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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Department of Rehabilitation at The University |
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of Texas--Pan American provides a comprehensive, high-quality |
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education to both undergraduate and graduate students seeking |
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careers assisting people with disabilities; and |
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WHEREAS, Since 1992, the department has expanded from two |
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faculty members to 11 and today has one of the largest |
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rehabilitation counseling programs in the country; the master's |
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program in rehabilitation counseling was ranked in the top 25 in the |
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2009 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools published by U.S. |
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News & World Report; the department's faculty includes many members |
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who hold leadership positions in rehabilitation organizations, as |
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well as recognized experts in such specializations as psychiatric |
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disabilities, addictions, and assistive technology; and |
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WHEREAS, Undergraduate students gain valuable field |
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experience and enjoy numerous opportunities for professional |
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development through community involvement; a 2007 report in |
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Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education recognized the department for |
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graduating more Hispanics than any other rehabilitation program in |
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the nation, and its bilingual graduates are in great demand in South |
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Texas and across the country; and |
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WHEREAS, In order to meet the growing need for rehabilitation |
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educators, the department has plans to offer a Ph.D. in |
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rehabilitation counseling beginning in fall 2009; only 26 |
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universities in the United States offer such a curriculum, and the |
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program will be the only one of its kind in Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, The UTPA Department of Rehabilitation promotes a |
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philosophy of dignity and respect for all people, and its courses |
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integrate theory and practice to give students thorough preparation |
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for the important roles that they will play in their communities, |
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providing vital services to people with disabilities; and |
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WHEREAS, Representative Aaron Peña has justly recognized the |
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UTPA Department of Rehabilitation by authoring this resolution in |
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its honor; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize the Department of Rehabilitation at |
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The University of Texas--Pan American and extend best wishes for |
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continued success to its students, faculty, and staff; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the department as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |
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Peña |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 654 was adopted by the House on March |
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12, 2009, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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