhausted. If not, the Director is likely to send the student back to the Clinical Program to address the issue since individuals within the Clinical Program are best positioned to answer student questions or deal with challenges.
- Students may not always feel comfortable reaching out to the individual with whom they are experiencing difficulties or to a director. In such cases, we encourage students to reach out to any professor or supervisor with whom they feel comfortable. Along with this individual, the student may explore ways to solve their difficulties and ways to communicate with the individual best suited to help the student address any questions or challenges they are encountering in the Clinical Program.
- Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the policies of the Clinical Program available on the Essential Information for the Clinical Psychology Program page
- If the above steps do not result in a solution to a student’s satisfaction, there are more formal options available to address program-related difficulties. Students are invited to familiarize themselves with the academic regulations and policies at the University of Ottawa.
- Students may also reach out to the Graduate Association of Students in Psychology (GASP). GASP is an appropriate resource for providing support around student experience, engagement, and advocacy. The Clinical Student Representative is a member of GASP and may also be a helpful resource.
- Students with concerns around a human rights violation may first reach out to the Program Director or CPI (depending on the nature of the concern) and then, if necessary, to the Human Rights Office at the University of Ottawa. The Human Rights Office offers a range of services, including mediation whereby a delegate can, for example, attend meetings with students for purposes of note taking and support.
- Students may consider contacting the Office of the Ombudsperson. and this file provides information about the role of this Office (https://www.uottawa.ca/about- us/sites/g/files/bhrskd336/files/2021-12/flow-chart-eng%20final.pdf).