National-Louis University

New Student Information

Applied Behavioral Sciences (ABS)

Welcome to National Louis University and the Applied Behavioral Sciences (ABS) program. This brief PowerPoint presentation is designed to welcome you to the National Louis University community and to orient you to the Applied Behavioral Sciences program. Embedded in most slides is an audio recording providing advice essential to your success in the ABS program. Please advance to each slide individually and press play.What is ABS?Interdisciplinary study of human behaviorFocus on adult learnersHighly interactive Accelerated degree completionCohort model

What will you learn?How to problem solve and make informed decisionsDevelop effective communication skillsDemonstrate effective conflict-resolution skillsUse knowledge of adult development to understand behaviorsExplore and appreciate multi-cultural perspectivesUse social science research to gain insight on human behavior

Applied Behavioral Sciences (ABS)

WHAT IS ABS?The Applied Behavioral Sciences major is an interdisciplinary, applied course of study about human behavior. It was designed specifically for working adult students and encompasses the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology, communication studies, organizational behavior, economics and philosophy.You will find that learning in the ABS program is non-traditional and highly interactive. Instead of sitting in a lecture passively listening, you will be engaging with teachers and fellow students about topics, issues and theories through discussions, small group work, simulations, case studies, and other activities both in and out of class. The ABS program is an accelerated degree completion program. This means that you will cover the same amount of material in a traditional degree program but in a condensed format both in-person and online. The ABS Program is focused on the study of individual behavior in small groups, and the ABS Program is designed so that students learn-by-doing by participating in the small group represented by their cohort. As a program focused on non-traditional, adult students, the ABS cohort model also provides a supportive learning environment by allowing students to share their rich life experiences.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?ABS consists of a series of courses with a focus on human behavior. At the completion of the Applied Behavioral Sciences (ABS), students will:Demonstrate appropriate problem-solving and decision-making techniques;Develop and demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills;Demonstrate effective methods to resolve conflict that arises in their personal and professional lives;Use knowledge of adult development and learning to understand the behavior of themselves and others;Explore and appreciate diverse multicultural human perspectives; andUse survey and observational research tools employed by the social and psychological sciences to gain insight on human behavior.

Career outlook

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER OUTLOOK WITH AN ABS DEGREE?The answer is EVERYTHING. The job market of the future will bring new jobs that dont exist today. The skills you will need both today and in the future involve being able to effectively interact with people, think critically, learn quickly, solve problems, and adapt and apply knowledge to new contexts. In essence, the future job market requires people to be lifelong learners. This is exactly what the ABS program prepares you to do. With an ABS degree from NLU, you will be prepared to remain competitive in an ever changing job market.In regards to studying:Dont aim to memorize; read for core conceptsRead your assigned readings at least twiceLook for the key themes addressed by the authorsNotice how authors draw on other authors arguments

In regards to writing:Aim to be clear, coherent and conciseProvide evidence for your claimsPractice paraphrasing and direct quotingBecome familiar with APA citation formattingArticulate your response in an analytical and critical manner

ESSENTIAL STUDY SKILLS

In regards to studying, dont aim to memorize the text. Rather, it is important for you to read for core concepts. That way, you are able to better understand what ideas the author or authors are trying to get across. Give yourself the time to read your assigned readings at least twice. The first time, you should skim the article, and then, the second or third time, read it in detail. Or perhaps, vice versa. See what works best for you. In learning to read for core concepts, you will also learn to look for key themes that the authors are addressing. These themes will most likely match the course objectives, so be on the lookout for emerging themes. Another useful study habit, notice how the authors draw on other authors arguments. See how they provide evidence for their claims; look at their citations and how they use a combination of paraphrasing and direct quotes. Learning to be a strong communicator starts with learning to read closely and critically.

This brings us to writing. In terms of writing, make sure that you are clear, coherent and concise. Write with specific, concrete details. Avoid using idiomatic expressions, clichs or turns of phrase. On this note, make sure that you provide evidence for claims. Give the supporting details so that your readers know where you got your information. And to this end, you can practice paraphrasing and direct quoting of your sources. In ABS, we use APA citation style, which is a prominent citation style for social sciences. APA stands for the American Psychological Association. Make sure you are familiar with this style; youll be using it a lot! Lastly, be sure that you can convey your ideas analytically and critically. Push yourself to the next level of thinking and writing.

Be Realistic!How long will it take me to complete my assignments?Whatever time I need, double it.Do I need to collect other information as part of your assignment?How much time do I need to review my work?How long will it take me to proofread my work?

Seek documentation of any disabilities that will impact your learning.

