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Covid-19 Updates

The Chicago School – Updates on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak

In 2023, The Chicago School rescinded its COVID-19 vaccination requirements for employees and students.

January 10, 2023

UPDATE: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to assist students with expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

October 7, 2022

July 11, 2022

April 8, 2022

UPDATE: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for various expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

January 7, 2022

UPDATE: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for various expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

COVID-19 Update: Spring 2022 Semester to Begin Remote – December 22, 2021

After reviewing the latest developments with the Omicron variant, especially considering its transmissibility amidst the holiday travel season, we believe a remote start will best ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.

The Chicago School ground campuses will start the Spring 2022 semester with remote instruction and limited campus operations, with a target date for a full in-person return of January 24, 2022.

Here’s what you need to know:

For all ground campus students, your ground campus location will be closed until January 24. All instruction will be remote. This does not apply to XULA students and Nursing students at the Dallas Campus. XULA students should follow the guidance of XULA and Dallas Nursing students should expect to continue in person.
For ground campus employees and student workers, ground campuses will open on January 3, 2022 as scheduled with limited operating hours for essential operations and activities.
Ground campus employees, including student workers, will be contacted by their supervisor if there is a need for them to be on campus between now and January 24.

All ground campus employees and students should expect to resume their regular on-campus, in-person schedule beginning January 24, 2022, but should look for further guidance as that date approaches.

To protect yourself and those around you, we encourage all who are able to get vaccinated (and boosted) against COVID-19, if they have not done so already. As a reminder, students can submit proof of vaccination through our Community Site – COVID-19 Resource Hub and employees can submit proof of vaccination through Workday. If you have questions, please contact the TCSPP COVID-19 Response Team at [email protected].

November 3, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Compliance Deadline Extended to December 19, 2021

A message from President Michele Nealon, Psy.D.

I am writing today to inform you that we are extending the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy compliance deadline to the end of the fall semester, December 19, 2021. Additionally, to comply with the recent release of Executive Order GA-40 in the state of Texas, we are suspending the application of The Chicago School’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for employees and students of our Dallas Campus until further notice.

This is an extension of our original deadline for compliance of November 1. Thank you to all who have come into compliance with the policy thus far. We have made much progress in this regard. It is, however, taking longer than anticipated to get the entire community to the point of full compliance. Extending the deadline allows the remaining members of our community the time they need to either become fully vaccinated or complete the exemption process. It also allows us time to see and respond to emerging guidance from federal and state agencies or officials.

Vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe illness from all known variants of COVID-19. The vast majority of COVID-19 spread is among unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the importance of high rates of vaccination in our communities. That is why we will continue to pursue full community compliance with our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. No action will have a more important or beneficial impact on the health of our communities than vaccination.

If you have questions about this policy, please visit the COVID-19 Resource Hub. Students may also contact their student support counselor with questions. Employees should contact HR with questions. We wish each of you a healthy and productive fall.

October 8, 2021

UPDATE: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for various expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

August 30, 2021

COVID-19 Update: Vaccine Requirement, Effective November 1, 2021

A message from President Michele Nealon, Psy.D.

If the COVID-19 virus has taught us any lessons over the past 18 months, they are the lessons of unpredictability, humility, nimbleness, and adaptability. Just a few months ago, case rates were declining, and vaccination rates were rising. Our global community hoped for the moment when masking would be over and when we could gather in person with fewer restrictions and less worry.

Unfortunately, we are not there yet. As with so many aspects of COVID-19, we are confronting yet another curveball: the Delta variant. This variant is particularly concerning because it is more easily spread than previous strains of the virus and some data suggest the Delta variant might cause more severe illness in unvaccinated people than previous strains.

Announcing The Chicago School’s COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement, Effective November 1, 2021

With this context in mind, and with news that the Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech’s two-dose COVID-19 vaccine with approval of the Moderna vaccine anticipated to soon follow, The Chicago School will require proof of the COVID-19 vaccine for all employees and students accessing any campus location or university-sponsored event, effective November 1, 2021.

