DBA First Year Road Map '23

DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS University of North Texas FIRST-YEAR ROAD MAP Academic Year 2023-24

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

ORIENTATION DEPARTMENT & PROGRAM OVERVIEW WHAT YOUR FIRST YEAR LOOKS LIKE REGISTRATION & ENROLLMENT CLASSES LABS PRACTICUM, INTERNSHIP, & THESIS GLENN & ELLIS MENTORING PROGRAM SCHOOL, WORK, & LIFE BALANCE IN DENTON

WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE HERE Welcome to the University of North Texas Department of Behavior Analysis! We are honored that you have chosen UNT to complete your graduate degree and excited that you’re joining the UNT community. We want to help you succeed and cannot wait for you to begin your journey with us!

At UNT, you can depend on your UNT family to be with you every step of the way to guide you toward success. Everyone from your professors to your advisors to your fellow students will offer you the support, insight and resources you will need to excel and ensure timely degree completion. This flipbook is designed to provide you with a wealth of information so that you can make a smooth and successful transition into your graduate coursework at UNT.

ABOUT THE

PROGRAM

QUALITY EDUCATION STARTS HERE! UNT’s innovative Behavior Analysis master’s degree gives you a broad and deep education in Behavior Analysis, including knowledge of principles, theory and research methods of applied behavior analysis and the experimental analysis of behavior; principles and procedures for systematic application of behavioral technology in natural environments; and, practical experience in diverse areas such as neuro-operant interventions, functional analysis, early autism intervention, animal welfare, college teaching and social justice.

Our program will teach you about both the experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis which will prepare you for either further study in a doctoral program or a career in a variety of settings. Our coursework will give you a broad understanding of behavior principles while also encouraging the development of specialized skills in specific areas.

We are able to offer what is recognized worldwide as the most extensive training available in behavior analysis at the master’s degree level.

Our graduate program was the first in the United States to earn accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International and our courses have been approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

SHARED VALUES We expect all of our students to demonstrate the a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

The University of North Texas values diversity and individuality as part of advancing ideals of human worth, dignity, and academic excellence. Diverse viewpoints enrich open discussion, foster the examination of values and exposure of biases, help educate people in rational conflict resolution and responsive leadership, and prepare us for the complexities of a pluralistic society. As such, the University of North Texas is committed to maintaining an open, welcoming atmosphere that attracts qualified students, staff, and faculty from all groups to support their success.

The Department of Behavior Analysis is committed to creating a learning environment that respects and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that the diverse experiences and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff improve the department.

DBA Scholarships Donald L. Whaley Memorial Scholarship Open to graduate student’s enrolled in the College of Health and Public Service, working towards a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis. Recipients must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 semester credit hours any semester they receive scholarship funds.

Typical scholarship awards are $1,000, distributed equally across fall and spring semesters.

Douglas P. Field Scholarship for Graduate Student Research Open to graduate students enrolled in the College of Health and Public Service, working towards a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis and in the process of completing an experimental thesis.

Awards vary depending on the costs of the student's thesis and the amount of money available for scholarships in a given year.

Grace of a Miracle Scholarship Established by the generosity of Alumni, Tammy Lynn Cline Soza, this scholarship is open to graduate students working towards a degree in Behavior Analysis, with a 2.5 GPA or above. Awards range from $500-$1,000.

Guy Bedient Memorial Scholarship in Applied Behavior Analysis Awarded to the graduate students pursuing Behavior Analysis at University Of North Texas.The scholarship is awarded by Behavior Analysis department. The typical award is $1,000.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN Access myUNT MyUNT is an online student portal you will use to register, accept/decline financial aid, check your grades, and make payments. The first time you log in to myUNT, you will need your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and Effective User Identifier (EUID).

Login into EagleConnect EagleConnect is UNT’s official student email service. An account is automatically created for you when you are admitted to UNT. It is important to activate your account so that you receive important UNT communications. For more information, including how to forward mail, see the EagleConnect webpage.

Get a Student ID You will need a student ID to access services, resources, and events on campus. You can get your ID on the 1st Floor of the Eagle Student Services Center in the Union. You will need your student ID number, which you can find on myUNT. For more information about obtaining your ID, please visit the Student Accounting and University Cashiering Services website.

Obtain a Parking Permit The UNT Parking and Transportation Services website provides information about obtaining a permit, parking maps, parking garages, and parking regulations. There are several different options for parking permits. You can buy semester passes or pay by the hour. Be sure to consider all of these options so that you select the most affordable parking plan for your situation.

