Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

PSY 7901 - Advanced Ethics and Internship Prep (Darling, Face to Face)

PSY 7901-01

Course: PSY 7901-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: PSY
CRN: 33768

Course Description

This course is designed to help students gain insight and understanding in advanced ethical decision-making for professional clinicians, clinical educators, and clinical supervisors. Ethical practice as related to future clinical practice, theories of ethical practice, and decision-making and risk management are also included in this course. Specifically, legal and ethical issues are presented for diverse settings of clinical practice, training, and supervision. Additionally, this course will prepare students for the APPIC match, as they initiate the internship application process. Specifically, students will learn the nature of the APPIC match, students will receive guidance and training on the selection of internship sites, how to prepare their application materials (e.g., APPI, essays, cover letter, CV, etc.), and how to prepare for the interview process.

Graded (Standard Letter)

Registration Restriction(s): PsyD students only

Required Texts

  • [PDF included on Canvas] American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct (2002, Amended June 1, 2010 and January 1, 2017). https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/
  • [PDF included on Canvas] Marks, R.M. & Emery, N.N. (2021). From Scratch to Match: Russ & Noah’s Guide to the Internship Application Process in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, 2nd ed.
  • [Textbook for purchase] Koocher, G.P. & Keith-Speigel, P. (2016). Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions: Standards & Cases, 4th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Learning Outcomes

  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Digital Literacy
  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Information Literacy
  • Inquiry and Analysis
  • Integrative Learning
  • Knowledge of Human Cultures & the Physical & Natural World
  • Problem Solving
  • Quantitative Literacy
  • Ethical and Legal Standards
  • Individual and Cultural Diversity
  • Professional Values and Attitudes
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Assessment
  • Supervision
  • Consultation and Interprofessional Skills
  • Advanced Integrative Knowledge in Scientific Psychology

Course Requirements

Student-Led Ethics Presentations

Each student will facilitate a 75-minute class session on an assigned ethics topic, applying knowledge of ethical standards and reasoning through realistic scenarios faced by psychologists. This task requires a combination of objective knowledge, critical thinking skills, individual and cultural diversity factors, and self-reflection from each student's own experiences with clinical training. Additionally, this assignment will prepare students for professional clinical responsibilities and adherence to ethical standards and relevant legal codes.

Your presentation might look like:

  1. Brief topic overview (10-15 min)
  2. Interactive case presentation (20-25 min)
  3. Facilitated small group work (15-20 min)
  4. Large group synthesis (15-20 min)

However, you are encouraged to be creative in your approach. Please use the textbook, APA Code of Ethics, and whatever other citable resources you choose to create an engaging presentation that encourages active participation and meaningful discussion on your assigned topic.

CV*

Students will be required to finalize their CV for Internship application purposes.

Site List*

An important component of the course is to aide students in developing their actual application materials for the APPIC Match. This will include several assignments that culminate in their final site list.

Cover Letter for APPIC Application*

Again, students will be required to generate their actual application materials for the APPIC Match process, which will include a Cover Letter that will accompany their application. As part of their readings, and course involvement, students will receive the necessary guidance to generate said letter (e.g., see course readings).

APPIC Application Essays*

Finally, students will be required to complete the APPIC standard essays as part of the course. As with the aforementioned assignments students will complete reading and course activities that will guide them in the completion of this assignment.

*Please note: Though there are specific weeks dedicated to each of these topics, it is expected that you will consult with your professor and peers as you work through the APPIC application process should you have questions, need review, want feedback, or require additional support. The internship application process is complex, and you are encouraged to seek guidance throughout the semester rather than only relying on designated class periods. Office hours, email communication, and peer collaboration are all valuable resources as you develop and refine your application materials.

Fall 2025 Office Hours

Dr. Darling's office hours for Fall 2025 will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30am-12:00pm. If these times don't work with your schedule, please email dianedarling@suu.edu with 2-3 alternative times that work for you and I'll do my best to accommodate.

Course Outline

Week Date Topic Due (by this week's class) Readings (for next week's class)
1 27-Aug

Course Introduction & Syllabus

Internship Application Process Overview

Site List Preview

From Scratch to Match: Foreword, Big Picture Overview, Timeline (pp. 1-5)

From Scratch to Match: Ch. 1 - Finding Your Sites (pp. 8-12)

https://www.appic.org/Internships/Internship-Application-AAPI-Portals/AAPI-For-Applicants/AAPI-Step-by-Step

2 3-Sep

Site List Review/Peer Review

CV Preview

Site List (shared on Google Drive)

Start application in APPI CAS Portal - https://aapicas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant/login

From Scratch to Match: Tips for Reviewing Sites, Staying Organized (pp. 11-12)

Textbook Ch 1

3 10-Sep

CV Review/Peer Review

Cover Letter and Letters of Recommendation Templates Preview

CV (shared on Google Drive)

From Scratch to Match: Ch. 2 - Essays, Letters, CV, Transcripts (pp. 13-17)

