Vision, Mission & Goals, Strategic Plan

Familiarize yourself with our Department's vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan.

Vision Statement

“To provide an exceptional academic and clinical program in communication disorders which prepares students for professional practice in a dynamic and diverse society.”

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at Ithaca College is to:

  1. Educate undergraduate students and graduate students seeking a communication disorders program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Pathology and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.     
  2. Prepare undergraduate students for graduate school and prepare graduate students for entry into the profession of speech-language pathology by providing academic, clinical, and research experiences that foster critical thinking, professionalism, and independence.
  3. Provide a firm theoretical, evidence-based foundation with opportunities for application to clinical practice in order to develop competent, confident, and contributing professionals qualified for certification by the appropriate professional groups.
  4. Provide the highest quality professional service to the individuals in our community who have communication and hearing disorders and differences.
  5. Encourage opportunities to advance knowledge relevant to the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, disseminate this knowledge within the professional community, and advance the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Goals

Click below to download the Department's mission and goals:

updtdmissionandgoals.pdf - updtdmissionandgoals (pdf)

Strategic Plan, Executive Summary

Department of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

Strategic Plan, 2026-2030

Executive Summary

I. Curriculum . By Spring 2028, the department will complete a review and updating of the electives in the undergraduate curriculum and neurogenic/medical SLP courses in the graduate curriculum.

II. Clinical education analysis. The department will complete a review with recommendations of residential clinical education, including offerings; community demand; staffing patterns; community-based experiences; interprofessional experiences; range of populations served including diversity, severity, ages. Based on data gathered, actionable steps will be identified.

III. Research opportunities. The department will offer increased opportunities and encouragement for students (graduate and upper-level undergrad) to engage in research & creative projects under faculty mentorship.

IV. Alumni networking to support students.

  • The department will:
    • engage national, regional and local alumni and community stakeholders to create support networks and experiences for students. This could be through clinical placement pathways, class experiential activities/guest speakers, and/or community-engaged experiences.
    • Review potential for developing an alumni advisory board for the department

V. Department level branding, marketing, and outreach. By Fall 2026, the department will enhance branding materials, working with dean’s staff as well as staff from College Marketing and Communications, to develop web pages, signage in the department, and handouts, emphasizing student, faculty and alumni accomplishments as well as key facts about the fields of SLP and Audiology.

VI. Departmental community development. The department will identify and implement community-building strategies, within all programs as well as connecting with other student communities, especially within the School of HSHP.