Welcome Letter / Course Information for HDHS 280 Basic Counseling Skills, CRN# 33856
Spring 2023 Semester: Beginning 17 January
*Please Note: This course requires attending weekly / real-time Zoom sessions on Tuesdays, 5-6:50pm
Instructor: Bailey Drechsler (she/her), M.A. Psych.
Email Address: Use Canvas to message me OR bdrechsl@cuesta.edu before the start of the semester
Phone Number: 805 . 592 . 9344
Course Description
Presents and develops basic competency in theory and techniques of group process and practice used in the helping professions including task-oriented, psychoeducational, counseling, and psychotherapy groups with specific populations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the required coursework, students will be able to:
- Identify and demonstrate the characteristics and skills of effective counselors
- Demonstrate knowledge of ethical codes and behavior in professional practice
- Appraise one’s own professional conduct as it pertains to the human services field
Textbook and Technology
- Required Reading: The Skilled Helper, Egan; 11th ed. (2019). (Textbook, NOT the workbook) ISBN: 9781305865716.
The information below is intended to help you determine if this online course is right for you and provide introductory information to orient you to the course. Please carefully read the information below to see if you are willing and able to meet the requirements of this course. Wishing you the very best on your academic journey!
Course Environment:
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:
Prior to the first day of the semester, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.
Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu.
Online Learning:
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings. Please be prepared to spend 8 - 12 hours per week on coursework for this class
IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
Take the "self-assessment”. There are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. (If the tutorials do NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.)
Regular Effective Contact policy:
Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.
And all of the below:
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications
Learning Accommodations:
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) at 805-546-3148 or
College & Course Policies:
Academic Honesty Policy: [Identify your course specific academic honesty policy]. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of Conduct
Add / Drop Policy:
Waitlist Policy: In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s Waitlist Procedures and Instructions
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.