Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/1327438
School UPDATES James Billings, PhD Dean, SSBS I'm sure like most, we can't believe it is 2021 and the year that is sure to go down in the history books, 2020, is over. One strength NCU has always had is the ability to be nimble and change when change is needed. Last year put this attribute to the test. Although we did not have to make as many adjustments as many traditional ground-based universities, we worked hard to add resources and support where needed, and in some cases adjusting graduation requirements for our clinical programs (i.e., the type and number of clinical hours in internships), to the extent our accreditation would allow. I'm am hopeful that as 2020 will long be remembered for "stay at home" orders and "social distancing," that 2021 will bring with it welcomed change. This may take time and I know we will all need to show patience as we begin a transition back to more in-person events, school and work-life balance, and hopefully a continued increase in social and professional support. We have many firsts we are looking forward to in 2021. This is the first year NCU is planning two graduations, one in May and one in September. This will also be the first year of taking graduation on the road hosting it in different states and locations each time. I hope many of you are able to join us in person or virtually as we celebrate these moments with our students. We also plan to offer our first hybrid courses options in both PSY and MFS departments, this year. We have a team of faculty that are already working on what these hybrid courses might look like. We look forward to positive results as we anticipate the reaccreditation of the PhD-MFT program by COAMFTE, making it the first ever online doctoral program to go through re-accreditation with COAMFTE. We fully anticipate the MSW program receiving initial accreditation for four years with CSWE this year, after three long, tireless years of growing and developing a strong social work program. We are hopeful that it will pave the way for additional social work doctoral and/or undergrad programs. In addition, we have several new specializations and programs we will be exploring in 2021. As it the norm at NCU, I'm sure there are many more "firsts" that will occur as we adapt to the inevitable challenges and opportunities that present themselves throughout the year. I want to close by thanking each and every one of you for all that you do. There is no other school or university I would rather be part of and work in. That is in large part because of the culture and environment that you have helped create. I appreciate the openness to continually identify opportunities and ideas to provide a world class academic experience for our students, and a healthy and supportive work environment for faculty and staff. As we continue in open dialog and debate, we will continue to see positive changes as we lay an even stronger foundation for what is to come in the future. Bring on 2021! 9