Mission and Vision

Mission

The mission of the Chicago State University Occupational Therapy Program is to create and support a transformative, diverse community of lifelong learners.

We work together to educate occupational therapists who create connections and address occupational needs of underserved communities with occupation-based, contextually relevant services. We encourage and embrace each other as we work to be agents of connection and transformation in our local, and international communities.

Vision

To build and sustain intentional collaborative partnerships that co-create a culturally evolving community of occupational therapy practitioners who are change agents within communities affected by social determinants of health. We strive to continually collaborate locally and internationally to transform our communities and our profession. We will work within a thriving College and University to support restorative justice as we work to eliminate health disparities and promote occupational justice.

Characteristics

• The professional program includes integrated fieldwork experiences that provide apprenticeship opportunities in which students apply the concepts that they learn in the classroom in authentic settings under the supervision of faculty or practicing clinicians.
• Level I & II fieldwork provides experiences in a wide variety of community-based and traditional settings with individuals who are well and those with a wide range of health conditions and disabilities.
• The professional curriculum is designed to help students develop reasoning skills necessary to be resourceful professionals.
• The department is committed to helping students develop the skills necessary to continue the process of lifelong learning.
• Small student-faculty ratio allows close contact between students and faculty.
• Faculty are committed to teaching, research and service and provide enriched active learning experiences inside and out of the classroom.
• Students participate in collaborative applied research and program planning with faculty member mentorship.
• The diversity of the student population enriches classroom experiences.
• Educational experiences are enhanced by faculty involvement in current clinical practice and research.
• CSU is committed to keeping tuition rates affordable.