Mentoring is an important part ofChi Sigma Iota, as many chapterspair new initiates with experiencedstudents. This year the Upsilon NuChi chapter of CSI started a programto help members during anotherimportant transition: the search foremployment as a counselor.

A job hunt can be a lengthyprocess, especially during uncertaineconomic times. Alumni are excel-lent resources for students who areseeking employment, especially ifthey have recently been on the jobmarket themselves. Graduates of thecounseling program at the Universityof North Carolina at Greensborowere invited to answer the question,“What advice would you give tosomeone who is looking for work asa counselor?” Their responses werecompiled into a Job Hunting Guidefor second-year master’s students.

Several alumni offered tips abouthow to identify prospective jobs.Catharine Banasiak, a counselor inMiddleton, CT, suggested that stu-dents use their graduate courses todetermine which jobs to apply for.She emphasized the expertise that asingle class provides, saying “You'vehad an entire graduate course in thatpopulation or area of concern!”

Ryan Mahler, a counselor at acommunity agency in Greensboro,NC, recommended that studentsattend professional events and “startnetworking as soon as possible” tolearn about local job openings, thenapply for a wide range of positions.

Ryan told students that, even if a jobdoes not seem ideal, “you may endup liking it and if you don’t, it will helpyou appreciate that ideal job whenyou do get it.”

Other alumni wrote about waysthat applicants can “sell themselves”to employers. Ross Wade, the Assis-tant Director of Career Services atElon University, recommended thatstudents use their college's CareerCenter to refine their resumé, coverletter, and interviewing skills. LawrenLutrin, an Academic Advisor at Cen-tral Washington University, suggestedthat students tailor their resumé to fiteach position instead of using thesame document for every application.

Lauren Dietz, a school counselorin Washington, D.C., wrote that stu-dents should research employers andbring materials used with clients totheir job interviews. Ms. Dietz report-ed that when interviewing for jobs,she illustrated her versatility by men-tioning “the variety of populations Iworked with prior to graduation.” Shealso was careful to use appropriatevocabulary, such as describing her-self as “wellness oriented” with “adevelopmental focus.”

The Job Hunting Guide includedfeedback from counselors who workin community, school, and highereducation settings. This ensured thatstudents were aware of differences inhiring practices. For example,Stephen Kennedy reminded futureschool counselors that they will behired by a principal, not a counselor.

He suggested contacting principalsdirectly and advised that, “schooladministrators sometimes prefer toconsult with each other, so makesure that the principal at your intern-ship site is aware of the work thatyou are doing.”

Finally, Upsilon Nu Chi’s alumnimembers encouraged students toremain positive during a process thatmay last longer than they would like.Ms. Mahler recommended that stu-dents not pressure themselves tosecure a job immediately. Sheexplained that every member of hercohort “got a job eventually, even if itwas a couple months after gradua-tion.”

Even with input from several alum-ni, it seemed unlikely that the Job

EXEMPLARChi Sigma Iota

Promoting Excellence in Counseling

Summer 2009 Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International Vol. 24 No. 2

©

In This EditionJob Hunting Advice.....................................1

Service: A Path to Excellence.....................2

Update from Headquaters ..........................3

Membership Survey ....................................4

2008-2009 CSI Fellows...............................5

CSI Day.......................................................6

Membership: Commitment to Excellence ...9

Chapter Faculty Advisors..........................10

Using Technology......................................11

Faculty Advisor Highlight ..........................12

Counselor Advocay Tips ...........................13

Student Insights ........................................14

Donors List................................................16

Professional Members Offer Guidance toStudents Seeking Jobs

Stephen Kennedy

Alumni and Professional Members Chair, Upsilon Nu Chi

(continued on page 13)

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PAGE 2 SUMMER, 2009CHI SIGMA IOTA

2009-2010CSI LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY

President:Catharina ChangGeorgia State Universitycychang@gsu.edu

President-elect:JoLynn Carneyjcarney@psu.edu

Past-presidentDonna HendersonWake Forest Universityhenderda@wfu.edu

SecretaryAndrea L. DixonUniversity of Floridaadixon@coe.ufl.edu

TreasurerShawn Spurgeonsspurgeo@utk.edu

Executive DirectorThomas SweeneyCSI HeadquartersP.O. Box 35448Greensboro, NC 27424-5448(336) 841-8180tjsweeney@csi-net.org

Administrative AssistantKelley RowlandCSI HeadquartersP.O. Box 35448Greensboro, NC 27425-5448(336) 841-8180

InternsBrenda AustinKristin Meany- Walen

Web AdministratorJane Myers

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONSAwards Committee

Danica HayesBy-laws Committee

Nancy ForthChapter Development Committee

Kenneth McCurdyKerry Sebera

Advocacy CommitteeJill DubaChristopher P. Roseman

Faculty Advisors CommitteeSylvia Fernandez

Excellence in Counseling Research Donna Gibson

Fellow Mentor CommitteeCasey Barrio MintonCarrie Wachter

CSI Home Pagewww.csi-net.org

“Change” In these times, thisword has become part of oureveryday vernacular to describethe unparalleled personal, political,financial, and environmentalreshaping of our daily lives. In themidst of these storms that have leftso many clamoring for hope, Ibelieve there has never been amore important time to serve andto grow as professional counselors.

The mission of Chi Sigma Iota(CSI) always has been and willcontinue to be to promote excel-lence in the counseling profession.As such, at every level of our orga-nization, we have certain responsi-bilities that must not be ignoredgiven the current challenges weface as a nation and as individuals.We must begin with service toembrace these charges.

While CSI is an honor societythat recognizes academic and pro-fessional excellence in counseling,I believe what makes CSI distinct,meaningful, and influential to somany of its members is CSI’semphasis on service. I want toshare a few examples of this spiritof service to individuals, to thecommunity, and to the professionthat fuels the impact our organiza-tion continues to make.

Recently, I have had the honorof learning first hand from chapterfaculty advisors, chapter leaders,and CSI members about the roleservice plays in their chapter.There are countless examples ofCSI chapters sponsoring food dri-ves, toy drives, and collectingschool supplies for underprivi-leged schools. Additionally, chap-ters are sponsoring educationalsessions focused on poverty anddomestic violence. It is evidentthat chapters and CSI membersare enthusiastically engaging in amultitude of service activities thatare enhancing the lives of individ-uals and promoting the field ofcounseling.

In addition to serving individu-als and the community, CSI mem-bers give back to CSI and to thecounseling profession throughtheir leadership and mentorship.The 2009 CSI Day featured aleadership workshop, “From Dif-ferent Voices: Leadership Train-ing.” This workshop included apanel of CSI members represent-ing diverse backgrounds sharingtheir path to leadership and ser-vice to the counseling profession.Drs. Brian Dew, Andrea Dixon,Melanie Harper, and RichardHenriksen all graciously partici-pated on the panel giving theirtime and sharing their invaluableexperiences. In addition to thepanelist, there were a myriad ofother CSI members whounselfishly contributed to the suc-cess of CSI Day. These leadersthrough service represent only afraction of the CSI members whoserve CSI and the counseling pro-fession by sharing their time,expertise, and their selves.