Register for Classes TIt is important to contact an advisor to get help with degree requirements, registration, transfer credits, degree plans, and establishing a research plan (if required). Contact your department to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. You can find contact information for the graduate advisor in the following pages.

Apply for Scholarships UNT awards thousands of scholarships each year and not just to students who have earned high grades or have high test scores, click to learn more about all the ways UNT helps you invest in your future as you earn your advanced degree.

Pay Tuition & Fees Payment is due after you register for classes. If necessary, you can set-up a payment plan with Student Accounting Services. You can view the current tuition and fee schedule by visiting the Student Accounting Services website.

Ask for Help

Email behavior.analysis@unt.edu

Our Faculty PASSIONATE SCHOLARS AND TEACHERS

Karen Rader Department Chair & Associate Professor karen.toussaint@unt.edu

Shahla Alai-Rosales

April Becker

Samantha Bergmann

Professor

Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor

shahla.alai@unt.edu

april.becker@unt.edu

sam.bergmann@unt.edu

Joe Dracobly Assistant Professor joe.dracobly@unt.edu

Micah Hope

Assistant Director of Instructional Design micah.hope@unt.edu

Ashley Lugo Lecturer ashley.lugo@unt.edu

Kenda Morrison

Daniele Ortu

Jesus Rosales-Ruiz

Principle Lecturer

Research Assistant Professor

Professor

kenda.morrison@unt.edu

daniele.ortu@unt.edu

jesus.rosales-ruiz.@unt.edu

Richard Smith

Manish Vaidya

Coming Soon..

Associate Professor

Associate Professor

Assistant Professor

rick.smith@unt.edu

manish.vaidya@unt.edu

A LOOK INTO REQUIRED COURSES

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

CaPS Lab BARC Lab

12-1pm

12:30-2pm

LABS: Pick a Few

ENCOURAGED

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Evolutionary Culture & NRR Lab

START Lab

9-12pm

11-1pm

Community Lab

Neurobehavioral EEG Lab

12-2pm

1-3pm

A+ Lab 3-5pm

ORCA Lab 3-5pm

BEHV 5100 6-8:50pm

BEHV 5000 6-8:50pm

TRAIL Lab

BARC

4-5:30pm

3-5pm

BEHV 5810

POST-BARC

6-8:50pm

Social

FIRST YEAR FALL SEMESTER '23 One of the most important skills to have in graduate school is time management, adjusting to the demands of graduate school can be difficult and nearly impossible without it. Last-minute studying and doing homework won’t work anymore. It is important that you come up with a plan to help you stay on track. Our goal for this guide is to help orient you to what your first year schedule will look like and how you can prepare.

FIRST YEAR! SUNDAY

MONDAY

REQUIRED COURSES

LABS: Pick a Few

ENCOURAGED

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

CaPS Lab BARC Lab

12-1pm

12:30-2pm

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Evolutionary Culture & NRR Lab

START Lab

9-12pm

11-1pm

Community Lab

Neurobehavioral EEG Lab

12-2pm

1-3pm

A+ Lab 3-5pm

ORCA Lab 3-5pm

BEHV 5150 6-8:50pm

BEHV 5010 5-7:50pm

BEHV 5560 6-8:50pm

TRAIL Lab 4-5:30pm

BARC 3-5pm

POST-BARC Social

FIRST YEAR SPRING SEMESTER '24 Studying is now your job. We recommend making a weekly schedule of when you will commit to studying and showing up to specific study times. We know it sounds like alot, but plan to spend approximately 3 times the time of in-classroom instruction on studying, reading, and prepping for classes while in graduate school. A normal course load of 9-12 credits per semester equates to 27-36 hours of graduate school study time per week.

REGISTRATION Enrollment Process: 1. Sign into MyUNT.edu Sign in using your EUID and password.

2. Check for any Holds Click into the 'Tasks' Box on the top left.

3. Sign up for Classes Click into the 'Enrollment' Box on the top right and choose 'Search for Classes'. After selecting a term, search for your class and add it to the cart. If you need a permission code email BehaviorAnalysis@mu.unt.edu 4. Verify Enrollment Once all courses are added to cart, continue through to checkout and view the 'Visual Schedule Builder' to confirm enrollment in classes.

YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR The role of the Graduate Advisor is to provide students with programmatic information and provide assistance on matters and questions related to each student’s plan of study. Once a faculty member agrees to support a student in the role of the thesis advisor, then that faculty member takes the lead in advising the student for the remainder of the master’s program.

