About Communication Sciences & Disorders

Elborn College

Mission, Vision and Values

Our Vision

The vision of faculty and staff in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to be the leading Canadian university professional and research program in audiology and speech-language pathology by integrating research, teaching and clinical practice. This is achieved, in part, by the actions of faculty and staff affiliated with the National Centre for Audiology (NCA), which is a national centre of excellence and leadership in audiological education, research and professional service. The vision of the School is also enhanced through the research and clinical programs of audiology and speech-language pathology faculty that are conducted within the School, in the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic and in public, voluntary and private sectors.

Our Mission

The mission of the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to prepare students for professional careers in audiology and speech-language pathology and for graduates to assume professional and research leadership roles that contribute to the advancement of the professions and the disciplines. Consistent with the mission of the Faculty of Health Sciences – Through transformative research and education, we will unleash innovative ideas and opportunities that enable living in health throughout the lifespan – the School’s mission is carried out in a way designed to ensure that the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology continue to shape the broader knowledge bases in health care and rehabilitation in general.

Our Values

We work to build a community that is collaborative, inclusive, and diverse.

  • We hold time for discussion and connection (including social connections), and build a community inclusive of clinical and research partners and collaborators outside of the University
  • We create safe spaces for open communication, and communicate openly and respectfully
  • We develop and implement collaborative teams in teaching and research, and seek diverse perspectives (e.g., faculty, clinicians, those affected by communication disorders, patient advisors)
  • We support and share with one another including new and part-time members (e.g., staff, faculty), in how we teach, respond to students, conduct research activities, and do committee work
  • We seek input from relevant knowledge users, engage in ongoing learning regarding principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and incorporate these principles in our work

We are invested in the work we do. We strive for excellence and innovation.

  • Through collaboration, sharing, and offering feedback, we are reflective and selective about our initiatives
  • We support each other and hold ourselves accountable for achieving our goals
  • We are innovative in our clinical and research teaching and training, and our students have a voice in this process
  • Our students achieve high standards in knowledge and competencies
  • We celebrate our research and teaching achievements, and support one another in this work

We are principled, meaing we approach our work with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.

  • We lead by example in fulfilling our responsibilities, providing mentorship, and engaging in opportunities to further our knowledge and skills
  • We set clear and consistent expectations for ourselves and our students, and communicate our expectations honestly, clearly, and with kindness and compassion
  • We engage in reflective practice in order to be continually knowing and doing better

We aim for balance and well-being, so we can keep doing the important work we are doing.

  • We set manageable expectations and goals, and we understand that ‘manageable’ may change depending on many factors
  • We set boundaries and take breaks, and respect when others do the same
  • We provide options and flexibility whenever possible
  • We check in with our colleagues, students and program demands to make sure that our program allows our colleagues and students to achieve balance and well-being

Programs Offered

Professional Programs

Develop the skills and expertise to be a leader in the field of Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology through our Master of Clinical Science graduate degree programs.

MSc & PhD Programs

Research-based graduate degree programs in Hearing Science and Speech-Language Science are offered through Western's graduate program in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences.