Low-Residency Intensive Details

In the Graduate School of Counseling, intensives serve as an opportunity to dive deeper into course content, connect with your peers, and practice counseling skills. A required part of the low-residency programs, intensives last for a week, with each day consisting of lessons and activities that overview course material. Depending on which certificate you pursue, your time may also be spent with contemplative practice, movement-based coursework, or meditation experientials.  

A Day in the Life of the In-Person Intensive*

• Arrive at the intensive location around 8:00 am, sign in, and meet with other students, faculty, and staff.
• After being oriented to the intensive space, you might begin your day in meditation with your peers and faculty.
• Your first course of the day will usually be between 9:00 am–12:00 pm, with breaks built in by your faculty member. During this time, you may discuss course content, practice counseling skills, or engage in experiential exercises.
• Your lunch is about an hour and a half. There are multiple cafes and restaurants within driving or bus distance. You may also consider stopping at a local coffee shop for an iced latte before heading back to campus for your afternoon session.
• The afternoon coursework is usually from 1:30–5:30 pm. You will continue to discuss course content, practice counseling skills, or engage in experiential exercises.
• At 5:30 pm, the day is over, and you’re free to spend the evening however you wish.
• If the final day of in-person intensives is a Friday, it often ends a bit early—around 4:00 pm. Otherwise, expect to be in your intensive from around 8:00 am–5:30 pm each day.

*This is a narrative schedule that will change depending upon multiple factors, including in which courses you are enrolled.