Service: The Path to ExcellenceCatharina Y. Chang

CSI President

Catharina Y. Chang

(continued on page 15)

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SUMMER, 2009 PAGE 3CHI SIGMA IOTA

Member and Chapter Growth

The goals for new and renewalmemberships for 2008-2009 were4,800 in each category. Onceagain both goals were met orexceeded by April 30, 2009: Newmemberships N = 4,804: Renewingmembers N = 5,055. CSI has initi-ated over 64,000 members into theSociety. Our active membership iscurrently over 13,500.

We also welcomed 7 new chap-ters, all of which are located innationally accredited counseloreducation programs or will be inthe next five years.

New Members Oath of Commit-ment

Chapters are required annuallyto invite new members into theSociety. A personal invitation is tobe the result of careful considera-tion of academic achievement andpromise as professionals who willconduct themselves in ways thatreflect well upon their preparationand the profession. This is indeedan “honor” to be selected and invit-ed to membership. The occasion ofan initiation should be celebratoryand in keeping with an academichonors presentation. There aresuggestions and materials on thewebsite (www.csi-net.org) to assistchapter officers in the proper con-duct of new member initiations.

Chi Sigma IotaExemplar

The CSI Exemplar is distributedthree times a year to all CSI mem-bers and is the main communicationservice informing members of cur-rent events within the Society andwithin the counseling profession. Itscontent represents enthusiasm foracademic and professional excel-lence in counseling.

Deadlines:Issue DeadlineFall August 1Spring December 1Summer May 8

Editorial Staff

Cynthia “Nikki” Vasilas

Associate Editor

Auburn University

Frank Janks

Editorial Assistant

Montclair State University

Dana Heller Levitt

Editor

Exemplar Publication andCommunication:

Dana Heller Levitt, EditorCounseling and EducationalLeadershipMontclair State UniversityOne Normal AvenueMontclair, NJ 07043(973) 655-2097(973) 655-7662 (fax)levittd@mail.montclair.edu

Exemplar Printer:Professional Printers, Inc.1730 Old Dunbar RoadWest Columbia, SC 29172

The installation of new officers,remarks by the Chapter FacultyAdvisor, possibly an invited CSIspeaker, and university administra-tors are often a part of the ceremo-ny. Invited family, friends, and allcounselor education faculty mem-bers add to the importance of theoccasion (try www.evite.com).While some chapters have formaldinners or luncheons to mark theoccasion, a CSI logo cake, decora-tions, and refreshments can beinexpensive yet tasteful.

With the preparations and antici-pation of the event itself, we mustnote neither the initiation nor themembership is truly completeuntil the initiates take the oath ofmembership. All membersdeserve and are expected to par-ticipate in the oath taking even if itmust be arranged on anotheroccasion at the convenience of theofficers, CFA, and initiates.

The following are excerpts of theceremony:

President: Membership in theSociety will have special meaningto each of you. The common mean-ing, however, will be the same. Youare dedicating yourself to contin-ued excellence in both scholarshipand counseling practice. As such,you ascribe to high standards ofperformance in all that you do.

On this occasion, you are askedto publicly declare your commit-ment to striving for high standardsof scholarship and clinical practice.If you will accept the rights andresponsibilities of membershipembodied in the Bylaws of theSociety please answer, "I WILL".

Further, you are asked if you arewilling to continue encouragingexcellence in the professional set-

Thomas J. Sweeney

Update from HeadquartersThomas J. Sweeney

CSI Executive Director

©

(continued on page 11)

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PAGE 4 SUMMER, 2009CHI SIGMA IOTA

As part of CSIs strategic planningprocess, a survey was designed toobtain information feedback frommembers concerning the benefits ofCSI membership, the usefulness ofcurrent CSI services, and possiblefuture directions in terms of memberservices and benefits. We sought toobtain feedback from all types of mem-bers with a goal of providing informa-tion to better serve each of 7 member-ship types: entry level students, doctor-al students, chapter faculty advisors(CFAs), counselor educators who arenot CFAs, professional members(including counselors working inschools, community agencies, andother settings), and life members. Wealso surveyed former members todetermine their perceptions of CSImembership.

The Membership Survey wasannounced via one blast e-mail tomembers and former members onOctober 19, 2008, and one follow upe-mail October 31st with a deadline ofNovember 8th. A link to the survey wasput on the main page of csi-net.org. Allrespondents completed a series ofdemographic items and 14 generalitems. Additional items specific to the 7categories of members were included.

The response to the survey wasindicative of the commitment of mem-bers to CSI: a total of 1,822 personsresponded by the deadline, including296 former members (16%). Theapproximate response rate of all activemembers was 12.7%. The respon-dents included 42% entry-level stu-dents, 8% doctoral students, 4.3%Chapter Faculty Advisors, 7% coun-selor educators (not CFAs), 23% pro-fessional members, and 4% life mem-bers in addition to be one of the othermembership types (e.g., CFA).

Demographics of Total Sample

The respondents included 271males (16.2%) and 1,399 females(83.8%). Their average age was 39.4(S.D. =12.7). Most (86.8%) were not ofbiracial or multiple heritage. 1,253

(78.6%) reported Caucasian as theprimary cultural background with whichthey most closely identified, 235(14.7%) reported African American, 75(4.7%) Latino, 21 (1.3%) Asian Ameri-can, and 11 (0.7%) Native American.

CSI Connections

Almost three-fourths of respondentshad been formally initiated into CSI(73.8%). One third (37%) joined withinthe last year, equal numbers joined 2or 3-5 years ago (19.3% each), and24.4% joined more than 5 years ago.Three-fourths joined because theywere invited, wanted recognition forexcellence in their academic work(65.8%), wanted an identity with pro-fessional counselors (67.6%), and pro-fessional involvement (58.3%).

Satisfaction with Exemplar

One-third of respondents had notread Professional/Informational articlesin the Exemplar. Among those whohad read these articles, 95% foundthem somewhat or very useful. Otherfeatures of the Exemplar which wereread by an average of 56% of readers,and the percent who found themsomewhat or very useful included:Chapter Happenings (77%), StudentInsights (86%), the President’s Mes-sage (83%), Head quarter’s Update(79%), Elections Information (73%),Awards and Grants Information (83%),and CSI Day Activities (79%).

Use of Web Page: csi-net.org

Two-thirds of CSI members haveaccessed Membership Information onthe web, and 55% of current membersapplied using the on-line applicationwhich became available in 2004. Advo-cacy materials have been accessed atleast once by 35% of members, chap-ter materials by 40%, Awards by 35%,grants information by 37%, and CSIDay information by 28%, One third ofrespondents had accessed JobLinksand the Counselor’s Bookshelf, bothnew services that were announcedone month prior to the survey; 23%had visited the Find-A-Counselor tab,

also initiated one month prior to thesurvey. One third of membersaccessed the Shopping Mall and 48%visited the CSI Store.

E-Mails from CSI Headquarters

Approximately 95% of respondentsrecalled receiving e-mails from CSIHeadquarters. The percentage ofrespondents who found these tipssomewhat to very useful included:Chapter Tips, 44%; memorabilia pur-chases, 55%; deadline reminders,60%; and information on new benefitsand services, 60%.

CSI Day

Over half of all respondents, 60%,had attended a CSI Day. Respondentswho had attended CSI Day within thelast year, 83% found CSI Day overallto be somewhat or very useful. Specif-ic aspects of CSI Day were ratedsomewhat or very useful by the follow-ing percentages of respondents: Lead-ership Training, 81%; Chapter LeaderNetworking, 85%; Chapter FacultyAdvisor Networking, 86%; CSI Busi-ness Meeting, 80%; the Awards Cere-mony, 84%; and Poster Sessions,88%.