Dr. Shahla Alai-Rosales serves as the Graduate Advisor and is available to support DBA master’s students for advising questions at shahla.alai@unt.edu

Shahla Alai-Rosales Ph.D., BCBA-D, CPBA-AP Professor Shahla.Alai@unt.edu 940-369-7475 Chilton 361D

OUR LABS A+ Lab The A+ lab focuses on the treatment of children with autism. However, the name includes a plus because sometimes we include other populations. One of our main focuses is therapist-learner interactions and how the therapist’s behavior can promote optimal teaching situations. Meets on Mondays from 3-5pm.

This lab is supervised by Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz.

BARC Lab

In collaboration with the Denton State Supported Living Center (DSSLC), BARC serves as a unit behavior analyst for residents of DSSLC and operates an assessment and treatment clinic for residents with severe behavior disorders and difficulty with routine medical and dental procedures. Meets Monday from 12:30-2:00pm.

This lab is run by Drs. Joe Dracobly and Rick Smith.

CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM SOLVING LAB (CAPS) The primary goal of this laboratory is to pursue knowledge about the variables that influence behavioral variability and creativity. To that end, the laboratory conducts translation and applied research on the role of both basic processes and social contexts. Meets on Tuesdays from 12-1pm.

This lab is supervised by Dr. Joseph Dracobly.

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE LAB This is an interdisciplinary lab amining to provide a place for students to engage in collaborative community building. Our goal is to develop and try third way approaches to address community needs in the most loving & progressive ways possible. Fridays from 12-2pm.

Lab is co-advised by Drs. Shahla Ala'i and Alicia Re Cruz

EVOLUTIONARY CULTURE LAB This lab explores culturo-behavioral phenomena, biological and social systems, and social learning with an emphasis on animal culture, emergent and dynamical systems concepts, multi-level selection, and radical behaviorism. Fridays from 9am-12pm.

This lab is supervised by Dr. April Becker.

NEUROBEHAVIORAL EEG LAB

The primary focuses of the Neurobehavioral Laboratory is real time measures of behavior and brain activity, specifically Event Related Potentials, and how they relate to a Skinnerian perspective. Meets on Wednesdays from 1-3pm.

This lab is supervised by Dr. Daniele Ortu.

ORCA LAB In this lab, students learn about animal behavior and training, conduct research projects related to animal training, and volunteer with local community organizations. ORCA meets on Wednesdays from 3-5pm.

This lab is supervised by Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz.

START LAB The primary goal of this laboratory is on the application of behavioral principles to solve sociallyrelevant human problems. A focus is on the use of digital and analog technologies to increase the precision as well as the scope of applied behavior analysis. Meets Wed from 11-1.

This lab is supervised by Dr. Manish Vaidya.

TRAINING AND RESEARCH: AUTISM INTERVENTION LAB TR:AIL is dedicated to conducting applied research and providing supervised professional practice opportunities related to behavioral interventions for children & young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Thurs 4-5:30pm.

This lab is run by Drs. Sam Bergmann and Karen Radar

THESIS, PRACTICUM, & INTERNSHIPS Students will also take a series of practical training courses, including practica, internships, special problems, and thesis. All students will enroll in three practica courses. Opportunities span an array of applied research and service contexts. Students will select practical training experiences based on their interests and career goals.

PORTL -BEHV 5810

Students must take this course in the fall of thier first year.

In this class, students will see basic behavioral principles in action using a table-top shaping game called PORTL.

PRACTICUM 1 - BEHV 5815a

Students must take this course in the fall semester of their first year. This course is designed to engage students with a diversity of scholarly activities as they enter the M.S. program and prepare students for continued success.

PRACTICUM 2 - BEHV 5815b

Students may take this course at any time but it is recommended to be completed by the end of your second year. This course is designed for students to be able to conduct behavior analytic projects under faculty supervision in applied or experimental settings.

PRACTICAL TRAINING COURSES In the fall of the first year, all students will take a 2-credit hour section of BEHV 5810 (PORTL) and an assigned section of BEHV 5815.

Students will enroll in an additional section of BEHV 5815 during the course degree program. Students are responsible for communicating with chosen faculty for practia course.

In general, you can estimate at least 50 hours for Practicum 2 (5815b). However, the individual faculty member determines the actual number of clock hours for BEHV 5815. Many practicum projects require more than 50 hours.

THESIS & INTERNSHIPS In addition, students will complete Internship course (BEHV 5820) and at least two Thesis courses (BEHV 5950). These courses are commonly completed during your final year of the program and must be completed consecutively.

Generally, students enroll in practicum courses during the fall or spring semesters. Students should not anticipate that faculty members are available to supervise practicum courses over the summer semesters. If you are considering enrolling in a practicum course during a summer semester, you must have permission from the individual faculty member to do so.

