Data-Based Decisions

One major change after 2023-24, based on student demand, was expanding availability of the clinical field experience (COMD 5960) to non-paid student internship placements. Previously, this experience was available only to individuals already employed in SLPA positions seeking further education and certification. The change required USU Legal Counsel to approve taking on student liability and creating a contract to be signed by the school district that takes on the student. The official course description change was submitted to Curriculog in August, 2025.

Other program changes based on informal feedback were:

• In COMD 4200, increasing instruction in SLPA scope of practice and professionalism.
• In COMD 5960, having instructors evaluate students on technical proficiencies at mid-term and end-term in addition to signing off on completion of the 100 hours.
• Not allowing students in field experiences located in Cache Valley to avoid competing for the few available sites required for SLP graduate student training.
• Change COMD 3120 to a 4xxx or 5xxx to be consistent with the course content and curriculum sequence.
• Submitted a change to require a bachelor's degree by the time of completion of the SLPA Certificate.