Social Networking

Only 6% of respondents were mem-bers of social networking sites foralumni of their CSI chapter. However,52% reported belonging to a socialnetworking site. Though mostbelonged to FaceBook or MySpace,many also reported being part of uni-versity alumni websites, LinkedIn,Plaxo, and Classmates.com.

Awards

Only 26% of respondents noted thattheir chapter had an active awardsprogram; the remainder indicated thatthey were not sure or that their chap-ters did not give awards. More thanfour out of five respondents (83%)were not aware of the CSI Internation-al Awards program.

The complete set of data from the

Chi Sigma Iota Strategic Planning Committee

Membership Survey, 2008 Jane Myers, Casey Barrio, Michael Brubaker, Catharina Chang, Kathleen Connolly, Ed Herr,

Donna Henderson, Courtland Lee, & Tom Sweeney

(continued on page 12)

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SUMMER, 2009 PAGE 5CHI SIGMA IOTA

For over 20 years, the Chi SigmaIota Fellow and Intern program hasoffered new and aspiring counselingprofessionals opportunities to broadentheir awareness and leadership poten-tial in our profession. CSI created theprogram to assist future leaders indeveloping skills and competenciesthat can advance the counseling pro-fession. Our former fellows continue tobe active professionals and have con-tinued on to serve as leaders in state,regional, and national professionalcounseling organizations. Indeed,four of our most recent executive coun-cil members served as fellows, sevenof our current committee chairpersonsserved as fellows, and five of ourExemplar and Counselors’ Bookshelfeditorial team members were fellows.

Fellows and Interns attend and pro-vide service during the CSI Leadershiptraining, business meeting, awards cer-emony, and reception; Fellows provideadditional service on a CSI Committeeor task force. The CSI Internship pro-gram provides mentoring of two Fellowswho will attend all 2009 and 2010 CSIDay events, participate in ExecutiveCouncil meetings, and work on specialprojects for a minimum of 50 hours.

Fellows and Interns must be activeCSI members, active in their localchapters, and enrolled in a graduate-level counselor education program orbe a counseling program graduate inthe early years of professional develop-ment. They are evaluated and selectedbased on evidence of excellence inservice to the local CSI Chapter, theircounselor preparation program, and/orthe counseling profession. This year,the selection committee was chaired byDr. June Williams, Past-past-presidentand past-fellow. Dr. Henderson, Past-President, and Dr. Chang, Presidentand also a past fellow.

Fellows and Interns

Brenda Austin was recently accept-ed to the doctoral program in Coun-selor Education & Supervision at Syra-cuse University where she is alsopresident of Sigma Upsilon Chapter.

She has organized chapter fundraisingevents and community service initia-tives and was instrumental in organiz-ing the CSI sponsored Winter Well-ness Workshop. Brenda’s efforts haveearned her the Outstanding Service tothe Chapter award for her chapter.

Kristin Meany-Walen is a doctoralstudent and president of Rho KappaChapter at the University of NorthTexas where she also serves as co-chair of professional development andinitation and awards committees.Kristin specializes in play therapy, andshe serves as Assistant Director forthe Center for Play Therapy.

Fellows

Kelly Emelianchik is a doctoral can-didate and graduate teaching assistantat Old Dominion University who servedas the past Omega Delta Chapter Pro-fessional Development Chair. She hasorganized, coordinated, and developedthe Big Splash Seminar series, whichoffers 8 continuing education seminarsthroughout the school year. Kelly pre-viously served on the CSI fundraisingcommittee and spearheaded severalsuccessful events.

Amanda Healey is a doctoral candi-date and graduate teaching assistant atOld Dominion University. Amanda is past-president of the Omega Delta Chapterand has served the chapter as fundraisingchair and founded the chapter mentoringprogram. Amanda is active in professionalpublication and presentation pursuits.

Tonya Jasinski is a recent doctoralgraduate from the Counselor Educa-tion program at University of SouthCarolina and is past-president ofUpsilon Sigma Chi Chapter. Sherecently receive the Doctoral Studentof the Year and Outstanding Service tothe Chapter awards from her chapter.Tonya has been actively involved inCSI for several years, serving as thewebmaster and newsletter editor dur-ing the past year and previously serv-ing as the doctoral student representa-tive and the student-faculty liaison.

Sara Hofmeier is a doctoral student,practicum assistant, and student

supervisor at the University of NorthCarolina at Greensboro where she isalso the past-president of Upsilon NuChi Chapter. Sara was the first entry-level student to be elected as Presi-dent-Elect of the Upsilon Nu Chi Chap-ter. Sara’s efforts have earned her theOutstanding Service to Chapter andOutstanding Master’s Student awardsfor her chapter.

Kathryn Henderson is a doctoral can-didate at the University of New Orleansand is the past-president of Alpha EtaChapter. She assumed the leadershipof a chapter that has been strugglingsince Hurricane Katrina ando organizeda needs assessment and membershipdrives to reinvigorate participation, lead-ing to several successful events. Shehas also served her chapter as Treasur-er and social committee chair.

Stephanie Burns is a doctoral stu-dent at Kent State University and is anLPC and an NCC. She is President ofKappa Sigma Upsilon chapter and pre-viously served as social committeechair, listserv manager, webmaster,and newsletter editor. During hertenure as newsletter editor, KappaSigma Upsilon received the Outstand-ing Newsletter Award.

I hope you will join me in bringingwarm and sincere congratulations toour 2009-2010 Fellows and Interns.Our next cohort of Fellows and Internswill be selected this fall. Please visitwww.csi-net to obtain more informationregarding deadlines and nominationprocedures.

2009 – 2010 CSI Fellows and InternsCasey A. Barrio Minton

Fellows Mentor Committee Chair

Attention Leaders!

Applications for 2010-

2011 Leadership Fellow-

ships and Internships are

due December 1, 2009.

Visit www.csi-net.org and

check Awards for more

information.

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PAGE 6 SUMMER, 2009CHI SIGMA IOTA

The CSI Awards Ceremony wasa memorable part of CSI Day!During the annual ACA conventionin Charlotte, NC, this March, CSIgranted awards to individuals andsmall and large chapters to recog-nize excellence and commitmentto the organization as well as thecounseling profession in general.

Chapter Awards

The Outstanding CSI Newslet-ter Awards were given to theSigma Upsilon Chapter of Syra-cuse University (large Chapter)and Beta Upsilon of Barry Univer-sity (small Chapter).

The CSI Communication, theSigma Upsilon Chapter monthlypublication, stands out for its inge-nuity, creativity, and professional-ism. It regularly features counsel-ing book reviews, an Alumni Cor-ner, and counseling related arti-cles. While the formatting andcontent of the newsletter is cut-ting-edge, what is most impressiveabout the CSI Communication isthe profound impact it has on thereaders it serves. The BetaUpsilon News, the Beta UpsilonChapter publication, features awide array of articles that addressissues relevant to both the studentcounselor and seasoned profes-sional. The Beta Upsilon News ispublished twice a year under thedirection of Editor Lisa Bailey andfaculty advisor, Dr. Sylvia Fernan-dez.