With this decision now in hand, please note:

The Chicago School will release additional information, including the official COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement policy and instructions for how to comply with these requirements on September 7.
The Chicago School will process and approve exceptions to the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Policy for medical or religious reasons. Please contact our student support team for assistance with this process if it applies to you.
Between now and September 7, you should start the vaccination process, if you have not already done so and are able to do so.
Students and faculty members will have until November 1, 2021, to comply with the updated requirement. This allows adequate time to get vaccinated if you have not already done so, submit proof of vaccination, or process a religious or medical accommodation.

Vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe illness from all known variants of COVID-19. The vast majority of COVID-19 spread is among unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the importance of high rates of vaccination in our communities. That is why we have encouraged vaccination so strongly and why we are now are setting the requirement for all members of the community who are capable and eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In the face of the pandemic, no action will have a more important or beneficial impact on the health of our communities than vaccination.

Maintaining our Flexibility and Vigilance Across Fall 2021

The emergence of the Delta variant and the resulting surge in case counts require that we continue to proceed with additional caution, particularly at the start of the semester. In addition to The Chicago School’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement, effective November 1, we will continue to follow the safety guidelines in our COVID-19 Campus Operations Plans, including the universal masking requirement in place on all campuses. Rigorous masking is a proven, effective check on the spread of COVID-19.

Our ground campuses remain open for fall 2021. Facilities are open, in-person instruction will continue, and campus-based employees will continue to report to work. To best respond to the surging COVID-19 cases in our communities, and to give employees and students time to comply with the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccine requirement, we will also be increasing our hybrid, virtual, and flexible arrangements for in-person instruction and operations.

We are planning for this increased flexibility through November 1, 2021. Given the rapidly changing nature of the pandemic, our university-wide Return to Campus Committee will continue to monitor conditions across our campus locations and respond to any future changes accordingly. We will provide an additional update on a return to full in-person instruction and operations in mid-October.

Your campus dean is working closely with the chief academic officer and department chairs to identify what (if any) courses should operate in a flexible or remote environment temporarily to best suit your needs and learning outcomes. You will receive communication directly from your course professor detailing the hybrid, virtual, or flexible nature of instruction as it applies.

In Closing

As we make plans to return for fall 2021, the health and safety of our community continue to be the highest priority. This cautious approach we are taking for the upcoming academic year will support our efforts to keep moving forward as safely as possible.

The Chicago School will continue to thrive, educate students, and serve the community because of the patience and kindness everyone has continued to show each other. We will face fall 2021 and each semester ahead with flexibility and resilience, ebbing and flowing with the uncertainty the pandemic has brought to our daily personal and professional lives. We remain committed to supporting your ability to continue with your educational journey.

July 9, 2021

UPDATE: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for various expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

May 25, 2021

A message from President Michele Nealon, Psy.D.

COVID-19 vaccine information

Since announcing our decision to return to in-person instruction at our ground campus locations for the fall term, many have asked about the role the COVID-19 vaccine will play in helping us safely return to campus. While we do not yet have all the answers, what follows is the first of a series of communications I will provide throughout the summer as we obtain answers and navigate these unchartered territories together.

We know the threat of COVID-19 will not completely disappear before our return, yet we do know that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at reducing the spread of the virus, as well as preventing serious illness and death. When used in combination with other COVID-19 public health precautions, vaccines provide significant protection against the virus. For these reasons, it is clear a fully vaccinated community is the best way to reduce and eventually eliminate restrictions on our campuses. While it is not mandatory at this time, we strongly encourage all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated as soon as they can so that they are fully vaccinated before the start of the fall term. We may revisit this decision in the coming months as we continue to actively monitor the situation and the evolving guidance from various health departments. We will share updated guidance and policies as soon as possible to give our campus community time to prepare.

For general information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/.

