Residency

Overview

Grace College requires three annual “residency” sessions over the course of the entire online Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program.  Residency is a 7-10 day on-campus experience created to increase the personal interaction and relationship between students and their faculty while completing specific academic coursework.  Residency is where our student cohorts meet and build relationships that carry into the online learning environment and beyond.  Students will also receive important orientation, advising, and training information during these residential periods.

Residency FAQs

1. What is Residency?
Grace College requires three distinct “residency” sessions as part of the online Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. Residency is a 7-10 day on-campus experience that is typically scheduled once a year. Residency is created to facilitate relationships between students and faculty while engaging in academic and social activities. Residency is also where our student cohorts meet and form bonds that carry on into the online learning environment and beyond. Students will also receive important orientation, advising, and training information during these residential periods.

2. Are classes offered during Residency?
The Department of Online Graduate Counseling (DOGC) has carefully planned the CMHC schedule of study with student development in mind. Classes offered during residency are considered foundational to our student’s worldview and skill development. Students in the first and second year of the CMHC program will typically receive intensive skills training while students in their third year of the program will learn key information about transitioning from student to professional. Residency classes will have a substantial face-to-face component that students will complete during their time on-campus.

3. What costs should I prepare for during Residency?
Students should consider the following residency costs: 1) transportation to and from Residency, 2) textbooks purchased prior to Residency, 3) hotel accommodations and 4) some food costs. The school assists with information on travel, lodging, and meal arrangements.

4. How should I dress during Residency?
The CMHC program is meant to train the student to become professionals in the field of clinical mental health counseling. We expect the CMHC student’s attire to reflect their unique status as graduate students and future professionals. Snappy-casual or dress-casual is recommended.

5. Should I bring my family or spouse to Residency?
Students must prepare for a rigorous Residency schedule that requires both graduate-level coursework and spiritual/relational development. Some students consider bringing their families with them during Residency, but this is generally discouraged due to the lack of free time built into the Residency schedule. Students typically do not find the Residency period conducive to being able to spend time with their families.

6. Should I bring my computer or tablet to Residency?
Yes! Students are encouraged to bring their computers and mobile devices to Residency as almost every course in the online CMHC program will have an online component to it. While students will have access to on-campus computers during Residency, it is more convenient for our students to work with their own computers and technology to ensure their systems meets the minimum technology requirements for our program. In addition, the Grace College Office of Information Technology (OIT) will be available to help with any student questions about their computers or other technology.

7. Where do I go if I have more questions about Residency?
The DOGC staff and faculty are committed to helping our CMHC students successfully navigate our exceptional master’s degree program. We desire to make your Residency experience a highlight of your program at Grace College. Please contact us with any question, big or tiny, and it will be our pleasure to help you. Call us toll-free at 888.249.0533.