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CSD Strategic Plan and Goals

Mission Statement

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Saint Xavier University prepares students to be ethical, compassionate, and adaptable professionals with a growth mindset. Rooted in the Mercy tradition and the liberal arts, the program cultivates critical, cultural, and ethical thinking to support holistic and responsible care.

Through a forward-looking, person-centered curriculum, students engage in academic, clinical, and research opportunities that reflect the full scope of speech-language pathology across the lifespan. Students are equipped with knowledge, technical expertise, and professional confidence to succeed in diverse practice settings. Graduates are empowered to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the profession through lifelong learning, service, and leadership.

The program is designed to:

  • Build a comprehensive theoretical foundation that is culturally responsive and ethically grounded, preparing students to address the full scope of practice in speech-language pathology.
  • Provide diverse, supervised clinical practicums with individuals across the lifespan presenting a wide range of experiences within the speech-language pathology scope of practice.
  • Develop students' ability to make informed, evidence-based, patient-centered clinical decisions and to collaborate effectively within interprofessional teams.
  • Foster an enduring commitment to research, scholarship, and lifelong learning that promotes positive impact at local, national, and global levels.

2026-2028 Strategic Plan

  • Goal 1: Accessibility and Affordability
    We commit to making enrollment in speech-language pathology education accessible to adult learners through streamlined pathways, innovative curricula, and affordable program options.
  • Goal 2: Forward-Thinking Professional Environment
    We will cultivate a culture that reflects the evolving nature of the profession -- one that values advocacy, multicultural perspectives, emerging technologies, and lifelong professional engagement.
  • Goal 3: Collaboration Across Disciplines and Cultures
    We are committed to advancing clinical and professional practice through cross-cultural competence, interprofessional collaboration, and meaningful community partnerships.
  • Goal 4: Research for the Public Good
    We will generate and support research that embodies the spirit of inquiry and addresses the needs of both our local community and the profession at large.
  • Goal 5: Community Engagement and Visibility
    We dedicate ourselves to strengthening program visibility and impact through partnerships, alumni engagement, and advocacy that extends the mission of our program into the broader community.