Many of you who are providing essential services as part of your professional lives and educational journeys have reached out with questions about vaccine requirements. Thank you for your questions and the opportunity to provide as much clarity as we are able.

Some training sites for practicum or internships are requiring that students obtain the vaccine to engage in training experiences. Students must follow the requirements of the site in order to maintain their eligibility for training. If you have any concerns regarding your site’s policy regarding COVID-19 vaccines, please contact your director of clinical training for consultation.

Lastly, we have received a number of questions about returning to campus from our international students who are not in country. We are actively monitoring health and safety guidelines for students who must now travel to the United States. Information is rapidly evolving and highly variable. As such, we are handling each of our international students’ needs on an individual basis. If you are an international student and have questions, please contact your designated school official (DSO), and they will follow up on your behalf to obtain answers.

Again, I cannot emphasize enough how important vaccination is for every one of us. Please consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible if you have not already. We will continue to monitor CDC and local guidelines as well as information from the FDA regarding COVID-19 vaccines and keep you informed accordingly. In the meantime, it is my sincere wish—out of concern for the health and well-being of our community—that you all seize the opportunity to get vaccinated.

April 9, 2021

UPDATE: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for various expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

January 8, 2021

UPDATE: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for various expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

December 22, 2020

A message from President Michele Nealon, Psy.D.

Wellness is not the absence of disease. It is holistic and includes physical, mental, and spiritual health.

As we prepare for the spring term, we are thrilled for the continued opportunity to help our students continue their educational journeys.

2020 has been a year of challenge and struggle for many, but with these challenges have come amazing stories of strength and resilience as we continued to serve those in our communities.

Our students, alumni, and faculty are making an impact, one person at a time. In schools and cities across our country and around the world, so many are helping others improve their mental and physical well-being at a time when it is most needed.

We have accomplished so much and have so much to be grateful for. 2021 will be a year of change, but one in which our community will continue to make an impact, whether or not we can be together physically.

Please see the important update below about our spring 2021 term, and I look forward to the day we can all be together with colleagues, family, friends, and loved ones in person once again.

Spring 2021 COVID-19 Update:

As the fall semester comes to a close, the detrimental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have lasted far longer than any of us expected, forcing us to find ways to adapt and persevere for far longer than we might have imagined.

As we make plans for the spring 2021 semester, we do so with the hope of a new vaccine, but the spread of COVID-19 worsening across the vast majority of the country. While The Chicago School is fully prepared and hopeful for the day we can resume normal activities at each of our campuses, the prevailing trends and predictions for the regions in which we operate show that a full return to campus in spring is not advisable and, in some regions, not possible. For this reason, we believe it is in everyone’s best interest from a health and safety standpoint to continue with fully remote instruction for spring 2021.

In limited cases, if the guidance indicates it is safe to do so, certain locations may host selective class activities on campus while adhering to strict health and safety protocols. If a program in which you are enrolled or to which you are inquiring will require any such on-campus class activities, the academic department or your admissions counselor will notify you directly well in advance of the semester start so you can plan accordingly. Please note, however, that the vast majority of classes will run in a fully remote fashion, and any next steps should be planned accordingly.

All campus facilities will continue to be closed for general use for the foreseeable future and ability to be on campus for any reason will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Should restrictions begin to lift such that modified hours of operation can be expanded, you will be notified and provided with explicit instructions and guidance to adhere to while on campus. In the meantime, if you believe you have a need to come to campus, please contact your student support or admissions counselor to assist you with taking the steps needed to obtain approval to do so.

Should you have any questions about our plans for spring 2021, please bring them to your student support or admissions counselor who will follow up on your behalf. We wish you the best for a healthy and safe holiday season, and we look forward to welcoming you back, virtually, in spring!

October 30, 2020

UPDATE: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for various expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

October 9, 2020

September 30, 2020

The Fall semester is well under way. It is our second full semester of transitioning all employees and ground campus students to a virtual working and learning environment. While there are always challenges associated with any large scale change such as this, we have the great fortune of saying that the semester is progressing tremendously well given the circumstances. On behalf of The Chicago School’s leadership team I want to thank you all for the role you played in helping this to be true. It is not possible without wide-ranging collaboration as well as your patience and understanding.

