NASP 2009 Annual Convention

Student and Early Career Activities

School psychology graduate students, interns, and new professionals: You are not just the future of the profession; you are one-third of the greatest professional development experience in the world.

Students make up nearly 30% of attendees at the NASP convention. Why? Attending a NASP convention is the most exciting way to support your current stage of training or practice, promote your long-term professional capacity, expand your involvement in the field, and develop your professional identity.

The entire program is relevant to you, but highlights of activities targeted to students’ specific interests and needs include:

• The ever-popular Student Convention Kick-Off Breakfast. Get off to a great start with this chance to meet your peers and NASP leaders.
  8:00-9:00 a.m., Wednesday, Grand Ballroom–Sheraton (2nd floor)

• Join fellow students and NASP staff and leadership to discuss issues and 'hot topics' that relate to graduate students at the Student Town Hall Meeting.
  9:00-9:50 a.m., Wednesday, Grand Ballroom–Sheraton (2nd floor)
  
• Student Development Panel Presentations. Don’t miss these specially developed sessions for students and early career professionals.
  • School Psychology A to Z: How to Make It Through Your Program and Live to Practice!
    10:00-10:50 a.m., Thursday, New Hampshire–Marriott (5th floor)
  • Essential Tools for Early Career School Psychologists
    1:00-1:50 p.m., Thursday, Grand Ballroom B/C–Marrriott (4th floor)
  • Becoming a Leader in School Psychology
    10:00-10:50 a.m., Friday, Boston University–Marriott (3rd floor)
    
• Diversity Dialogue: Training and Practice Issues for Graduate Students From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds. Open discussion forum for students and trainers. Sponsored by the NASP Multicultural Affairs Committee.
  2:00-3:20 p.m., Friday, Commonwealth–Sheraton (3rd floor)

• The Professional in Transition: Getting and Keeping Your First Job as a School Psychologist. What more needs to be said? ($10 preregistration fee required).
  2:00-5:00 p.m., Wednesday, Grand Ballroom F–Marriott (4th floor)

• Get studying tips at NCSP Help: Preparing for the Praxis Exam in School Psychology.
  8:00-9:50 a.m., Thursday, Grand Ballroom B/C–Marriott (4th floor)
  
• Did you attend a non-NASP approved school psychology graduate program?  Come to NCSP Help: For Non-NASP Approved Graduate Programs to get tips on pursuing the NCSP.
  8:30-9:50 a.m., Friday, Regis–Marriott (3rd floor)
  
• NASP Convention Career Service. Nothing beats meeting face-to-face with potential employers.
  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Thursday, and 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Friday, Grand Ballroom G–Marriott (4th floor)

• Student Mentoring Program. Sign up online before the convention to reserve a time to meet on site with a veteran practitioner to discuss questions, interests, and concerns about practicing school psychology. Information and online registration will be available at www.nasponline.org/students/mentorintro.aspx. 

• If you are looking to have a fun night out during the convention and meet fellow graduate students from across the nation, don’t miss the Graduate Student Outing. We will be going to Jillian’s of Boston—a multi-dimensional entertainment megaplex.   The fee is $4, and preregistration is required.  This covers the cost of a round-trip T ride.  T passes for the outing, the meeting location, and directions should be picked up at the Student Information Center.
  8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Friday, Student Information Center–Registration B–Marriott (4th floor)