INTERNSHIPS. Internships are arranged for individual students based on their particular interests. They are meant to provide students with intensive exposure to a behavior analytic research or service setting and should only be arranged after the student has completed all practica. Internships are to be arranged by the student. For help or questions about internships, contact Behavior.Analysis@unt.edu

Interns should be viewed as an asset to the placement settings and an ambassador for our program.

Internships are an opportunity to do advanced, independent work as a behavior analyst.

The internship involves an extended period of intensive work—usually full time for six weeks or more approximately 240 clock hours). An individual internship program may require more clock hours because the internship supervisor recognizes that more time will be required to accomplish the student’s objectives.

Highly trained behavior analysts must supervise internships, and the work must be primarily behavior analytic in nature.

Students will typically complete internships outside of the department; however, some internship programs (particularly focusing on basic research) can be completed within the department. A list of past internship sites and additional helpful tips and strategies for internships are provided on the next page.

Some internships are completed within the DBA. Internships completed with the DBA must have a different focus from DBA graduate curriculum. They might include advanced research, systems analysis, or staff training and supervision. They must have agreement with chosen faculty member. Several faculty members have helped students to coordinate an internship within the scope of their labs.

Some internships are completed outside the DBA. Internships that are completed outside of the DBA provide students with an opportunity to network for employment. They can include a wide range of activities and settings. However, students must have an agreement between the site supervisor and the internship coordinator.

ON THE ROAD TO COMPLETING A THESIS Before beginning to write the thesis, students need to obtain information from the Toulouse Graduate School on format, deadline dates, filing for graduation, etc.

3

1

Choose Thesis Advisor

We encourage students participate in faculty advisor's lab and becoming familiar with ongoing projects. Once students identify a faculty member, they will need to ask that faculty for support them as their thesis advisor.

Thesis advisors should be identified by the end of the 2nd year, if not earlier.

Submit IRB Proposal

Select your Committee

Submit a formal written Institutional Review Board (IRB) proposal with the support of your Thesis Advisor .

Data collection cannot begin without IRB approval

4

It is important to select committee members who are knowledgeable of the subject matter.

2

Decide on a Thesis Topic Participating in the lab or in applied research may provide the basis for developing thesis ideas. Once you have an idea- meet with your advisor!

8

Make Edits

7

Committee and may request additional revisions to the document. Once revisions are made, your advisor will give you approval to submit to the Graduate School.

6 5

Submit your final manuscript to the Graduate School

& upload in Vireo.

Schedule & Defend

ALMOST THERE!

The thesis document must be delivered to committee members at least two full weeks prior to the scheduled defense unless otherwise approved. Once your document is turned in, and you've scheduled a defense date with your committee, you will prepare to make an oral defense of thesis research to committee.

Run & Write Conduct your research on the topic & apply appropriate analyses., then comes the writing.

The thesis manuscript must adhere to formatting requirements and be publishable quality as well as make a contribution to the literature.

Submit Manuscript

This part is a milestone in your thesis project!

The faculty members’ acceptance of the student’s completed thesis admits them to candidacy for the master’s degree, assuming all coursework has been satisfactorily completed.

THE GEM PROGRAM

The Glenn & Ellis Mentoring Program was created for students in the Department of Behavior Analysis at UNT. It was named in honor of our two founding professors, Drs. Sigrid Glenn and Janet Ellis and is based on the foundations they laid for creating continuous learning communities for behavior analysts (Glenn & Ellis, 1995).

GET SUPPORT Each first-year student will be paired with an established UNT student who will serve as a guide and resource during your first year at UNT (or beyond). There will also be monthly Eagle Connections programs for you to connect with other students in the program.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!

Your mentor will support you, cheer you on, expand your opportunities, provide feedback, advice, and help you define and reach your goals. It can be a key relationship in your success as a student at UNT. In the mentor program students are able to attend regularly scheduled meetings with their mentor and receive rewards for completing tasks with their mentor.

WHY

SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?

Participating in the mentor program is especially useful for new graduate students who need to get accustomed to the workload and culture of being in grad school. Graduate school is often more intensive and more time-consuming. The Department of Behavior Analysis's mentor program will connect you with a experienced student who will help you learn to manage your time, relieve stress, offer support, and provide guidance. This programs can help students succeed in both university studies and and future careers. In addition, the mentor program will benefit students by providing friendly faces around campus and at department hosted events like BARC and post BARC socials.

CONTACT US If you would like to particIpate in the mentor program as a mentor or mentee, please contact Shahala.Alai@unt.edu

LIFE IN DENTON

WELCOME TO

DENTON

ALL ABOUT LIVING, PLAYING AND WORKING IN DENTON With a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, a lively arts and culture scene, and plenty of personality, Denton has become one of the most desirable places for people to live. With so much to offer, Denton offers a remarkable opportunity for exploration and discovery.