Now that the Fall semester is in progress, we are turning our attention to Spring 2021. Like you, we are hopeful to see the worst of the pandemic in the rearview mirror come the start of the new year. Yet, as much as we hope for this to be true, we are evaluating and preparing in case we do not see such progress . Whether we will be back to normal, remain remote, or something in between will depend on a number of factors related to the prevailing guidance and directives of the cities and districts in which we operate. Our intent is to provide you with a definitive answer regarding Spring semester instruction and operations the week of October 23^rd. Until then, we wish you all the best with your Fall courses.

July 28, 2020

As we approach week 20 of being home and working, we should continue to be proud of our collective focus on ensuring the well being and continued advancement of our students’ academic journeys. While some of our colleagues and students became ill, they have conquered COVID-19 and are back to celebrating their health. Across the board, there is a renewed awareness of the “little things,” what we have to be most grateful for, and what is worth our attention and advocacy.

All of us are exceptionally attentive to the details necessary to launch a successful fall semester remotely. There is a universal awareness of the need to be acutely focused on the student experience. All students are living their lives right now with added stressors and complexities. I admire them tremendously for not postponing their career aspirations and for the grit they will draw upon as they start and continue their studies. We have great confidence in our intent and ability to ensure students’ needs are top of mind at all times and in our ability to be extraordinarily focused on supporting them during this unprecedented period of their lives.

We are all, no doubt, also attentive to the ever-changing guidance being communicated by local authorities and public health officials. We have our ear to the ground for every campus region and are ready to adapt our ability to be on-campus according to the mandates being communicated to us. As always, your Campus Deans will keep you apprised of any and all changes to campus access while we are remote and, for now, please continue to consider the return to campus plans as dynamic documents, counting on your local leadership team to alert you to any changes or updates.

July 1, 2020

May 21, 2020

As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, The Chicago School has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to be used for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to assist students with expenses related to the disruption of our campus operations. To learn more about the distribution of these funds, please click here.

April 10, 2020 (2:09 p.m. CST)

This is an update about the Summer Semester and about Commencement. As always we hope that you and your families are staying healthy and well.

In prioritizing your continued health and sustained education, we have decided to continue offering courses remotely for our on-ground students during our Summer Semester. While all of us who learn, teach, and work at our on-ground campuses are sincerely eager to return to our classrooms and offices, we know that the transition back and forth between virtual and in-person instruction can be taxing for you. At this point, we are opting for continuity as we keep your education at the forefront of our minds. We are confident in our faculty to provide excellent instruction in their continued use of virtual communications.

As we continue virtual instruction, all on-ground campuses will continue to remain closed and unavailable to students until further notice. However, all of our support systems and staff are readily available just as if they were working on our campuses. As students’ single point of access, Student Support Counselors are and will continue to be available for virtual meetings (phone calls, GoToMeeting, Zoom, etc.) and/or guidance regarding University resources.

As a reminder, the vast majority of student resources are still available virtually:

Our partners at CommPsych are continuing to provide mental health services as well as financial and legal counseling.
The Primary Designated School Official (DSO) and campus DSOs are available for meetings for all students studying on F-1 visas. Additionally, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has extended its policy of allowing F-1 students to remain in full-time status by taking virtual classes.
Students receiving GI benefits will continue to do so while taking virtual classes.
Our Accommodations department is fully functional and continues to assist students with new and altered accommodations to support learning in a virtual environment.
Campus Writing Centers continue to assist students with a variety of academic supports.
Career Services continues to host webinars and is continuously updating CareerHub.
Our University Library will continue to support students virtually (through one-on-one appointments, virtual chat, managing article requests in interlibrary loan, and promoting our available electronic collections) and will be cancelling accrued fines and fees on all materials between the period of March 1 through July 6. Students who currently have an item checked out from the University Library (including test kits, interlibrary loan books, or other library materials), are asked to hold on to them until their campus reopens.
The Student Life & Events team is planning and creating engaging virtual events as well! The DC Campus Student Life & Events staff has invited all TCSPP students, faculty, and staff to share their experiences in the newly launched “COVID-19 Journals.“