Recipients of the OutstandingIndividual Program Awards wereKappa Sigma Upsilon Chapter ofKent State University (large chap-ter) and Iota Delta Sigma ofAuburn University (small chapter).Kappa Sigma Upsilon’s workshopoffered attendees an opportunity

to learn how to effectively commu-nicate with legislators through let-ter writing to specifically impactOhio State Bill 53. This bill, whichprovides authority to Ohio Profes-sional Clinical Counselors to initi-ate and sign the state mentalhealth hold, is strongly supportedby professional counselors, butfaces opposition from psycholo-gists and psychiatrists. Iota DeltaSigma Chapter created and imple-mented a 5-day program entitled,Advocating for Poverty Week. Thisprogram focused on enhancingthe awareness, knowledge andskills of future counselors andeducators about working with chil-dren, adolescents, and familiesdealing with poverty. Chaptermembers also collected donationsfor the community food bank andhanded out materials regardingpoverty and advocacy acrossAuburn’s campus.

The Outstanding ChapterAwards were given to two verydeserving chapters: Kappa SigmaUpsilon of Kent State Universityand Pi Alpha of Wakeforest Uni-versity.

As a large and exemplary chap-ter, Kappa Sigma Upsilon has pur-sued initiatives that promote ser-vices and advocacy to their mem-bers and the Kent State counsel-ing program, the community, andthe counseling profession at large.In addition to an active member-ship, Kappa Sigma Upsilondemonstrates a commitment tostudent and community service.Service activities included two stu-dent conference scholarships, anAPA writing workshop, two studentmentoring programs, (Coffee Talkand FLASH), an annual Supervi-sion Symposium and implementa-

tion of Counseling Notes and aOhio SB 53 program. Throughoutthe 2008-2009 academic year PiAlpha initiated 14 new members,held three executive board meet-ings and four general meetings,ran a mentoring program, devel-oped and implemented two semi-nars, three services events, andsix social events. Additionally, thechapter has provided care pack-ages to U.S. troops, participated ina school supply drive, the Walk toPrevent Suicide, and ProjectPumpkin, as well as initiated anAngel Tree Project.

Individual Awards

This years’ Outstanding Mas-ter’s Level Student Award wentto Catherine Higgins of theUpsilon Nu Chi Chapter of UNCG.According to nominators, Cather-ine is one of the most active stu-dent members in the Upsilon NuChi Chapter. She has served as amember of the Advocacy Commit-tee, a Co-Chair of the member-ship committee, and is currentlythe Chapter’s treasurer. In addi-tion, Catherine has made signifi-cant contributions to the counsel-ing profession through her role inplanning the Second Annual NCCSI Day. She has also devotedcountless hours to her communitythrough organizing activities tobenefit older adults as well asincarcerated individuals.

The Outstanding DoctoralStudent Award recipient is Aman-da Healey of Omega Delta of OldDominion University. Amanda iscurrently the President of theOmega Delta chapter of CSI. Shestarted a mentoring program forincoming students, created andcontinues to edit the Omega Delta

CSI Members and Chapters Honored on CSI DayDanica G. Hays

CSI Awards Committee Chair

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SUMMER, 2009 PAGE 7CHI SIGMA IOTA

chapter and counseling programnewsletters, and developed twoscholarship programs to fund stu-dent professional developmentand travel. In addition to her workwith CSI, she works with the Ten-nessee Equality Project andPlanned Parenthood. Her nomina-tors praise her as a scholar: in thepast year, she has published 4studies, submitted another 3, andhas 3 nearing submission for pub-lication. Amanda was also select-ed as the editorial assistant for theCounseling Outcome Researchand Evaluation journal.

Whitney Nobles of the BetaChapter of the University of Flori-da is this year’s recipient of theOutstanding Service to theChapter Award. Whitney haschaired and worked on numerouschapter committees. Specificallyshe has maintained the chaptercalendar, edited the newsletter,and corresponded with CSI Inter-national. As chapter secretary, shemaintained phone listings, record-ed and posted meeting minutes,secured meeting spaces, and reg-ularly attended chapter meetings.As a visionary and initiator, Whit-ney assisted with reinstating of thechapter newsletter. She has alsovolunteered continually as a men-tor and supervisor for master’slevel students in the program.

The Outstanding ResearchAward was given to RachaelGoodman of the Beta Chapter ofthe University of Florida. Duringan 8-day outreach experience inNew Orleans, Rachael Goodmanexplored the use of critical con-sciousness as a training tool toprovide effective counseling ser-vices to communities affected bydisaster. Results indicated partici-pants demonstrated increase per-sonal and cultural awareness aswell as constructed new knowl-edge regarding counseling out-reach competencies. This

research is timely and yieldedresults that have great practicalimplications for counselors whoare called to be first responders intimes of crisis.

Robert Rice of the Chi EpsilonChapter of Georgia State Universi-ty received this year’s Outstand-ing Practitioner Award. RobertRice is an accomplished practi-tioner, having nearly 14 years ofexperience and work as a schoolcounselor. He has received boththe Middle School Counselor ofthe Year and the Georgia StateRegion VI Middle School Coun-selor of Year awards. Robertserves regularly as a guest speak-er, co-instructor, instructor ofrecord, and supervises master’slevel students in school counsel-ing. He is also involved inresearch that explores effectivestrategies for group work withAfrican American and Hispanicadolescents.

The Outstanding Practitioner-Supervisor Award was given toSherry Todd of Omega DeltaChapter of Old Dominion Universi-ty. She has held a professionalcounseling license in the state ofVirginia for over 12 years and hasbeen providing LPC supervision tocounselors since 2000. Sherrycurrently serves as a SafeSchools Clinician for the NorfolkPublic School System and isenrolled in the doctorate programat Old Dominion University. Inaddition to her work as a supervi-sor, Sherry has presented over 50professional presentations andtrainings, served on numerousprofessional counseling commit-tees and boards, and is thefounder of the E. Kelly Todd Acad-emy of Traumatology.

The most prestigious award thatCSI gives annually is the ThomasJ. Sweeney Professional Lead-ership Award. This award recog-nizes and honors persons who

through their vision, leadership,and concern for others havestrengthened, expanded, andenhanced the counseling profes-sion at local, state, national,and/or international levels. Thisyear’s recipient is Dr. Jamie Car-ney of Iota Delta Sigma Chapterof Auburn University. For nearly 20years, Dr. Jamie Carney hasestablished a pattern of contribu-tions to the counseling professionwhich have had an impact at thelocal, state, regional, and nationallevels. She has numerous articlespublished in refereed counselingjournals and served on the editori-al boards for the Journal of Coun-seling and Development, Coun-selor Education and Supervision,and Alabama Counseling Associ-ation Journal. Dr. Carney hasgiven over 50 presentations at thenational and state levels. Her dedi-cation to the field of counseloreducation is reflected in thenumerous professional honors andawards she has received, includ-ing the Distinguished ProfessionalService Award from the AlabamaCounseling Association (2005)and the George E. Hill Distin-guished Professional ServiceAlumni Award at Ohio University(2001).

