Psychology

Stephanie Peterson, Chair
Main Office: 3740 Wood Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-4479
Fax: (269) 387-4550

Lisa E. Baker
Amy L. Damashek
Anthony DeFulio
Jessica Frieder
Wayne Fuqua
Scott T. Gaynor
Bradley E. Huitema
Douglas Johnson
Amanda Karsten
Heather McGee
Amy Naugle
Cynthia Pietras
Alan Poling
Ron Van Houten
Lester W. Wright, Jr.

Graduate Training Committee Chairperson:
Scott Gaynor
3530 Wood Hall

Graduate Program Administrative Assistant:
Kaycie James
3500 Wood Hall

The Department of Psychology has a strong scientific and behavior analytic orientation, which influences all the Department’s graduate degree programs.

Graduate students receive a personal appointment to an academic advisor and two faculty sponsors to facilitate the full development of the student’s academic interests within the research programs of the department and the University. The program is arranged to encourage active participation in the daily conduct of the department’s academic program and research activities.

Graduate students in all programs of the department are expected to abide by the following principles: “Ethical Principles of Psychologists” and the “Standards for Providers of Psychological Services,” published by the American Psychological Association; “Guidelines for Human Subjects Research at WMU” and “Humane Care and Use of Animals Policy and Procedures,” published by Western Michigan University; and “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,” published by the National Research Council. The Department expects students to be familiar with the content of these documents and to abide by the principles contained therein as they apply to academic endeavors, professional service, and research activities conducted in partial fulfillment of degree requirements as well as professional service and scholarly or research activities which are not directly awarded academic credit but are completed as part of program requirements of the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University.

The members of the department faculty conduct an annual review of student progress and recommend to the Graduate College advancement from program applicant to candidacy for a degree within each program. This evaluation includes a review of academic performance, professional responsibility, and adherence to the accepted ethical and professional guidelines of the discipline and the profession as published by the American Psychological Association or, when relevant, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Failure to meet these standards and the ethical principles of the American Psychological Association, the BACB or regulations from the State of Michigan or failure to abide by “The WMU Student Code” and “Student Rights and Responsibilities” as delineated in the Graduate Catalog may lead to disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the program. Disciplinary reviews, including a due process hearing for the student, are conducted by the Department’s Graduate Training Committee, and a summary of the findings and a recommendation for action are sent to the Dean of the Graduate College.

The Department of Psychology offers financial assistance through Department assistantships and program fellowships. Additional information concerning financial awards and program requirements may be obtained from the Department office.