CAP provides eligible Elon undergraduates with the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degree and the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling on an accelerated timeline. But the program is designed to offer much more than a faster route to a graduate degree. From the beginning, CAP students are invited into a community where they can explore the counseling profession, build relationships with faculty and peers, and begin developing their professional identities well before entering the graduate phase of the program.

Kicking Off the CAP Community

The inaugural CAP cohort gathered in Belk Library on August 24 for the program鈥檚 first CAP Kickoff, an opportunity to meet one another, connect with faculty and advisors and talk about what the next several years will look like.

The CAP program is led by an interdisciplinary faculty team representing the undergraduate programs from which students enter the pathway as well as the graduate counseling program: Judy Folmar, interim program director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Bilal Ghandour, associate professor of psychology; Amanda Davis, assistant professor of psychology; and Tony Reyes, associate professor of human service studies.

The kickoff brought students, staff and faculty leaders together as a community for the first time. Students learned more about the CAP experience, upcoming opportunities, advising and ways they can begin preparing now for graduate study. Steve Folger from the School of Health Sciences also welcomed the CAP students. Just as importantly, the gathering gave students an opportunity to begin forming relationships with others who will travel a similar path.

Although CAP students remain fully engaged in their undergraduate majors and the broader Elon experience, they are also beginning to see themselves as future members of the counseling profession.

Advising for both the present and the future

Individualized advising is a central part of the CAP experience.聽Students are paired with CAP faculty advisors who can help them navigate their undergraduate programs while also keeping the accelerated counseling pathway in view.

With faculty leadership spanning Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, and Human Service Studies, students benefit from advising that bridges their undergraduate education and future graduate training.

These conversations extend beyond simply determining which course to take next. CAP advising provides space for students to think intentionally about their academic progress, interests, experiences, professional goals and readiness for graduate-level counselor preparation. As students progress, advisors will help them connect the pieces of their Elon experience鈥攆rom coursework and co-curricular involvement to professional development and their eventual transition into the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Beginning Professional Development Early

CAP students will also have opportunities throughout the year to begin exploring what it means to become a professional counselor. Planned experiences will bring students together with CMHC faculty, graduate students, practitioners and community partners for conversations and activities related to the counseling profession.

Professional development will include opportunities to explore counseling specialties and career paths, connect with professionals in the field, develop professional communication and networking skills, learn about graduate school preparation, and consider wellness and sustainability in the helping professions.

Students will also begin building an emerging counseling portfolio, providing a place to document meaningful experiences, reflect on their developing interests and skills and see their professional growth over time.

The goal is not for CAP students to have their professional identities figured out as undergraduates. Instead, CAP creates intentional opportunities for them to ask questions, explore possibilities, make connections, and gradually discover the kind of counselors they hope to become.

Building the path together

As the inaugural cohort, this year鈥檚 CAP students are not simply participating in an established program鈥攖hey are helping shape what the CAP experience will become for future Elon students.

The kickoff was only the beginning. Through advising, community gatherings, professional development and ongoing connections with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, CAP students will continue building relationships with one another, their faculty mentors, and the profession they are preparing to enter.

Hosted by the Physician Assistant Studies and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) programs, the event emphasized a shared commitment: both physical and mental health are essential to overall well-being. As Elon expands its graduate health programs in Charlotte, both programs are intentionally preparing practitioners who understand the value of whole-person care and collaborative practice.

Robyn Wolkofsky, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, opened the event and welcomed guests to campus. Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Lavette Shirley shared updates on the continued development of the PA program and its focus on preparing clinically strong, patient-centered providers. Judy Folmar, chair and interim program director of the CMHC program, spoke about the region鈥檚 growing mental health needs and the importance of training counselors who are equipped to address these with competence, compassion, and cultural humility.

In addition to program information, attendees enjoyed refreshments and participated in Valentine鈥檚 Day鈥搕hemed crafts and wellness activities designed to reduce stress and reinforce the connection between physical and mental health. The gathering created space for meaningful conversation about student preparation, clinical partnerships, and the future of integrated healthcare in the Charlotte region.

As both programs prepare to welcome future cohorts, events like this help build strong relationships with prospective students and clinical supervisors who play a vital role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

HSS student Sophie Whelan, alongside Department Chair Judy Folmar, welcomed attendees as they entered the vibrant, welcoming space. The room was filled with a sense of excitement as students, staff and families mingled, many catching up with old friends and making new connections.

The event featured a shared meal, offering an informal yet meaningful way for participants to come together, share stories, and learn more about each other’s experiences. For many, it was a chance to connect after a busy start to the semester and share in the sense of belonging that is fostered in the HSS community.

Creating Gratitude Cards

One of the highlights of the event was the creation of personalized gratitude cards. In an effort to promote positivity and mindfulness, attendees were invited to write notes of appreciation for others in their lives鈥攚hether it be faculty, classmates, family members, or anyone who had made a positive impact. The cards were designed to be given to individuals who could benefit from a simple act of kindness or to be shared within the community as a reminder of the importance of showing gratitude.

Participants took part in this activity with enthusiasm, carefully crafting thoughtful messages and using their creativity to make each card special. For some, it was a reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact, both within the classroom and beyond.

Building Stronger Connections

The event emphasized the importance of creating and nurturing meaningful relationships within the Human Service Studies department. By bringing together students, faculty, and families, HSS hopes to continue cultivating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone involved. As Dr. Folmar noted:聽 鈥淭hese moments of connection are vital in building a strong, resilient community that is rooted in care and service to others.鈥�

This event served as a reminder of the department’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to fostering a compassionate and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued.

On Wednesday, March 1, the Human Service Studies Department, Student Professional Development Center and Belk Library co-hosted Cate LeSourd ’15, a strategic communications graduate with human service studies and entrepreneurship double minors.

LeSourd spoke to Elon students about preparing for life after graduation and what “no one tells you” about navigating this part of adulthood. Cate’s discussion highlighted quotes from her book “Coming of Age: Our Journey into Adulthood”聽which includes the results of research she conducted with over 1,000 young adults who struggled with the transition to life after college.

Embracing the unknown and unexpected, as well as finding one’s inner strengths were major themes from her talk.

LeSourd, who talked about her own traumatic job loss and a painful rescinded job offer, helped students take comfort in knowing things don’t always go as planned, that not having everything planned out is okay, and things will eventually work out. Cate plans to continue various ways of helping others through difficult transitions. A reception and book-signing followed the lecture.