We are committed to providing an additional update by April 15 with a decision about upcoming summer Commencement ceremonies. We believe it is prudent to make the decision now to postpone commencement. It was a difficult decision to make, because we all know the meaning of this event for you, your loved ones, and for the faculty and staff who were eager to cheer you on as you progress toward the next step in your career. At the time of writing this email, we anticipate rescheduling the ceremonies for Fall. We will keep you closely posted.

Please reach out to your campus leaders and Department Chairs with any and all questions. Please also know that “this too shall pass,” and that we will get through this moment in time. While it will not always be easy, keeping focused on keeping going, and celebrating your resiliency and determination to enter your upcoming careers is so crucial right now. We are in this with you.

March 19 (12:21 p.m. CST)

Dear students,

Your Campus Dean and Department Chair should now be in communication with you on a regular basis. We have been so impressed with the manner in which those students who needed to shift to a remote instruction model did so with great positive and “can-do” attitudes. At this point, the shift seems to have gone seamlessly for the most part, and when there was a bump or two along the way, we came together to figure it out and got back on track. Thank you for the generosity of your good and kind spirits!

We are keenly aware that our students are living life right now according to the guidance given by their local and state authorities. In general, and slowly but surely, the following directions and information are being shared:

An encouragement of anyone 65 years of age and older to stay/work from home.
Information on local closures of bars, gyms, theaters, and in-person dining in restaurants.
President Trump now advises the U.S. public to avoid groups of more than 10.
At least one area, the Bay Area in California, has implemented a “Shelter in Place” order and we can anticipate more to follow.
At least one area in Miami, Florida has implemented curfew hours.

We can continue to anticipate that we will be reacting to such state and federal directions and orders over the days to come.

We have already given all employees who prefer to work remotely the option to do so. Based on this week’s recommendation from President Trump that no public gatherings of more than 10 people continue, we strongly encouraged all personnel that can work from home, to do so.

Please know that our core student services and support functions are in “business as usual” mode! While each individual campus location is starting to post campus hours due to reduced on-site traffic, each and every campus leader is available by email and by appointment, and will connect you with local campus services to ensure that there is no disruption to your educational journey or access to resources.

Below are the email addresses for the Campus Deans:

CA-Anaheim – Dr. Dean Rishel: [email protected]
CA-Los Angeles – Dr. Danielle Sperandeo: [email protected]
CA-San Diego – Mr. John Macfie: [email protected]
Chicago and XULA – Dr. Margie Martyn: [email protected]
Dallas – Dr. Lance Garrison: [email protected]

For Online Campus students, there is no change of course! That said, Online Campus Dean Dr. William Brown’s email address, should you need to reach him, is: [email protected].

In addition to on-campus appointments, you can continue to access resources remotely. Here is the link to access IT Resources, Career Services, Student Finance, and the Library: current-students.

Some additional resources for you:

Comcast announced a comprehensive COVID-19 response to keep Americans connected to the Internet. Read more here.
Information Technology (IT Helpdesk)

Phone: 800-747-8367
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://helpdesk.tcsedsystem.edu

As you go about your day and care for yourself and your loved ones, it is so crucial that you constantly remind yourself that this situation will pass. Take care of your emotional health and wellbeing just as much as your physical health – and keep pressing forward to reach your long-term goals, keep going no matter what! We are here to support you and are only an email or phone call away.

If there are any additional updates, they will be posted here and you should receive alerts through our emergency broadcast system.