PLAY. Looking for some fun? Denton is a great spot for a familyfriendly foray featuring lakes and trails, museums, historic tours, and Instagram-worthy photos at the city's most popular murals. There is no shortage of things to do with 4,000 acres of open space, unique restaurants and shopping, craft breweries and bars, and a vibrant downtown. After you’ve enjoyed all that Denton has to offer, you will find it is also the perfect place to rest and recharge.

Denton enjoys the advantages of the booming North Texas metroplex—all while maintaining a unique, charm with small-town surprises. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it in Denton.

1

THE SQUARE

Downtown Denton represents the heart and soul of the community— and the square itself is an integral part of the city’s culture.

2

RAY ROBERTS STATE PARK There are many ways to enjoy Lake Ray Roberts. Consider, hiking, biking, geocaching, swimming, or simply relaxing!

3

UNT REC CENTER UNT'S rec center has everything to offer! From swimming, to rock climbing, to traditional workout equipment and more!

4

CAMPUS THEATRE Denton's Campus Theatre is home to year-round productions from Denton Community Theatre and Music Theatre who make up Theatre Denton.

WORK. Jobs through the Department of Behavior Analysis allow students to become better-acquainted with faculty, staff and other students and are more likely to feel like they are part of the campus community. On-campus jobs allow you to work more closely with faculty and staff. They can become mentors and potentially lead to future internships or research opportunities.

On-campus employers are far more accommodating regarding a student’s need to place school first in his or her life. Therefore, they are more likely to provide students with much-needed flexibility when term papers or exams pile up. Students may discover that in addition to having extra money to spend, they are more satisfied with their college experience and are more prepared for the future.

STUDENT POSITIONS FACULTY SUPERVISED: Kristin Farmer Autism Center: Part-Time Registered Behavior Technician and Senior Behavior Technician positions in EIBI Classroom (TR:AIL) Contact Sam Bergmann or Karen Rader Senior Behavior Technician Behavior Disorders Clinic (BARC).

Contact Joe Dracobly Denton State Supported Living Center: Graduate Research Assistantships (BARC) Contact Joe Dracobly

DEPARTMENT: Teaching Assistant Contact: Behavior.Analysis@unt.edu Research Assistant Contact: Lab supervisors Graduate Student Graders & Tutors Contact: Behavior.Analysis@unt.edu

Working within the Department of Behavior Analysis you are able to have a better quality experience and are more likely to have your coursework integrated into your field experience.

UNT uses Handshake for majority of their student job postings.

Handshake is unique because all the jobs you see are posted specifically for students, and employers are actively recruiting from UNT. Sign up and search for jobs today!

MANAGING SCHOOL, WORK, AND LIFE BALANCE An advanced degree could be exactly what you need to take your career to new heights. However, most people who want to go to grad school also must work. Adding classes, homework, and exams on top of a busy job can seem overwhelming if you don’t learn strategies to balance it all.

Thankfully, you are not alone in asking yourself how to balance a work load and graduate-level coursework. Many students have had the same challenges, but they were still able to pursue a graduate degree and work using the right strategies. Balancing your career and school may never be completely stress-free, but here are a few tips and tricks that can make succeeding a little easier.

1. Use your Resources As a graduate student, you may need extra support to reach your goals. The University of North Texas provides services unique to the needs of graduate students. These services include professional development workshops, writing help for your thesis/dissertation proposal, dedicated discipline librarians, and statistical support.

Take advantage of the tools and resources that are available to you.

Utilizing resources like these will jumpstart your success in grad school! Get access by clicking here.

2. Work Smarter, Not Harder Finding ways to tie your classwork into your daily job can make your life much easier-- get a position within the department or working at a faculty lab site in order to easily combine your workloads. Take advantage of your anecdotal evidence and professional experience to guide your writing and research. Use assignments to develop projects or policies you may actually be interested in addressing at work, to learn about a job you might be working toward in the future, or to explore a topic you are passionate about.

3. Practice Self-Care Balancing graduate school and working full time is not easy. Eating healthy, sleeping well, and exercising should all be a priority in your life during this time. If you neglect yourself and become unwell, you cannot focus on school or work.

Practice good stress management, reward yourself for the wins you have in school or at your job and allow yourself to have fun.

Remember, you are going to school to improve your life, not make it worse.

Get more information at: https://hps.unt.edu/behv/welcome-behavior-analysis For help, contact the department: 940-565-2000 / behavior.analysis@unt.edu