Over the years, Dr. Carney’sservice to CSI has included a vari-ety of positions and offices, bothhigh profile and behind thescenes. She served as presidentof CSI in 2003-2004. Under herleadership, the fellow-ship/internship program wasrestructured to provide increasedtraining and networking opportuni-ties for CSI’s emerging leaders.Previous to her service as presi-dent, Dr. Carney served as trea-surer in 1999-2001. She has addi-tionally chaired the Faculty Advi-sor Network and also served as a

(continued on page 15)

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PAGE 8 SUMMER, 2009CHI SIGMA IOTA

CSI DAY IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINACSI chapters, members, and leaders engaged in many activities during CSI Day at the

ACA Convention in Charlotte, NC.

Leadership Panel Award Recipients

IOTA PHI (Philippines) Leaders SIGMA PHI SIGMA

Beta Chi Alpha Eta

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SUMMER, 2009 PAGE 9CHI SIGMA IOTA

Individuals join a wide varietyof professional organizations andhonor societies for many differentreasons. Some join because theyare encouraged to by their pro-fessors who have witnessed stu-dents’ academic excellence.Some join because they think itlooks good on their resumes.Additionally, students join profes-sional organizations becausethey want to impress other stu-dents and faculty with the num-ber of memberships they main-tain. But one of the most impor-tant reasons to join an honorsociety is because many profes-sionals and future professionalswant to demonstrate a commit-ment to their profession and acommitment to excellence. In adiscussion concerning profes-sional membership at SenecaCollege in Ontario, Canada theidea of membership in a profes-sional organization was put inperspective with the followingwords: “Belonging to professionalgroups provides a community-based experience that will notonly allow you to meet other pro-fessionals in the field, but alsowill open doors to future possibil-ities.” The possibilities for thefuture are numerous and manyhave yet to be defined. Member-ship in Chi Sigma Iota opens thedoor to possibilities that includeopportunities for advocacy, lead-ership, and service.

Membership in Chi Sigma Iotabrings with it many benefits thatinclude: leadership opportunities,service opportunities, credibility,professional development, net-working, newsletters, forums, andmember services. Each of thesebenefits is designed to meet the

individual and collective needs ofChi Sigma Iota members. I choseto become a Chi Sigma Iota LifeMember in 1998 when still amember of the Epsilon TauChapter at Texas A&M Universi-ty-Commerce. I have found thedecision to be a visible demon-stration of my commitment toexcellence that provides me withthe opportunity to serve my pro-fession and my community andto receive the benefits of mem-bership throughout my careerand beyond. Life membershiphas also led me to becomingmore involved in Chi Sigma Iotaactivities.

Involvement as members ofChi Sigma Iota often beginswhen we are in our master’s pro-grams. We pay our dues andbegin to get involved through vol-unteering. We attend CSI day,make presentations, and getinvolved in local chapter activi-ties. During our days of studyingand preparation for a counselingcareer, we work hard to developand demonstrate academicexcellence and that often con-sumes our focus. We seek tomake a name for ourselves andmany of us strive to be admittedto counselor education doctoralprograms. Our lives are con-sumed with academic endeavorsand we demonstrate that withvigor. But what about life afterour graduate programs? Myinvolvement has included beingchapter membership chair, activi-ties volunteer, faculty advisor,and assisting with leadershiptraining and surveying the needsof our members.

Chi Sigma Iota is an academicand professional honor society

that recognizes scholastic andprofessional excellence. We mostoften gain membership while stu-dents and then carry on the tra-ditions of membership as profes-sionals. I am always proud to letall counselors know that I am amember of Chi Sigma Iota, and Iam even more proud to let themknow that I have chosen to be aLife Member. I have made a com-mitment to excellence that I knowwill continue to span the remain-der of my professional career. Mygrowth and determination has inpart been forged by my member-ship in Chi Sigma Iota, and Ihope yours has as well. Theopportunities I have had profes-sionally have partly come frommy association with Chi SigmaIota and the many friendships Ihave developed as a result.Being a Life Member sends themessage to everyone that youare ready to serve. It is a testi-mony to your belief in service toChi Sigma Iota and its future.Today, I serve as the faculty advi-sor to Beta Kappa Tau chapter atSam Houston State University. Itis been a wonderful opportunityto give back to the organizationthat has given me so much.

A life membership expressesyour personal confidence in thefuture of Chi Sigma Iota. Yourspecial support of Chi Sigma Iotawill also help to build a betterfuture for tomorrow’s membersand the people and communitiesthey will serve. As a member,you will also help the Society toestablish a working capital fundto improve its programs. Lifemembership is also a way tohonor a member who has servedthe society and demonstrated a

Membership: A Commitment to ExcellenceRichard C. Henriksen Jr., Ph.D., LPC-S, Life Member, Beta Kappa Tau Advisor

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PAGE 10 SUMMER, 2009CHI SIGMA IOTA

Our Strategic Planning survey lastfall gave us a snapshot of variousmember types. One of those that Ifound most valuable was regardingour Chapter Faculty Advisors. In spiteof a very busy time of the year forthem, almost one third responded (N= 78) to a fairly involved question-naire.

Our Chapter Faculty Advisorsresponding are a diverse group. Sixtypercent are female, 75 percent Cau-casian, 16 percent African American,6 percent Asian American, and 16percent biracial/multiple heritageincluding Native American. Most haveserved only one chapter. Many arerelatively new to being a ChapterFaculty Advisor: 19 percent servingless than one year, 30 percent 2-3years, and 25 percent have served 4-6 years. Over 40 percent are non-tenured, assistant professors.

Time devoted to working with theirchapters included one half reporting2-3 hours per week, about a quarterspending one hour per week butanother twenty percent spending 4-5hours per week with chapter leaders,members, and in some form of men-toring and planning. Two thirds feltsupported by their department butthey also noted that such servicedoes not count for much in theirannual evaluations.

The vast majority (82%) arepleased to serve as CFAs and equal-ly important they selected “the oppor-tunity to mentor” their chief motiva-tion for serving. This is a vital rolethat they have chosen and it corre-sponds to the importance for theircounselor education programs.

The new standards for nationalaccreditation are now more specificabout the importance of leadershipdevelopment and advocacy compe-tencies for graduates of counselor

education programs. Chi Sigma Iotahas as its mission to address thesecompetencies. With over 60,000members and chapters in over 250university programs, our chaptersand CSI are the prime organizationspreparing leaders for the profession.

In addition, the national accredita-tion standards require verification thatthe program faculty actively engagespractitioners, supervisors, employers,and graduates in the process of con-tinually assessing their success inpreparing competent practitioners.CSI chapters help to meet thisrequirement through outreach andongoing activities of the chapters.

One example is through engagingalumni members as sources ofpracticum and internship sites,employment opportunities, and men-toring. CSI chapters serve all stu-dents of the counselor education pro-gram. They are also a means to stayin touch with alumni through whomrecommendations for new studentsare received. University donors comefrom this group as well.

Each year I send letters to univer-sity administrators noting the time,talent, and effort that their ChapterFaculty Advisors devoted to mentor-ing, guiding and inspiring the univer-sity’s students. They represent thevery best that the university offers toits students and alumni. Theydeserve the universities’ and our sin-cere thanks and highest regard forselflessly sharing their time, talents,and expertise. Hopefully, we can con-tribute to changing the culture of fac-ulty evaluations to include this factthrough even more proactive effortsin the future.