March 13 (4:25 p.m. CST)

Dear Site Supervisors,

The Office of Placement & Training (OPT) recognizes the increasing concerns about the spread of the COVID-19. We are reaching out to discuss how to address these concerns as they relate to students on training at your site. Students have been instructed to communicate with the site director or site supervisor regarding their training placement’s plan of preparedness. Specifically, they should discuss the site’s plan for closures due to the COVID-19 Virus. Students are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures of their training site. The Office of Placement & Training is here to assist you in navigating your student’s training experience. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Site Closures: Students have been asked to communicate with their site’s leadership team to discuss the policies and procedures related to the site closure. This will include discussing the ability to obtain hours through telehealth work with clients and/or other hours that may be obtained in the event of site closure. In addition, we are asking sites to sign off on all hours collected thus far by the trainee.
TCSPP Closure: If the Chicago School closes a campus or the school, students are still able to engage in training, and TCSPP will defer to the site’s policy & procedure.
Hour Logs: Students will be providing their site supervisor with an hour log to sign off in the coming days. This will document all the hours the student has collected this semester/term. Students are responsible for completing this hour log, obtaining a signature from their primary supervisor and submitting to their Director of Clinical Training (DCT). If students have already begun using the Tevera database system, supervisors will verify the hours already submitted. DCTs will provide instructions to students on how to complete this task.
Telehealth Training: The Chicago School’s Institute for Professional & Continuing Studies is offering two sessions on telehealth, each session will be four and a half hours. These trainings will discuss be practices related to telehealth work and eligible for APA or NBCC Continuing Education Credits. Please see the attached flyer or register here:

Session 1: Tuesday, March 17^th-Wednesday March 18th

8:00am-12:30PM PST/10:00am-2:30PM CST/11:00AM-3:30PM EST

Register Here for Session 1: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7032167813999270667

Session 2: Friday, March 20-Saturday March 21^st

8:00am-12:30PM PST/10:00am-2:30PM CST/11:00AM-3:30PM EST

Register Here for Session 2: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1558625208099029005

Liability Insurance: In the event, TCSPP makes the decision to close a campus or the school, students will continue to be covered by TCSPP’s liability insurance. The students will also be covered if they engage in telehealth services.

March 13 (4:22 p.m. CST)

Dear Students,

Sites Remaining Open: Students should communicate with their site director or site supervisor regarding their training placement’s plan of preparedness. Specifically, students should discuss the site’s plan to remain open or close due to COVID-19. Students are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures of their training site and should consult with your Director of Clinical Training (DCT) regarding any questions or to request copies of your training site’s policies and procedures. If you have concerns about remaining on-site, please contact your DCT.
Site Closures: Students have been asked to communicate with their site’s leadership team to discuss the policies and procedures related to the site closure. This will include discussing the ability to obtain hours through telehealth sessions and/or other means of accumulating direct intervention hours that may be obtained during this time. In addition, we are asking sites to sign off on all hours collected thus far by trainees. Students, please inform your DCT immediately if your site closes. In your email to your DCT, please also include information about the date your site is closing, how long they are closing (if they have determined that), and if you will continue to collect training hours. If you will continue to collect training hours, please let your DCT know the format of your services (e.g., telehealth and telesupervision).
Site Closures & Discontinuing All Clinical Work: The Office of Placement & Training recognizes students’ concerns about their ability to meet hour requirements and graduate due to site closures. We encourage students to meet with their DCT to discuss their individual status regarding training and create a plan for completion. They will work collaboratively with you on a plan for completion as well as monitor your status as we move forward.
Site Closures with Telehealth Option: If your site offers a telehealth option, you will be required to adhere to your training site’s policy and procedures when providing these services. In addition, the Institute for Professional & Continuing Studies will be offering several trainings on how to ethically deliver these services, both in live and recorded formats. Please see below to register as well as an attached flyer.
Hour Logs: Students will be providing their site supervisor with an hour log to sign off in the coming days. This will document all the hours the student has collected this semester/term. Students are responsible for completing this hour log, obtaining a signature from their primary supervisor and submitting to their DCT. DCTs will be distributing these hour logs in the coming days. If students have already begun using the Tevera database system, supervisors will verify the hours already submitted. DCTs will provide instructions to students on how to complete this task.

