Counseling Program Advisory Committees: A Structural Recommendation

Authors

Allison K. Arnekrans, Central Michigan UniversityFollow
Ellen Armbruster, Central Michigan UniversityFollow
Leslie Neyland-Brown, University of ToledoFollow
Robin DuFresne, Heidelberg UniversityFollow

Author Biography

The four authors are all Counselor Educators in CACREP-accredited counseling programs at midwestern universities with over a decade of experience in this role. Each author has experienced either participating on an program advisory committee as a member or assembling and managing a committee at their respective institutions. The first two authors helped to create the structural recommendation described in this manuscript.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

advisory committee, advisory council, counselor education, CACREP standards, stakeholder feedback

Subject Area

Counselor Education

Abstract

The 2024 CACREP accreditation standards now require counseling programs to assemble a program advisory committee to solicit feedback from stakeholders. While many programs have opted to establish advisory committees despite the lack of a requirement in the past, the inclusion of this new standard challenges programs to become more intentional and structured. The history and purpose of advisory committees will be reviewed, and a proposed structure is offered as a recommendation for programs.

Public Significance Statement

This manuscript examines the role of Counseling Program Advisory Committees in shaping effective counselor education programs. These committees serve as a critical bridge between counselor education programs and the communities they serve, ensuring that training aligns with workforce demands and community needs. By providing a structural recommendation for establishing and maintaining an effective committee, this study offers a practical framework for programs to foster collaboration, improve curriculum relevance, and enhance graduate preparedness. These findings have the potential to strengthen counselor education and contribute to a more responsive and well-trained counseling workforce.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/6nigikgf

Recommended Citation

Arnekrans, A. K., Armbruster, E., Neyland-Brown, L., & DuFresne, R. (2025). Counseling Program Advisory Committees: A Structural Recommendation. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/6nigikgf