Chapter Faculty Advisors: Co-Curricular Advocacy and

Leadership MentorsTom Sweeney, Executive Director

Welcome NewWelcome NewChaptersChapters

Welcome to the following new ChiSigma Iota Chapters:

Beta AlphaNorthern Arizona University

Alpha Omega MuUniversity of Nevada-Reno

Phi Gamma SigmaArgosy University-Chicago

Mu Chi OmegaMississippi College

commitment to excellence. Whatbetter way to recognize the com-mitment of a long time memberwho has given so much of him-self or herself to Chi Sigma Iota.Membership, regular or lifetime,is critical. Why? Because itdemonstrates a commitment toexcellence in a noble professionand it tells our leadership thatwe are ready to serve.

Life Membership(continued from page 9)

©

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SUMMER, 2009 PAGE 11CHI SIGMA IOTA

Zeta Chapter of the Universityof Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)and Upsilon Chi Sigma Chapter ofthe University of Connecticut(UConn) jointly participated in avideoconference with Dr. MartyJencius of Kent State University(KSU). The title of the one-hourseminar was “The Use of Technol-ogy in Counseling.” Dr. Jencius iswidely known in Counselor Edu-cation for his involvement with thecounselor education list serveknown as “CESNET.”

Zeta Chapter conducts monthlyseminars for students in the UABCounselor Education Program,which focus on pertinent issuesaffecting the counseling profes-sion. The Zeta Board’s originalidea was to host a seminar on theintegration of technology andcounseling. After further discus-sion, it was decided to alsoinclude another chapter fromanother part of the country usingvideo-conferencing technology to“connect” both chapters. ZetaChapter Advisor Dr. Larry Tysoninitiated conversation with col-league Dr. Rachelle Perusse ofUConn to determine if she andthe Upsilon Chi Sigma Chapterwere interested. After discussingthe topic and determining if therewere day and time options avail-able (both schools are on differenttime zones), Dr. Jencius was con-tacted to see if he was interestedin speaking to both chapters viavideo- conference. After confer-ence calls and emails back andforth, Drs. Jencius, Perusse, andTyson agreed on a specific dayand time. During these discus-sions it was determined all threeschools had the appropriate tech-

nology and support personnel. Itwas decided UAB would serve asthe “hub” or “bridge” site. Essen-tially this meant the UAB technol-ogy support person would be theinitiator with technology supportpersonnel from both KSU andUConn. Important to this being asuccess was that each site had avideoconference room, technolo-gy support personnel, and com-patible software. KSU and UConntechnology personnel phone num-bers and emails were sent to theUAB contact person allowing fortechnology support personnelfrom each school to communicatewith each other. When technolo-gy personnel from each schoolhad determined connectionrequirements, a trial date andtime was determined. This trialdate and time (approximately 30minutes) required Drs. Jencius,Perusse, and Tyson to be avail-able to “check” for picture andsound quality and to allow each ofthe technology support personnelto communicate with each otherto double check their equipmentand connection. During this “trialrun,” Drs. Jencius, Perusse, andTyson discussed rules and proto-col participants from both chap-ters would follow when askingquestions and making comments.

Both chapters enjoyed an hourand a half seminar with Dr. Jen-cius regarding “The Use of Tech-nology in Counseling.” All theparticipants in one chapter couldview the participants of the otherchapter as well as also viewingDr. Jencius. Additionally, Dr. Jen-cius could view the participantsfrom each chapter. Due to dis-cussion of protocol prior to the

event, questions and commentswere made in an organized man-ner, which made the discussionmove seamlessly.

From the success of this ven-ture, Zeta Chapter of UAB wouldlike to have a videoconferenceseminar each year with anotherCSI chapter. The use of this tech-nology allowed UAB and UConnCSI members and faculty engagein a meaningful dialogue with anational leader in the field of tech-nology. Additionally, it allowedtwo chapters who would not nor-mally come into contact with eachother the opportunity to engage.On this day Kent State, the Uni-versity of Connecticut, and theUniversity of Alabama at Birming-ham used technology to bridgedistance and time zones toengage in meaningful dialogueabout our profession.

Using Technology to Provide Professional Development

Dr. Larry TysonUAB Zeta Chapter Advisor

Update(continued from page 3)

tings in which you work. If so,please answer, "I AM"

Finally, you are asked if you willsupport and encourage the membersand activities of this chapter andSociety through personal involvementin their professional programs. If so,please answer, "I WILL".

Members unable to attend theirchapter’s initiation on the occasionof their invitation to membershipare most welcome to attend andparticipate in a future initiation bynotifying the Chapter Faculty Advi-sor. If you are no longer in the geo-graphical area of your chapter,contact headquarters and we willarrange an invitation to anotherchapter closer to your present resi-dence.

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PAGE 12 SUMMER, 2009CHI SIGMA IOTA

On March 21, 2009 Dr. JamieCarney’s professional journey camefull circle when she received theThomas J. Sweeney ProfessionalLeadership Award. Dr. Carney isthe current faculty advisor for theChi Sigma Iota chapter at AuburnUniversity. In fact, Dr. Carney hasbeen its longest serving facultyadvisor to date. She started the IotaDelta Sigma Chapter 12 years agowith just 5 students, and it contin-ues to be the best part of beinginvolved in Chi Sigma Iota.

For those of us that had thehonor of witnessing Dr Carneyaccept this award, we know thatthis had a special and importantsignificance to her. As a student atOhio University Dr. Carney had theprivilege of having Dr. Sweeney asher major professor and mentor, sobecoming involved with Chi SigmaIota was important early on in herprofessional development. Dr. Car-ney has been involved in otherorganizations in ACA and foundthose experiences rewarding andmeaningful, but states that the real“power” of being involved in ChiSigma Iota is the emphasis andconnection with students and futurecounselors and counselor educa-tors. She states, “There is such astrong commitment to the processof mentoring and professional com-mitment that it can at times be notonly meaningful but slightly conta-gious!”

The highlight of Dr. Carney’seducational and professional jour-ney was the excellent mentors whodemonstrated the significant andcritical reality that counselors andcounselor educators are all tied tothe process of advocacy and social

justice. She states that these com-ponents require that we are activelyengaged in the growth andenhancement of counseling and thelives of our clients and students.This conceptualization of profes-sional identity clarifies that profes-sional involvement is a cornerstoneof our identity as counselors.

In today’s economic uncertaintyprofessional involvement could notbe more critical, as many if not allof us are feeling the crunch andscarcity of employment. Dr. Carneystates, “I think all of us, as coun-selors and counselor educators, arechallenged by the current economicconcerns. These concerns havegreatly impacted educational andcommunity based mental healthsystems. I watch colleagues strug-gle with these challenges and theimpact on their programs, studentsand clients. There are so manypeople dealing with the day to daystresses of poverty and working sohard to not be defined by their eco-nomic status. Poverty has alwaysbeen a critical issue for counselors;however we are just now faced withlarger numbers of people living this

reality. We need to continue toadvocate in multiple ways, thisincludes within political, educationaland community based systems. Weneed to educate ourselves and beaware of how these issues areaddressed within our community,state, country and internationally.As overwhelming as these chal-lenges may seem it is also impor-tant to realize that sometimes thesmallest acts can have great signifi-cance. As an educator I hope that Iam able to teach my students thislesson so they know that they canhave an impact and make a differ-ence.”