Telehealth Training: The Chicago School’s Institute for Professional & Continuing Studies is offering two opportunities to attend psychoeducation training on telehealth, each session will be four and a half hours and on consecutive days. These trainings will discuss best practices related to telehealth work. Please see the attached flyer or register here:

Session 1: Tuesday, March 17^th-Wednesday March 18th

8:00am-12:30PM PST/10:00am-2:30PM CST/11:00AM-3:30PM EST

Register Here for Session 1: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7032167813999270667

Session 2: Friday, March 20-Saturday March 21^st

8:00am-12:30PM PST/10:00am-2:30PM CST/11:00AM-3:30PM EST

Register Here for Session 2: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1558625208099029005

State Licensure Requirements Related to Telehealth: Please refer to your state licensure laws and rules to determine telehealth hours will count towards licensure and if so, what portion of your hours will be eligible. If your state does not offer telehealth hours as eligible to count towards licensure, please contact your DCT to discuss alternative options. Also, be mindful that state licensure boards are releasing status updates related to COVID-19. Please continue to check your state licensure board website.
Liability Insurance: In the event, TCSPP makes the decision to closes a campus or the school, students will continue to be covered by TCSPP’s liability insurance. The students will also be covered if they engage in telehealth services.
Seminar Course: At this time, all students will remain in their practicum and internship seminar courses. Students should work with their faculty instructor on how to meet academic requirements (i.e., assignments, presentations, etc.) if their clinical load is suspended.

The Office of Placement & Training is here to support students navigate this difficult situation. Please reach out to your DCT with any questions and concerns.

March 12

As many of you are aware, the coronavirus continues to spread and, in turn, guidance from local, regional, and government officials changes. This page will remain updated with our response to these ever changing circumstances. We recognize this is a highly fluid situation and our response will need to shift as quickly as the recommendations that come our way.

That said, what we have implemented at this time is as follows:

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, The Chicago School will move to an off-site direct instruction/synchronous (remote instruction) model of education for our ground campuses. For blended classes, the face-to-face component of instruction will also move to a remote, direct instruction model. Current online courses will remain online.
All study abroad and university-related international travel has been cancelled through the end of May, 2020.
All business related domestic travel has been cancelled through the end of March, 2020.
All CDC recommendations for self-quarantine remain in effect. If you would like more information about recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, click here.
All large public gatherings on all campuses are cancelled.
All public health best practices such as staying home when you are sick, social distancing from those that are ill, and consistently and thoroughly washing your hands, remain in effect.

As for next steps:

Information about the end-date for off-site instruction will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Classes running this Saturday – Sunday (March 14 – 15) will be cancelled to allow department leaders and faculty the time needed to transition to remote instruction.

We will continue to be in contact with our community regularly with any updates and will immediately reach out should our situation at The Chicago School change.

Covid-19 Updates

The Chicago School – Updates on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak

January 10, 2023

October 7, 2022

July 11, 2022

April 8, 2022

January 7, 2022

COVID-19 Update: Spring 2022 Semester to Begin Remote – December 22, 2021

November 3, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Compliance Deadline Extended to December 19, 2021

October 8, 2021

August 30, 2021

COVID-19 Update: Vaccine Requirement, Effective November 1, 2021

July 9, 2021

May 25, 2021

A message from President Michele Nealon, Psy.D.

April 9, 2021

January 8, 2021

December 22, 2020

A message from President Michele Nealon, Psy.D.

Spring 2021 COVID-19 Update:

October 30, 2020

October 9, 2020

September 30, 2020

July 28, 2020

July 1, 2020

May 21, 2020

April 10, 2020 (2:09 p.m. CST)

March 19 (12:21 p.m. CST)

March 13 (4:25 p.m. CST)

March 13 (4:22 p.m. CST)

March 12