Internal Pause Policy

Learners in the School of Behavioral Sciences have the opportunity to pursue practicum and internship experiences in select programs and certificates, but finding an appropriate placement often takes time. In order to ensure a student is not penalized for non-continuous enrollment, this policy will allow a learner to request an ‘Internal Pause’ while they search for a site.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and Doctor of Psychology: Clinical Specialization (PsyD-C)

Learners searching for appropriate Internship placement sites with appropriate qualified supervision may request additional time through Internal Pauses in two-month increments, up to three times (for a total of 6 months) for additional time to secure sites and supervisors.

At the expiry of six months, if unable to secure an appropriate placement site with appropriate qualified supervision for optional Internship, learner will be moved to degree conferred status (assuming all program requirements are satisfied).

*If the learner is unable to secure an appropriate placement site with appropriately qualified supervision to participate in optional Practicum courses, learner must select other courses for elective slots or will be moved to administrative withdrawal.

Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies and Addiction Studies (Field Study Practicum)

Learners searching for appropriate Practicum/Internship sites with appropriate qualified supervision may request Internal (program) Pauses in two-month increments, up to three times (for a total of 6 months) for additional time to secure sites and supervisors.

At the expiry of six months, if unable to find site with appropriate supervision for required Practicum/Internship courses, learner will be moved to dismissal status.