Essential study skills

Above all, be realistic! Ask yourself: how long it will take me to do my work? It is usually helpful is to double the time you think it will take. Before beginning an assignment, ask what resources I need to gather to make my reading and writing effective? Also, see how much time you have to review your work. Editing and revision is absolutely essential to careful scholarship. See if someone else can proofread your work. A helpful strategy is to read your work out loud you will catch mistakes very easily!

Degree Completion ProgramJunior/Senior year90 Quarter Hours required for entry into ABS58 Quarter Hours in ABS core courses32 Quarter hours (approximately 6-7 courses) of Electives and General Education180 Quarter Hours to complete a Bachelors of ArtsCreate a completion plan with your Academic Advisor today!

Blended Online and Online CoursesMust have regular access to a computer and to the Internet.Must access d2L.nl.edu at least two times per week.

ABS Course Schedule Mark all classes in your calendar!

ABS: Nuts and bolts

Degree Completion programThe ABS Program is a Degree Completion Program. The ABS coursework represents the students Junior and Senior Year. To be admitted into the ABS Program, each student is required to have completed at least 90 quarter hours of credit, which is the credit-hour equivalent of a Freshman and Sophomore year. Then, to complete a Bachelors degree, a student must complete 180 credit hours of coursework. In the ABS Core Program, each student will satisfy 58 credit hours. That leaves the student with 32 credit hours of general education and elective courses he or she will need to take to complete the BA in ABS degree. Because there are specific requirements for the types of general education and elective courses that will satisfy the BA degree requirements, each student is encouraged to establish a degree-completion plan with his or her academic advisor. In order to achieve your goal of earning a Bachelors degree from National Louis University, we urge you to create a personalized completion plan with your Academic Advisor today!!

BLENDED AND ONLINEThe ABS program consists of courses that are blended online and fully online. Blended-online means that your course will meet in-person once a week for 4 hours but will also require online assignments, discussion boards, activities totaling 6 additional hours per week not including homework. The ABS program also has several 2-credit online courses. Online courses mean that your course will not necessarily meet in-person but may consist of online lectures, activities and assignments.In other words, you must have regular access to a computer and the Internet throughout the ABS program. In all NLU courses, we use a technology called desire2learn, or d2L. Included in this training are links to d2L orientations to guide you through the technology. As soon as you have acquired your NLU email and password, access your d2L shell today. Practice as much as you can before classes begin and proactively seek help from the Learning Center to learn this essential technology.

ABS COURSE SCHEDULEWhen you enrolled in the ABS program, you received your schedule of classes for the duration of the program. Please mark your calendars and plan your family and work schedule accordingly. These dates will not change. Attendance and timely arrival to all courses are required. If you need a copy of the schedule, please contact your Academic Advisor. Make a meaningful commitment to the demands required by the ABS accelerated program, including in-class assignments, out-of-class assignments and online.

Be prepared with books, supplies, materials, and a basic knowledge of computer technology (i.e. Email, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Uploading documents, etc.)

Be inquisitive and engaged in course work.

Demonstrate knowledge through written and verbal communication.

Be respectful of human diversity and individuality.

Strive for excellence and pursue high academic expectations in all courses.

Be prepared to be intellectually challenged.

Maintain academic integrity; academic honesty is expected.

Have fun as you learn.

Expectations of students

As a student in the ABS program, you will have a much greater quantity of work, both in-class assignments, out-of-class assignments and online assignments due to the acceleration of the program. Therefore you are expected to make a level of commitment to the demands required. You are expected to be prepared with books, supplies, materials, and a basic knowledge of computer technology (i.e. email, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, uploading documents, etc.) You are expected to acquire an inquisitive mind and be meaningfully engaged in course work. You are expected to demonstrate your knowledge by articulating your understanding through written and verbal communication. You are expected to be respectful of human diversity and individuality. You are expected to strive for excellence in your studies and seek to achieve high academic expectations in all of your courses. You should be meaningfully engaged, involved, and prepared to learn and to be intellectually challenged.You are expected to have academic integrity. Academic honesty is expected.In the ABS program, we anticipate you will have fun as you learn!

Intensive degree completion program

Hybrid model

Meet with your advisor to:Discuss how many official credits transferred to NLU.Explore Prior learning assessments/testsIdentify how many credits you need to graduate after completing the ABS programDevelop an individualized Academic Plan

Community of Support

REMINDERS

ABS is an intensive degree completion program. As a student in the ABS program, you will have a much greater quantity of work, both in-class assignments, out-of-class assignments and online assignments due to the acceleration of the program. Therefore you are expected to make a level of commitment to the demands required.

