Âé¶¹Ó³»­

Âé¶¹Ó³»­



Students Giving Back

 

A Bonaventure Tradition

Student Voices

"The best feeling you can ever get is when you show kindness to others."

Bona grad and Ghana native, Paul Nana Afful, volunteered at SBU's Warming House soup kitchen, one of many service opportunities available at SBU.
Social Action Programs

News & Events

SBU adds online master’s in Speech-Language Pathology

Feb 13, 2025


Âé¶¹Ó³»­ has added a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology to its portfolio of programs in the Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions.

The — one of only a handful of fully online Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs in the nation — will welcome its first cohort of students in the fall.

Pamela Hart, Ph.D., CCC-SLP“Our program was developed with two goals in mind: reducing barriers to graduate study and improving access to SLP services, particularly in rural and underserved communities,� said Dr. Pamela Hart, professor and program director. “We aim to make a positive impact in both areas with this high-quality distance education program.�

Grounded in evidence-based practice and the university’s Franciscan tradition, the program aligns with SBU’s mission to provide transformative education and serve vulnerable communities, Hart said.

The program follows a trimester format and consists of 56 credits — 46 academic coursework credits and 10 hands-on clinical practicum credits that students can complete in their home region.

The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level practice as speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Graduates will have met the academic and clinical education requirements for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification and licensure eligibility in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% increase in demand for SLPs over the next 10 years.

Coursework includes synchronous and asynchronous components to balance flexibility and structure while fostering peer and faculty collaboration. Clinical education will integrate in-person practicum and simulation experiences, ensuring students develop competency in all required clinical practice areas.

“Our program will balance flexibility with structure,â€� said Dr. Swagata Banik, dean of the DePerro School. “Our goal is to support student development throughout the program and to serve as a resource following graduation. By providing high-quality academic and clinical education focused on student success, Âé¶¹Ó³»­ seeks to become a leader in distance education and educational innovation in speech-language pathology.â€�

The program is an applicant for candidacy accreditation through the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) and is now accepting applications for its inaugural fall 2025 cohort.

The candidacy accreditation process is the standard pathway for new speech-language pathology programs to achieve full accreditation. Candidacy status is granted for a maximum of five years, during which the program works toward full accreditation.

Once candidacy status is achieved, graduates of SBU’s program will have the same rights, responsibilities, privileges, and educational qualifications as graduates of fully accredited programs. The program expects to receive CAA notification regarding candidacy status next month.

For more information, or email Dr. Hart at phart@sbu.edu

______________

Âé¶¹Ó³»­ the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, Âé¶¹Ó³»­ is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, Âé¶¹Ó³»­ was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).

 

 

See All News
  • Explore SBU your way! Next option:

    Explore Âé¶¹Ó³»­ your way with campus tours, Discovery Days, Open Houses and personalized visits this fall!

    Schools of Communication and Education Discovery Day
    Friday, Nov. 6 
    |

    Veterans Day Discovery Day, featuring the School of Business


    LEARN MORE ABOUT VISITING SBU


  • Riff City Social | Canisius Pregame

    Get ready to cheer on the Bonnies as they take on Canisius! �

    Join fellow Âé¶¹Ó³»­ alumni, family and friends for a pregame reception at Riff City Social before the Bonnies hit the court at 7 p.m. Reconnect with the Bona community, enjoy great food and get ready for an exciting night of basketball!

    Pregame Reception Details

    Location: Riff City Social | 166 Chandler St.

    Time: 4–6 p.m. 

    Cost: $20 per person (includes food, one drink ticket and access to our dedicated pregame space)

    Game tipoff: 7 p.m.

    Whether you're a longtime Bonnies fan or joining us for the first time, all are welcome! Wear your brown and white, bring a friend and help us get ready to cheer on the Bonnies!

    Please note: Game tickets are not included in the reception registration and must be purchased separately. To purchase tickets, please feel free to text or call the SBU Ticket Office at (716) 375-2500 or email us at tickets@sbu.edu. 


