3/3/15

Psych Scoop 3/3/15

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PSI CHI/Psychology Student Organization
--1.Psychology T-Shirts Now Available! Eat, Study Psychology, Sleep, Repeat.
--2.Psychology Club/Psi Chi Meeting!

--3.Psi Chi Applications Due March 13^th
PISA - PSYCHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION
--4.PISA will be launching the first ever PISA Buddy Program! (Sign-up required)
EVENTS
--5.Stress-Busting Session with Active Minds & MSA
--6.Mental Health Day on the Hill – March 12, 2015
--7.De-Stigmatize Mental Health! Call for Artists
--8.Humphrey School of Public Affairs Info Sessions
RESEARCH

--9.Volunteer Needed for Prospective Brain Injury Study at VAMC
LEARNING ABROAD
--10.NEW Programs in Thailand!

JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
--11.Volunteer at The Link
--12.Summer 2015 Internship Opportunity with Congressman Keith Ellison
--13.Summer Employment Opportunity at Camp Sunrise
*CAREER SPOTLIGHT*
Web Designer
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PSI CHI/Psychology Student Organization
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PLEASE NOTE: All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psi Chi/ Psychology Student Association activities. No previous participation or membership is required. If you're interested, please attend!
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1.Psychology T-Shirts Now Available! Eat, Study Psychology, Sleep, Repeat.

Get your Psychology T-Shirt NOW! By purchasing a Psychology t-shirt, you can help Psychology Club/Psi Chi continue to bring students together with fun, food, and psychology!  These maroon and gold t-shirts feature a design that says "Eat, Study Psychology, Sleep, Repeat".  They will be available to purchase for $15 until March 31st!  Go online to order yours now! Note: Please be sure that you order the correct size, there will not be extras on hand.

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2.Psychology Club/Psi Chi Meeting!

Come join the Psychology Club/Psi Chi this Thursday, March 5th, from 5:30-6:30 in Elliott Hall room N391 for Trivia Night! Bring a friend, enjoy some free snacks, test your psychology knowledge and earn some bragging rights! 

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3.Psi Chi Applications Due March 13^th
Quick reminder: Psi Chi Applications are due Friday, March 13th. Please go online to submit your application and become a member of Psi Chi! 

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PISA - PSYCHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION
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PLEASE NOTE: All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psi Chi/ Psychology Student Association activities. No previous participation or membership is required. If you're interested, please attend!
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4.PISA will be launching the first ever PISA Buddy Program! (Sign-up required)

Do you want to make friends with other Psychology students and learn from their experience? Do you want to help your peers and learn from your peers’ experience? Do you want advice from experienced psychology students in picking classes and finding research labs？Do you want to meet with students from other cultures and learn about their unique experience as international students studying psychology? The goal of this program is to find you a buddy who is also studying Psychology and who can help you out academically in Psychology, from picking classes, to giving you advice on study tips, to finding research labs in our department to anything else that they may be able to help you with. Please follow this link to answersome questions about your goals and interests to help us match you with a buddy. The matching process will be on a rolling basis and the deadline for the submission of the form is March 8th. Please contact Jingyuan Tian (President) at tianx188@umn.edu or PISA at pisaumn2014@gmail.com.
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EVENTS
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5.Stress-Busting Session with Active Minds & MSA

Join Active Minds meeting at their next meeting, this Thursday 3/5. They will be joining MSA and the Art of Living Club for a stress-busting session including breathing techniques and some guided meditation in the MSA office Coffman 202 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Afterward there will be a half hour brainstorming session about the current state of mental health and self care on campus and how we can improve it!

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6.Mental Health Day on the Hill – March 12, 2015

A special invitation goes out to students to join us for Mental Health Day on the Hill on March 12, 2015. This is a great opportunity for students who would like to view the legislature in action. Before we go to the Capitol, we will meet in the morning to learn about the legislative process, how best to approach and talk with legislators, and get a summary of MPA’s legislative agenda. We will go over and meet with legislators in groups and talk about the profession of psychology in general, how we might be of help to the legislator, and discuss our current legislative agenda. We will meet in the morning at 9:30 AM at Ewald Consulting Office located at 1000 Westgate Dr., Suite 252, in St. Paul. Students who are interested should send an email to trishas@visi.com. For more information, visit the MPA website.
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7.De-Stigmatize Mental Health! Call for Artists