The ABS program is considered a hybrid model in which you will have courses that are a combination of face-to-face instruction and online activities as well as courses that are fully online. The ABS program does not have courses that meet exclusively face-to-face. Learning to navigate technology is an essential skill in an increasingly competitive workplace. We are here to support you as you learn while doing.

Please take a moment and schedule a phone or in-person meeting with your Academic Advisor to craft your individualized academic plan to complete your Bachelors of Arts degree. You should discuss your credits that officially transferred to NLU, explore opportunities for prior learning assessments, and identify any remaining credits you need to graduate after you complete the ABS program. Remember, successful completion of the ABS major does not mean you have acquired BA degree. You need to ensure you have all the necessary credits to graduate.

In the remaining slides of this presentation, we review the community of support that NLU extends to you as a student. You are not alone but have many resources available in order to succeed in your educational journey. Come, take a look!Getting StartedFor an overview of all the student services at NLU visit this first link, the NLU Student Services page, here you will find links and contact information to help you succeed: http://www.nl.edu/studentservices/

Student ID card: Once you are registered for courses, your NLU ID card will be mailed to you or you may pick it up at the campus facilities area at any campus.

U-Pass: The CTA U-Pass is provided to all full-time, on-campus, undergraduate or graduate students. The office of Student Life distributes the U-Pass on campus during the 1st week of each term. The U-Pass provides unlimited rides on any CTA bus or train during the academic term. http://www.nlu.edu/upass

Student experienceTextbooks: Books for all NLU courses are available at www.ecampus.com/nlu. Be sure to purchase your books before the first day of class

Course Schedule: Request a copy of your course schedule from your Academic Advisor or your faculty mentor.

Classrooms: Classrooms for each class are noted on the online schedule. Also, classroom locations are posted on a bulletin board outside of NLU elevators.

Email: All correspondence must utilize your NLU email.

Student experienceComputer and Internet Access:Ensure your computer is equipped for your participation in the online component of ABS classes. If you need assistance, call the NLU Information Technology Helpdesk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-813-1177.

NLU Portal (my.nl.edu):Check your NLU email accountMake an appointment with your academic advisorView your gradesView your financial statementView your unofficial transcriptsLog into your online courseAccess library materials

STUDENT ACTIVITY: View the NLU Orientation to Online Learning located at: http://oit.nl.edu/rich_content/LMS/onlineLearningOrientation/index.htm

Online LearningStudent ActivityComplete the Desire2Learn (d2L) Orientation located at: http://oit.nl.edu/rich_content/LMS/OnlineCampusD2LStudentOrientation/index.htm

How to access d2L:d2l.nl.edu or through the NLU portal: http://my.nl.edu/

d2L support: NLU Helpdesk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll free at 866-813-1177 or 866-813-4357 on campus

Reminder:You are expected to login to d2L twice per week.Desire2LearnPurchase/rent your books before the first class. Be ready to use them starting day 1! (ecampus.nl.edu)

Ensure you have daily access to a computer and Internet. Ensure your computer is equipped for your participation in the online component of ABS classes. If you need assistance, call the NLU Information Technology Helpdesk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-813-1177.

Access and regularly check your email.

Access the NLU Portal: my.nl.edu.

Familiarize yourself with Desire2Learn (d2l.nl.edu) by watching the d2L orientation and by referencing online tutorials:

REMINDERSStudent Support ServicesThe goal of the Office of Student Finance is to provide the necessary resources for you to successfully complete your education at NLU. If you are in need of financial assistance and are enrolled in a degree-seeking program, visit us at: http://www.nl.edu/financialaid/officeofstudentfinance/

Begin by completing your FAFSA (NLUs FAFSA code: 001733).

Explore scholarships, loans, grants, veterans benefits and work-study jobs.

Learn about tuition payment options.Office of student financeOur goal is to work with all students to provide the necessary resources for you to successfully complete your education at NLU. If you are in need of financial assistance and enrolled in a degree-seeking program, you should begin the process by completing yourFAFSA. The federal school code for NLU is 001733. We also offer an array of payment options as well. The Office of Student Finance is here to assist you as you reach your goal of an NLU degree.

The Academic Advising Center will assist you in planning your degree and help you to select classes you need to graduate on time. http://www.nl.edu/studentservices/academicadvising/

STUDENT ACTIVITY: Schedule an appointment with you Academic Advisor to develop your academic plan:

Log onto your NLU PortalClick Undergraduate Advising AppointmentSelect phone or in person and select the campus and advisorIf you cant make your scheduled appointment, please cancel.1-800-443-5522, ext. 5900 or advising@nl.eduAcademic Advising CenterPrior Learning Assessment provides the means for adult learners to recognize, document and validate learning from life and work experiences for potential college credit.