  • Master's Entry to Practice (MEP) Nursing VIRTUAL Info Session

    Learn more about the Master's Entry to Practice program in our virtual information session. 

    • 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 10 2026;


    A Zoom meeting link will be sent to registrants. 


  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Q & A Session - VIRTUAL

    A Zoom meeting link will be sent to registrants.

    Join us for a Q & A session to learn more about the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at Âé¶¹Ó³»­! Discover how our innovative curriculum, hands-on clinical experiences, and dedicated faculty prepare students to become compassionate and skilled OT professionals. This session will provide an overview of the program, admission requirements, and the unique opportunities available to our students.



  • Kissimmee MBB Happy Hour

    Calling all Florida Bonnies! Join us for a special alumni happy hour during the Âé¶¹Ó³»­ men's basketball tournament in Florida!

    Hosted by our Florida alumni chapter, this gathering is a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow Bonnies, meet new friends and celebrate our Bona pride while the men's basketball team is in town.

    Whether you're a local alum or visiting for the tournament, we'd love to see you! Come enjoy an evening of friendship, fellowship and Bonnie spirit.

    All alumni, family, friends and Bonnies fans are welcome!


  • NYC Board Retreat Week Activities

     for any of the following events below.

    Thursday, Dec. 3rd

    Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral | Alumni Reception

    Join Âé¶¹Ó³»­ in New York City for a special Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday, Dec. 3, followed by a reception at the Archdiocese of New York. Reconnect with fellow alumni and friends while hearing from President Jeff Gingerich and university leadership about the exciting future of Âé¶¹Ó³»­.

    NYC Breadline Volunteer Opportunity:

    St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church | 135 W. 31st St. | 6:45 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

    Alumni Volunteer Opportunity Coffee Visit:

    Grab a coffee and chat with our Alumni Engagement team about ways to get more involved with Âé¶¹Ó³»­, from volunteering on campus and helping with alumni events to giving back and supporting the Bona community!

    Conwell Coffee & Cocktail Hall | 6 Hanover St. | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

     

    Friday, Dec. 4th

    Alumni Volunteer Opportunity Coffee Visit:

    Grab a coffee and chat with our Alumni Engagement team about ways to get more involved with Âé¶¹Ó³»­, from volunteering on campus and helping with alumni events to giving back and supporting the Bona community!

    Fellini Coffee | 1335 Lexington Ave. | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

     

    Saturday, Dec. 5th

    MBB Watch Party

    Jack Doyle's | 240 W 35th St., New York, NY | 12 p.m. (tip off at 12:30 p.m.) 

     

    WBB Marist Pregame

    Mahoney's Irish Pub & Steakhouse | 35 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY | 2:30 p.m. -  4:30 p.m. (tip off at 5 p.m.)

     


  • Third Annual Âé¶¹Ó³»­ Golf Invitational

    Join us May 2-4, 2027, at the prestigious Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina, for a premier golf experience supporting Âé¶¹Ó³»­â€™s Endowment at the Third Annual Âé¶¹Ó³»­ Golf Invitational.

    Limited to just 72 golfers, the Âé¶¹Ó³»­ Golf Invitational offers three unforgettable days of championship play at the renowned Pinehurst Resort. Designed to combine world-class golf with meaningful connection, the event brings together alumni, friends, and supporters committed to the University’s future. All proceeds benefit Âé¶¹Ó³»­â€™s Endowment, strengthening scholarship support and expanding opportunity for talented students. By participating, you help advance the education and future success of the next generation of Bonnies.


  • 2027 Reunion Weekend

    Save the Date: Reunion Weekend 2027!

    Mark your calendars! Reunion Weekend 2027 returns to its traditional first weekend in June, taking place June 4–6, 2027.

    We'll be celebrating alumni from class years ending in 2 and 7, with a special welcome to the Class of 1977 as they celebrate their 50th Reunion. All alumni are welcome to attend!

    Start making your travel and accommodation plans now, and stay tuned for registration details, event information, and more exciting updates in the months ahead. We can't wait to welcome you back to Âé¶¹Ó³»­!


See All Events