Boynton Health Service is sponsoring a “Call for Artists” for a juried art exhibition focused on de-stigmatizing mental health on the University of Minnesota campus and demonstrating the value of art for healing and stress reduction. Open to all Twin Cities’ students, staff and faculty artists; the deadline to submit artwork is Monday, March 30, 2015. You are welcome to submit works of art related to mental health. Works may reference specific conditions such as stress, depression or anxiety, or effective coping strategies, life balance, stigma reduction, and other mental health-related themes. Our goal is to promote conversation around mental health and increase awareness of how the creation and contemplation of art can be proactive strategies to manage stress and address mental illness. Works chosen by the Review Committee will be displayed in Boynton’s East Bank Clinic (Third Floor Gallery), and at a public exhibit. To submit your artwork, complete a submission form online AND email up to three digital images (less than 1 MB each) to kelwell@umn.edu. Artwork should be no larger than 48" tall x 48" wide x 4" deep—and framed and ready for hanging (no sculptures please). With each submission, you must include: Title of artwork, Year, Medium, Dimensions, and a short description of the work and how it relates to a particular mental health issue. If you have submission questions please contact Kate Elwell at kelwell@umn.edu. You can help frame and normalize the mental health conversation, which is the No. 1 health issue here on campus.
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8.Humphrey School of Public Affairs Info Sessions
There are several upcoming opportunities this spring for students interested in learning more about the degree programs offered at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.  During these hour-long sessions, students will hear from admissions staff, program faculty and current students, while learning more about curriculum and career prospects.  We welcome students from all majors who may be interested in learning more about graduate studies and careers in public affairs-related fields. Learn about the Master of Public Policy (MPP) & Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) (combined sessions) on Thursday, March 5 at 12:00pm-1:00pm in HHH 215 and/or Monday, May 4 at 5:30pm-6:30pm in HHH 215; about the Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (MS-STEP) on Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30pm-6:30pm, and about the Master of Development Practice (MDP) on Thursday, April 2 from 5:30pm-6:30pm. If you have questions about these opportunities or about the Humphrey School, please feel free to contact Dan Cheng.
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RESEARCH
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9.Volunteer Needed for Prospective Brain Injury Study at VAMC

A research laboratory at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center has an immediate opening for a Psychology or Neuroscience major interested in biopsychology and/or traumatic brain injury research. Dr. Nicholas Davenport's prospective study examines National Guard soldiers prior to and after completing military training to determine if experiences encountered during training (i.e. stress, concussion, etc.) have an effect on thinking and cognition, and if this trajectory can be seen in the structure and function of the brain. The ideal applicant is a junior or senior, has a GPA around 3.5 or higher, and has completed courses in psychopathology (i.e. abnormal psychology), biopsychology or fundamental neuroscience, and statistics. The ideal applicant would also be able to commit about 10 hours per week for a minimum of six months. Responsibilities will depend on the applicant’s interests, as well as the current needs of the study, but will likely begin with data entry and participant recruitment and may expand into cognitive assessments, clinical interviewing, and MRI data collection and processing. This is a volunteer position. Experience on this study can be used to support program research requirements and entry into graduate school. If interested, please send a resume/CV, a description of your current availability and educational/career interests, and a current transcript (unofficial is fine) to alicia.kielbasa@va.gov. Please put “Research Assistant Application” in the subject line of your email.
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LEARNING ABROAD
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10.NEW Programs in Thailand!

The Learning Abroad Center is launching 2 new programs in Chiang Mai, Thailand starting this August 2015. There will be an Intensive Thai program and an MSID International Development program. With its fascinating cultural sites and wide array of environmental diversity, Thailand has long been a popular destination for travelers the world over, and it serves as a major hub of industry, agriculture, and tourism. The Learning Abroad Center sponsors several Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) programs around the world, but this Fall 2015 will be the first MSID program in Thailand. MSID programs are a great fit for Psychology Students because ‘learning from experience’ is the core of MSID programs. The programs put students in direct contact with the social and economic realities of actual communities and of people working within them to address complex problems. Through classes, field trips, internships and research, MSID strives to establish a continual dialogue linking experience with theory and critical analysis (Learn more about the MSID mission and educational philosophy). In addition to the new MSID program in Thailand, the Learning Abroad Center will also be sponsoring an Intensive Thai program that can be a short (3-week) experience, or combined with the MSID semester/academic-year program for an extended experience abroad. Students on the intensive Thai program will develop and strengthen Thai speaking, writing, listening and reading skills while learning about local Thai culture. A one-time discount of $800 is available to students who participate in the Fall 2015 MSID program, and a one-time discount of $400 is available to students who participate in the August 2015 Intensive Thai program, so check them out now! Find dates, deadlines, and syllabi both programs online.

