The School Psychology Program supports a comprehensive Values Statement Addressing Diversity. The full version of the statement is available in the student handbook. Abbreviated key points are as follows:
The central value of the UWRF School Psychology Program encompasses respect for diversity, inclusion, and for ways of being different from one's own.
This value coincides with ethical standards consistent with the field of school psychology as set forth by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
School psychologists must provide their services in a sensitive and responsive manner to the needs of all of their clients, including students, families, and colleagues, particularly in light of their various cultural identities.
UWRF school psychology program candidates are expected to be open not only to learning about people from diverse racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds; national origins; religious, spiritual, and political beliefs; physical abilities; ages; genders; gender identities; sexual orientations; and physical appearances, amongst others, they are expected to be open to be informed by the experiences of others and to become responsive to the myriad of needs of such persons they serve in the field.
Consistent with professional and ethical duties, UWRF school psychology program candidates are expected to work with persons from diverse backgrounds different from their own, and they are not excused from such work based on any personal beliefs for whatever reason.