Textbook Ch 5

4 17-Sep

Cover Letter and Letters of Recommendation Templates Review/Peer Review

APPIC Essays Preview

Cover Letter (shared on Google Drive)

Letter of Rec Template (shared on Google Drive)

APA Code: Introduction, Preamble, General Principles

APA Code: Standard 1 - Resolving Ethical Issues

Textbook Ch 13, 17, 18

5 24-Sep

Student-Led: Standard 1 - Resolving Ethical Issues

APPIC Essay 1 Review/Peer Review

Presentation (if presenting this week)

APPIC Essay 1 (shared on Google Drive)

APA Code: Standard 2 - Competence

Textbook Ch 2

6 1-Oct

Student-Led: Standard 2 - Competence

APPIC Essay 2 Review/Peer Review

Presentation (if presenting this week)

APPIC Essay 2 (shared on Google Drive)

APA Code: Standard 3 - Human Relations

Textbook Ch 8, 9, 10

7 8-Oct

Student-Led: Standard 3 - Human Relations

APPIC Essay 3 Review/Peer Review

Presentation (if presenting this week)

APPIC Essay 3 (shared on Google Drive)

APA Code: Standard 4 - Privacy and Confidentiality

Textbook Ch 6

8 15-Oct

Student-Led: Standard 4 - Privacy and Confidentiality

APPIC Essay 4 Review/Peer Review

Presentation (if presenting this week)

APPIC Essay 4 (shared on Google Drive)

APA Code: Standard 5 - Advertising and Other Public Statements

Textbook Ch 11

9 22-Oct

Student-Led: Standard 5 - Advertising and Other Public Statements

Review of APPI CAS Portal/General Questions

Presentation (if presenting this week)

APA Code: Standard 6 - Record Keeping and Fees

Textbook Ch 12

10 29-Oct

Student-Led: Standard 6 - Record Keeping and Fees

APPIC Application in full Review/Peer Review

Presentation (if presenting this week)

Begin submitting APPIC Applications! Some are due as early as Nov 1!

APA Code: Standard 7 - Research and Publication

Textbook Ch 16

11 5-Nov

Student-Led: Standard 7 - Research and Publication

Internship Interview Preview

Presentation (if presenting this week)

Continue with APPIC Applications, as needed

APA Code: Standard 8 - Education and Training

Textbook Ch 14

12 12-Nov

Student-Led: Standard 8 - Education and Training

Internship Interview Practice

Presentation (if presenting this week)

Write out/practice interview questions

APA Code: Standard 9 - Assessment

Textbook Ch 7

13 19-Nov

Student-Led: Standard 9 - Assessment

Internship Interview Practice

Presentation (if presenting this week)

Write out/practice interview questions

APA Code: Standard 10 - Therapy

Textbook Ch 3, 4, 15

From Scratch to Match: Ch. 3 - Interviews, Scheduling, Travel (pp. 18-19)

14 3-Dec

Internship Interview Practice (optional class - Psychology Department's Fall Symposium)

15 10-Dec

Student-Led: Standard 10 - Therapy

Continue to share any questions/good news about applications!

Presentation (if presenting this week)

Continue to practice interview questions

Stay calm

Take deep breaths

Trust your hard work and take your mind off applications

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

In the event of a University approved absence or a significant medical problem please contact the instructor prior to the due date to discuss making up a missed exam or presentation. Written documentation (e.g. university notice, note from physician) will be required for a make-up. Family vacations, weddings, sleeping in, etc. will not justify missing an assignment or exam. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory.

AI Policy

The use of AI tools is permitted for organization, brainstorming, and initial content development. However, this course emphasizes critical thinking, authentic engagement, and practical application that cannot be completed by AI alone. As future psychologists, you are developing the professional judgment, ethical reasoning, and nuanced decision-making skills that are fundamental to our profession. These competencies require human insight, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics - capabilities that AI cannot replicate or replace.

For presentations, while you may use AI to help organize initial thoughts, the facilitation skills, real-time interaction with classmates, adaptive responses to discussion, and integration of multiple ethical frameworks must demonstrate your own understanding and expertise. All work submitted must reflect your genuine analysis and professional judgment. The ethical decision-making processes you practice in this course will directly transfer to your clinical work, where human lives depend on your ability to think critically and respond authentically to complex situations.

The goal is to use AI as a tool to enhance your learning, not replace the critical thinking skills essential to ethical psychological practice.

Grade Breakdown:

Student-Led Presentation: 40%

Internship Application Materials: 40%

  • CV: 5%
  • Site List: 5%
  • Cover Letter: 5%
  • Letter of Recommendation Templates: 5%
  • APPIC Essay 1 (Autobiographical): 5%
  • APPIC Essay 2 (Theoretical Orientation): 5%
  • APPIC Essay 3 (Diversity/Multicultural): 5%
  • APPIC Essay 4 (Research): 5%

Class Participation: 20%

  • Attendance and engagement in peer reviews
  • Constructive feedback during presentations
  • Active participation in discussions

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.