Dr. Carney would like students toknow that being a counselor ismore than just an ability to demon-strate a particular skill, it is impor-tant to understand what you bringto the process. In addition, being acounselor who advocates for clientwell-being and the profession, anindividual must know his or hergoals, biases, expectations, as wellas strengths; these factors will con-tinue to shape and affect your roleas a counselor and the counselingprocess.

Faculty Advisor HighlightJamie Carney

Professional involvement as the cornerstone of a counselor’s professional identity

Nikki VasilasExemplar Associate Editor

Jamie Carney

Membership Survey is available atcsi-net.org. Click on the MembershipTab and then the Membership SurveyResults on the right. Summaries ofthe data by member categories aswell as overall are included.

The Strategic Planning Committeeand CSI Executive Council are contin-uing to discuss implications of the sur-vey and ways to make CSI member-ship and services more meaningful forall members. Feedback is always wel-come!

Survey(continued from page 4)

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SUMMER, 2009 PAGE 13CHI SIGMA IOTA

The things we do today oftenhave an impact on what tomorrowwill look like. Whether you are anindividual, part of a small group, ora member of a state/national asso-ciation, you can make a difference.This is an integral part of the“20/20: Vision for the Future ofCounseling” initiative co-sponsoredby ACA and the American Associa-tion of State Counseling Boards(AASCB). Thirty counseling organi-zations are represented, includingChi Sigma Iota (the internationalhonor society for professional coun-selors). As members of Chi SigmaIota, your commitment to promotingexcellence in the profession ofcounseling and involvement in thepolicy formation process thatadvances our profession is vital.The work of the CSI AdvocacyCommittee focuses on improvingthe public’s perception of profes-sional counselors by advocating forissues that will strengthen the pro-fession.

Although many of you are awarethat the Mental Health Parity legis-lation finally passed after six years,there continues to be a great dealof work that lies ahead for profes-sional counselors. For example, thisyear the director of ACA’s PublicPolicy & Legislation office, ScottBarstow, called upon all profession-al counselors to engage in a grass-roots effort to amend Medicare toinclude professional counselors asservice providers. Under the currentlaw, only licensed Psychologistsand licensed Independent SocialWorkers are allowed to providenon-medical mental health servicesto Medicare recipients. Therefore,Medicare recipients have restrictedor no access to mental health careespecially in rural and semi-ruralareas which are often underservedeven when there are competent

licensed professional counselors intheir own communities. Additionally,many of us are aware that there isstill a need to attain professionalcounselor licensure portability legis-lation. Portability would provide thepublic confidence that regardless ofthe state they are in; they are enti-tled to meet with com¬petent pro-fessional counselors who possessthe appropriate educational andexperiential foundation.

Each and every one of you hasthe opportunity to own your profes-sion and advocate for the servicesyou believe to be relevant for theclients you serve. We want you tofeel comfortable in this process. Wewant you to TAKE ACTION! By sus-taining a vocal and noticeable pres-ence throughout the policy-makingprocess, professional counselorscan ensure that vital mental healthprograms and services are protect-ed and supported - both fiscallyand politically. There are severalavenues to get involved and helpchart the direction of policy. There-fore, we are pleased to announcethat in the upcoming editions ofCSI’s Exemplar, there will be anAdvocacy Tips section to assist youin the advocacy process to promotethe profession of counseling.

Dr. Tom Sweeney, the CSI Exec-utive Council, and the CSI Advoca-cy Committee actively support andrigorously advocate on importantmental health issues throughout theyear. We need you! Your participa-tion would help because legislatorslisten to what their constituentshave to say, as constituents aretheir first priority. The AdvocacyTips section will provide you with allof the information and resourcesyou need to contact your policymakers and be successful in youradvocacy efforts.

Counselor Advocacy TipsAdvocating for Counselors

of Tomorrow (ACT)

Seeking Jobs(continued from page 1)Hunting Guide would answer all ofthe students’ questions. Therefore,members participating in the projectalso invited recipients to contact themby email or on the Facebook socialnetworking website(www.facebook.com), where bothalumni and students are members ofa chapter group.

Based on this project, Upsilon NuChi offers the following suggestionsto other CSI chapters:

• Create an Alumni and Profes-sional Members Committee foryour chapter. If possible, co-chairs should include a memberworking in the community and acurrent student who can interactwith other leaders on campus.

• Start a Facebook group to facili-tate communication between stu-dents and alumni. Any chaptercreating a Facebook groupshould review CSI's Social Net-working policy. www.csi-net.org

• Invite alumni, especially recentgraduates, to create a Job Hunt-ing Guide for current students.Ask for feedback about everystage of a job search, includingresearching positions, network-ing, applying, and interviewing.Ensure that respondents work indiverse settings and represent allspecialties within the profession.

• Distribute contact information ofalumni who are willing to mentorstudents as they search for jobs.

Through projects like this, CSIchapters can provide a support net-work for student members as theytransition into their careers as profes-sional counselors. Furthermore, thiseffort will help alumni recognize thevalue of their continued involvementin CSI.

Coming SoonComing SoonExemplar Special Issue on

Social Justice

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PAGE 14 SUMMER, 2009CHI SIGMA IOTA

American School CounselingAssociation (ASCA) NationalModel

I am motivated by the increasedtrend of implementing the ASCANational Model. It supports schoolcounselors in shaping students inacademic, personal/social, andcareer domains. The ASCA NationalModel outlines the school coun-selor’s position and ideal time allot-ments for responsibilities, includingadvocacy. I especially appreciate therecommended counselor-to-studentratio for the intended purpose ofcounselors serving all studentseffectively. Jennifer Danese, RhoAlpha Mu, Penn State University

Currently, we are seeing the ASCANational Model being implemented inschools. The prospects of this trendare exciting. The ASCA NationalModel creates formal standards forcounseling programs on a districtlevel. Although there are many bene-fits, there may also be some draw-backs. Family involvement in schoolbased activities, teams, and programsis an area in which many schools andthe ASCA National Model needimprovement. Sarah Kresge andCarly Scarton, Rho Alpha Mu, PennState University

Complementary and AlternativeApproaches to Counseling

The current trend of counselors inrecommending the many growingavenues of health and wellness sup-port services, such as meditation,yoga, and nutritional guidance,focuses on treating the whole indi-vidual. It is both comforting andinspirational to know that there aremany areas a counselor can suggestfor the continual education anddevelopment of a client. RosemaryMenarchem, Lambda Iota Beta,Long Island University

Counseling Older Adults

The rapid growth of the geriatricpopulation is a less familiar territorythat will impact the future of counsel-ing. I think, as a counselor, it is anexciting time to enter the field andengage in this moment of change.On the other hand, this transforma-tion is fast approaching. Because ofthis, I contend that based on curricu-lum and CACREP standards, thistopic is not addressed sufficiently.Michelle Nerish, Chi Sigma Mu,Montclair State University

Employment

With the economic crisis comes agreat deal of worry. There is angst,confusion, exasperation, and severalother descriptors that could be usedto reference the apprehension on themind of not only future professionalcounselors, but of professionals whoare waiting anxiously on the horizon.Truthfully, I am uncertain if there willbe a position available for me to beginmy future as a professional counselor.Falon Williams, Delta Gamma, Uni-versity of South Florida

