New Student Orientation

Much of a person’s success depends on professionalism skills and less on the person’s job description You could be the most awesome behavior

analyst but, if you are not professional, it is unlikely you will be successful

You don’t always know: how important these professional skills are what they are or how well you are doing in this crucial area

In this program, we will attempt to correct this problem.

We are going to tell you some of the subtle things that will help you to: Be a successful graduate student Be an active student member of this program Get the professors to give you strong letters of

recommendation for field sites, assistantships, and jobs.

Remember, these skills will also help you be a successful professional in this field.

Give corrective feedback in appropriate situations and in a non-punitive manner Speak to your professor and classmates in private and

specify the appropriate desired behavior E.g., assume you are wrong, smile and ask for help. Try to

sway people into viewing the situation from your point of view. If they don’t, decide how important it is---you may or may not want to pursue the issue.

Always end discussions with a smile and a sincere thank you.

Respond in a socially appropriate manner Rational not emotional

Be pleasant and respectful in interactions Be the kind of person your professor and classmates want

to be around Actively listen when spoken to in person or in class

E.g., Good eye contact, head nodding Do not dominate discussion at meetings and in class

Pick up on subtle cues from your professor and classmates

Speak often enough in class to share in a discussion You will get more out of class when you are actively

engaged Appear appropriately receptive to the values and

viewpoints of others You may hear some things in this program that you

disagree with. Be open minded and think about all aspects of the issue

Always hand in quality assignments Less than quality assignments could make a bad

impression on your professor and classmates Never ask for an extension of an assignment

This could give your classmates and professor the impression that you are unprepared and have poor time-management skills.

Be present at every class (except in an emergency) and be prompt Remember your professor and classmates are always

forming an opinion of you

If you want to speak with your professors, make an appointment when possible

If it is not possible to make an appointment, always ask your professor if they have time to talk to you You will find your professor to be extremely

accommodating in sharing their time with you, try to be respectful of this.

E-mail etiquette It is very reasonable to wait 2 business days

for a reply Do not send another e-mail within 2 business

days Include a salutation, use correct grammar,

and always sign your whole name Be respectful of your professor’s time

Seek information prior to asking a question of your professor. This may entail thoroughly reading the syllabus,

talking to other classmates/colleagues or other activities

Use effective speaking skills in class and at other times Grammar, clear description, loudness

Use effective writing skills Grammar, spelling, organization

Use good systems-analysis skillsEffectively detect, analyze and clearly specify

problems within a particular area and implement good solutions E.g., when summarizing a journal article, writing a lit review, making a presentation

Use high-quality behavior-analytic skills As you learn what these are, immediately apply

them to every aspect of this program

Effectively manage your time There are substantial writing and speaking

requirements in just about every class Don’t wait until the last minute to get your

assignments done because You are cheating yourself out of an effective

learning experience It might make a bad impression on others You may be putting undo stress on yourself and,

in return, putting out bad karma, vibes and feelings (and who wants to be around that???)

Grad Coordinator – Sharon A. Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA-D Can advise you on courses You should track your progress on your program checklist that includes a

course rotation. This is found on the graduate student resource page in addition to other

helpful information regarding your program http://faculty.caldwell.edu/kreeve/ABA%20Student%20Resource%20Page.ht

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Department Chair - Pat Progar, Ph.D, BCBA-D Oversees the Psychology Department and teaches in the ABA program

Other Faculty Kenneth F. Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA-D

–Also co-coordinates the ABA programs & is responsible for all its publications Tina Sidener, Ph.D., BCBA-D Ruth DeBar, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Graduate Office – Bette-Jo HoAire -Graduate register

All registration issues should go to her ehoaire@caldwell.edu (973) 618-4308

Falynn Bleiberg All administrative issues –contact her and she can direct you to the right

person Fbleiberg@cladwell.edu (973) 618-3621

The faculty members will do their best to always model these behaviors for you We are open to feedback and welcome it (when

delivered professionally!) Remember that feedback should be presented in a

private, respectful way We will also provide feedback to you, in

return Know that we take our jobs seriously as your

professors and mentors We will try to shape all aspects of your academic

and professional behavior so you can be the most successful professional possible

We take pride in you!