Credit by Portfolio: ACL301: Perspectives on Prior Learning a five week course assisting students to develop a portfolio of prior learning.

Credit by Examination: Credit for acceptable scores on the College Boards College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs).

License/Certification program: Credit for licenses/certifications on the faculty approved list

Credit by Proficiency: Credit for demonstrated proficiency for some NLU courses. For more information, please call 630-874-4319 or go to www.nl.edu/pla Prior learning assessmentCredit by Portfolio ACL301: Perspectives on Prior Learning a five week course assisting students to develop a portfolio of prior learning. Student learning outcomes are assessed and credit is granted by content-area experts.

Credit by Examination: NLU awards credit to student who achieve acceptable scores on the CLEP (College Boards College Level Examination Program) and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs). The university has adopted the ACE recommendations for acceptable score requirements and credit awards.

License/Certification program: Students possessing one or more of the licenses/certifications on the faculty approved list may submit them for review and potential credit award.

Credit by Proficiency: Credit by proficiency is possible at National-Louis University for some NLU courses. Students may attempt to demonstrate competencies in a course and receive credit for that course. All evaluations are completed by a faculty member in that content area.

For more information, please call 630-874-4319 or go to www.nl.edu/pla

NLU Learning Support: National Louis Universitys Learning Support is your go-to resource for tutoring, workshops, and placement assessments. If you are having trouble with your class or need help writing a paper, the Learning Support team is here to help.Hours and locations: http://www.nl.edu/academics/nlulibrary/hoursandlocations/

Smartthinking:As an NLU student, you also have access to Smarthinking, a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week tutoring service. By using Smarthinking, you can live chat with a tutor in your subject area or submit a writing sample for tips and suggestions.http://libguides.nl.edu/smarthinking

Student Activity: Review the Learning Support resources: http://www.nl.edu/studentservices/learningsupport/Learning supportThrough the NLU Library Website, you will have 24/7 access to scholarly articles, local and international newspapers, full-text electronic books and more. Library faculty are available by email and phone to help you with your research.

Explore the library website at: http://www.nl.edu/academics/nlulibrary/

STUDENT ACTIVITY: View the Library Orientation located at: http://libguides.nl.edu/nlulibraryintro

Review the ABS Library guide located at: http://libguides.nl.edu/abs

libraryMission: To prepare NLU students and alumni to access and succeed in their career management

Career Advising: In-person, Phone, Skype

Resumes & Cover Letters: Guides, Samples, Reviews, Posting on eRecruiting

Job Search: Individual planning, Tailored webpages based on industry, eRecruiting & CareerBeam, Hot Jobs

Networking: Strategy, LinkedIn, Informational InterviewsInterview Preparation: Mock Interviews, Recorded mock interviews, STAR Strategy

Career Events: Check your email & our website!

Contact Us: careerdevelopment@nl.edu; 312-261-3270; Chicago Campus 2nd floor; www.nl.edu/careerdevelopment Career Development Office

The Career Development Office is available to help you connect your academics with your job search and career management over time. The Career Readiness Advisor can meet with you in-person at the Chicago campus (and intermittently at the suburban campuses), over the phone, or via Skype video chatting. By following @NLU_Students and @NLU_Alumni on Twitter you will catch career-related content with the #NLUcareerdev, and you can always Facebook chat HelenLRoy.med for quick questions.

The CDO prepares students and alumni to access and succeed in their own career management. They are facilitators who teach and advise on how to write resumes, cover letters, networking with other professionals for career success, co-create job search plans, and provide interview preparation feedback through mock interviews.

Through my.nl.edu you can access CareerBeam and eRecruiting. These tools are heavily relied upon by the most successful job seekers because of the reflection and organization that CareerBeam encourages paired with the job postings and employer engagement that eRecruiting offers. The first step to engage with the CDO is by completing the Quick Profile in CareerBeam and then the profile in eRecruiting.

Visit the CDO website at www.nl.edu/careerdevelopment should you want more information or call the CDO at 312-261-3270 to schedule your appointment today!

SECURE financial aid and payment options: http://www.nl.edu/financialaid/officeofstudentfinance/

PLAN your pathway to completion with an Academic Advisor http://www.nl.edu/studentservices/academicadvising

EXPLORE receiving credit for prior learning : www.nl.edu/pla

ASK for help: learn@nl.edu

ORIENT yourself to the NLU library: http://www.nl.edu/academics/nlulibrary/

DEVELOP a plan for your future: www.nl.edu/careerdevelopment

reminders