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

One motivator, which greatlyimpacts the future of counseling, isthe expansion of EBP. Critics claimthat this movement discredits theimportance of a positive therapeuticalliance. Whereas I support the ther-apeutic alliance as being the singlemost important factor related tochange in counseling, I find it trou-blesome to question EBP. Encourag-ing critical thinking and using EBP isnot only ethical, but also exciting asit encourages new counselors todevelop their own empirical ‘foot-print’! Stephanie F. Dailey, SigmaPhi Sigma, Argosy Universi-ty/Washington, DC

Expressive Therapies

When asked to define whatchanges in modern counseling moti-vate me, I immediately consideredthe increasing acceptance of nontra-ditional modalities. It seems to methat the field is really beginning toappreciate the healing and transfor-mative power of the creativeprocess. Julia Whisenhun, GammaZeta, University of West Georgia

Multiculturalism and Social Justice

I am ecstatic to learn about thenew developments and componentsof multicultural counseling and com-petencies. In my love of multicultur-alism and social justice, however, Iworry about the illegitimacies con-cerning individuals who may notwholeheartedly support these con-cepts. There are pushes to becomeadvocates and culturally competent,but I prefer to have passionate coun-selors participating. Ariel Winston,Chi Epsilon, Georgia State Universi-ty

Technology

Technology has undoubtedlymade its footprint on our everydaylives. While this has opened ourworld to a new level of communica-tion, the majority of users areunaware of the malicious ways inwhich these technologies can beimplemented to exploit others. Forexample, in 2008, Jesse Logan (18)committed suicide after being tor-mented in school due to an ex-boyfriend sending her naked pictureto hundreds of students’ cell phones.Despite the obvious atrocity of theseacts, I worry about our preparednessto counsel these children who arere-victimized by the awful reality thatonce something is disseminated dig-itally, it will never completely beerased.Cassandra Armato, DeltaGamma, University of South Florida

Student InsightsWhat current developments in the counseling field

motivate you? Which worry you? How will these trendsimpact your future as a professional counselor?

Edited by Liz Mellin

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SUMMER, 2009 PAGE 15CHI SIGMA IOTA

Finally, CSI is in the process ofupdating our strategic plan. Aspart of this update, the strategicplanning committee will be sub-mitting the revised strategic planwith the mission, vision, goals,and objectives that will guide ourfuture. I am most excited aboutthe emphasis on wellness andhuman dignity in the vision state-ment and the added objective thatprovides opportunities and sup-port of professional and socialadvocacy. These additions re-emphasize that service remains acore value to CSI.

Service to individuals, commu-nity, and profession are importantto CSI and to me. I am honored tobe serving as your president thisyear. Albert Schweitzer said: “Theonly ones among you who will bereally happy are those who willhave sought and found how toserve.” Thus, in the midst ofthese changing times, what canwe do as CSI to promote excel-lence in service?

President(continued from page 2)

Student Ideas and Experiences Needed forStudent Ideas and Experiences Needed forPublication!Publication!

Edited by Liz Mellin

I am looking for CSI student member ideas to be published in the summer and fall 2009 editions of EXEMPLAR

around the “Student Insights” question listed below. The new question is:

What types of professionals from related helping disciplines (e.g., social workers, educators,

psychiatrists, psychologists) do you anticipate working with as a counselor? What skills might you

need to collaborate and communicate with other professionals? How can the counseling profession

improve training for interdisciplinary practice?

Submission deadline July 15, 2009

Submissions of no more than 300 words should be submitted as a Word document to Dr. Elizabeth Mellin by

email <eam20@psu.edu>. Please include your name, chapter, and institutional affiliation on your submission.

The Fall 2009 The Fall 2009 ExemplarExemplar is our is our

election issue. Look for election issue. Look for candidate informationcandidate informationand ballots this fall.and ballots this fall.

Don’t forget to vote forDon’t forget to vote foryour new leadership!your new leadership!

In Memoriam: In Memoriam:

Frank Ritz Frank Ritz (1949-2009), (1949-2009),

Sigma Phi SigmaSigma Phi Sigma

member of the awards committee.She has been one of CSI’slongest serving faculty advisors,serving as the Iota Delta SigmaChapter’s faculty advisor since1997.

A Note of Gratitude

Selection of award recipientswas a smooth and fun process!Special thanks to all those whoserved on the Awards Committee:Dr. Susan Adams, Dr. ValerieBalog, Dr. Richard Hazler, RachelHoffman, Dr. Daniel Kissinger, Dr.Amy McLeod, Dr. Casey Barrio-Minton, Dr. Quinn Pearson, MarinnPierce, Dr. Carl Sheperis, Dr.Nancy Sherman, Dr. ChippewaThomas, Dr. Heather Trepal, Dr.Chinwe Uwah, Dr. June Williams,and Dr. Geoffrey Yager. I wouldlike to especially thank Dr. JuneWilliams for her invaluable men-torship during my first year asAwards Chair! Also, I sincerelyappreciate Kelley Rowland forher assistance with all aspects ofthe awards process, from organiz-ing the nominee list to orderingaward plaques and printing theawards booklet.

CSI Day(continued from page 7)

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CHI SIGMA IOTA

Chi Sigma Iota Exemplar

CSI HeadquartersP. O. Box 35448Greensboro, NC 27425-5448

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCOLUMBIA, SCPERMIT NO. 706

DISCLAIMER:The Exemplar is published three times a year by Chi Sigma

Iota International. The editors reserve the right to edit and deter-mine the appropriateness of all submitted material. Any materialsubmitted for publication in the Exemplar should be accompa-nied by a name, address, and phone number. It is the responsi-bility of the contributing writer to check the accuracy of the mate-rial submitted.

Material submitted by a contributor is the expression of thecontributor and is not necessarily the official position of theExemplar or Chi Sigma Iota International.

CSI reserves the right to reject and/or edit all copy.Advertising is not accepted.All material must be sent to Dana Heller Levitt, Exemplar

Editor, levittd@mail.montclair.edu, or mail, Counseling and Edu-cational Leadership, Montclair State University, One NormalAvenue, Montclair, NJ 07043.

©

PAGE 16 SUMMER, 2009CHI SIGMA IOTA

Kenneth W. Sneed Alpha Chi

Kitichia C. Weekes Alpha Delta

Carol A. Jones Alpha Epsilon

Rose Mary M. Rosella Alpha Epsilon

David R. Dagg Alpha Lambda Rho

Victoria Sepulveda Alpha Omega

Keisha M. Buynitzky Alpha Upsilon Alpha

Andrea L. Cooper Alpha Upsilon Sigma

Landry Dixon Alpha Zeta

Danetta N. Pearson Epsilon

Judith Miranti Epsilon Upsilon

Bonnie I. Bennett Eta

Dolores K. Fair Gamma PsiDelta

Patricia M. Beatty Mu Upsilon Gamma

Colleen B. Bourassa Pi Sigma Upsilon

Veronica L. Waller Omega Delta

Michelle A. Peer Sigma Phi Beta

Hilda C. Mermea Theta Theta Upsilon

Debra Boroff Upsilon Nu Kappa

David Vanlandingham Upsilon Sigma Alpha

Tonya M. Jasinski Upsilon Sigma Chi

Cornelius Pitts Zeta Zeta

CSI ProudlyCSI ProudlyThanks DonorsThanks Donors

With their permission, we wish to publicly thank those who have been gracious in their contributions to Chi Sigma Iota in therecent past and acknowledge their commitment to excellence beyond that which is expected.

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