MA in Counseling Residencies
What are residencies?
As part of the MA Counseling degree requirement, two in-person residencies are required for distance-learning (online) students. These residencies will require students to make their way to the Bay Area for a week of intensive experiential learning/training with peers and faculty on counseling and clinical skills development.
These residencies will help to enhance your clinical skills, will provide opportunities for meaningful interactions with faculty, staff, and students, and will be crucial benchmarks in your journey to becoming a professional counselor.
What are the dates and location for these residencies?
Spring 2024
Save the Date
March 4-8, 2024
Check back as more information becomes available.
Book your room under conference rate!
More information to come, please check back.
FAQs
What are the closest airports to the residency location?
The two closest airports to our residency location are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). There is free transportation via Lyft Business provided by the Sonesta from SJC.
What are my travel days?
More to Come!
What costs will I need to cover?
Students will be required to cover their own travel costs, accommodations, food, and transportation (if applicable) to the residency.
Can I book a room with my classmate(s)?
If you make plans to share a room with one of your cohort members, that is certainly fine! Just be sure to pick the double room option when you book your room at the Sonesta.
If you do not know another student attending the residency well, we do not recommend students sharing a room or suite.
What amenities are available for me?
PAST INFORMATION - This will updated soon!
Our venue for Residency will be the Sonesta Hotel and Conference Center in Milpitas in the heart of Silicon Valley. The Sonesta provides free transportation via Lyft Business to and from the San Jose Airport, and can help arrange other forms of paid transportation to nearby restaurants and shopping malls.
The Sonesta has a swimming pool, exercise facility, restaurant and several indoor and outdoor meet-and-greet spaces.
Please check out Sonesta Silicon Valley’s website for hotel information and amenities, but be sure to use the provided link to book your rooms so you are identified as being there for Residency and are getting the conference rate.
Besides booking a room for these residencies, do I also need to register on the portal?
Students will register for this course on the PAU Student Portal once registration is open.
Will there be weekly Zoom classes along with these residencies?
TBD - More to Come!
Are hotel bookings required to participate in these residencies?
No, if students live locally and prefer to drive to the hotel, there is complimentary parking available. However, each day begins promptly at 9:00 AM (8:30 on the first day). You are also required to stay through to the end of each day, 4:30 or 5:00 depending on the day’s activities.
Even if you live locally, we recommend you book a room at the Sonesta so you don’t have to deal with traffic, pay for gas, and can be available for each days’ activities and have opportunities to participate in planned social gatherings and informal opportunities to connect with your fellow students.
What if I am concerned about travel costs, timing of residencies, or potential conflicts to attending?
Clinical residencies are an essential part of your training experience and are required before starting practicum. At the time of admission, you were informed of this part of your training and these are clearly indicated on your programs of study.
If you are aware of circumstances that will impede your ability to participate during the quarter identified on your program of study, please reach out to your faculty advisor as soon as possible.
The only options are to look at pushing your residency attendance back a bit in your POS, but keep in mind doing this may also delay your program completion.