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JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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IMPORTANT: Organizations listed below are not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Psychology or Psychology Undergraduate Advising. Please exercise the same discretion you would in viewing any other source.
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11.Volunteer at The Link

The Link Is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization with over 20 years of experience working at-risk youth. The Link has three program areas or what we call “Divisions.”  Our program divisions, Housing and Homeless Services, Juvenile Justice and Safe Harbor provide front-end prevention and supportive services to youth who are at risk of (or currently experiencing) homelessness, dropping out of school, sexual exploitation and involvement in the criminal justice system. The Link prides itself on its innovative, trauma informed, strength-based programming for youth. We are seeking volunteers for various opportunities, including but not limited to: Receptionist, Activity/Recreation Specialist, Employment Specialist, Nutritionist, Wellness Coach, Fitness Specialist, Tutors, Cooking Specialist, Arts Specialist, Mentors, Cleaning/Organizing Specialist, Special Events, Holiday Events, and Monthly Community Meals. If you would like more information, please contact Carla Kress (ckress@thelinkmn.org, 612.999.0042 ), Volunteer Coordinator.

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12.Summer 2015 Internship Opportunity with Congressman Keith Ellison
Congressman Keith Ellison is looking for the next group of smart, hardworking, and dedicated students for a Summer 2015 internship opportunity in his Minneapolis office. Internships are offered for individuals interested in learning the operations of a Congressional office: current events as they relate to Congressional activity, federal legislation and policy issues, constituent services, and events research and planning. Interns are asked to work at least 15 hours per week, and are partnered with supervisors in their areas of interest. Unfortunately, due to House ethics guidelines, we are not able to offer compensation to interns. People of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Though this internship demands high-quality work, we are seeking applicants who are passionate about social justice and in need of experience. Applications are due by April 15, 2015, and may be emailed to nicky.leingang@mail.house.gov. A more complete description of the position can also be found on the Congressman’s website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Nicky Leingang via email (nicky.leingang@mail.house.gov) or telephone (612) 522.1212.
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13.Summer Employment Opportunity at Camp Sunrise

YouthCARE’s Camp Sunrise is currently accepting applications for the summer season.  We have a variety of positions open including some for those with little Youth Work experience to those with more extensive experience.  Please check out the website to learn more about the positions we have available. Camp Sunrise is a ten-week residential summer camp for 250 Minneapolis and St. Paul youth, 13-18 years old. Youth participate in one-week sessions (Crew Week), two-week sessions (Veteran Crew) or a 10-week Leadership Training Program (Junior Counselors). Activities include teambuilding and intercultural experiences, outdoor and environmental education, canoeing and camping experiences, and service projects that help preserve the St. Croix Scenic Riverway. Camp Sunrise empowers youth to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve and succeed in all areas of life. The program benefits the Twin Cities communities by preparing youth to become confident, productive and self-sufficient adults, and by building cohesiveness between youth and adults of diverse backgrounds and cultures – creating an environment where youth and adult community members are able to work together, respect each other and achieve life success. Contact Shaina Abraham (sabraham@YouthCAREmn.org) if you have any questions or would like more information.
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CAREER SPOTLIGHT
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WEB DESIGNER
A web designer works with a unique combination of psychology, information technology, and art.  If you are a technical person with a good eye, consider this field.

Web designers develop and design the look and functionality of web pages for a variety of clients.  This involves planning layout and organization, color and image use, and creating graphic designs. Installation and maintenance of these web pages are also typically involved.  You will use your knowledge of psychology in determining what designs will make people feel secure, enjoy browsing the page, and navigate successfully and logically through the important points of the page. Both the quantitative and social aspects of psychology will be used frequently in this field.  

Educational path:
While psychology provides an important background in perception and consumer decision-making, you will want to incorporate technology use and art into your education as well.  Sample courses, minor, or double-major in graphic design, art, or the information technology infrastructure major.  There are a variety of different certificate programs in the informational technology field offered at technical colleges in the area if you would like to complete postgraduate education to meet job qualifications.

Courses to explore in Psychology:
PSY 3051: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
--Theories regarding perception and logic—5XXX level courses in this series also beneficial
PSY 3031: Introduction to Sensation and Perception
--Units on visual perception will help in understanding what patrons experience while looking at your pages—5XXX level courses in this series are also beneficial
PSY 3201: Introduction to Social Psychology
--Learn about what contributes to attitude formation
PSY 3711: Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology
----This will provide exposure to the working environment you will most likely be involved with

Related Student Orgs/Service-Learning Experiences:
Organizations within your interest area likely have web design needs. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities to work with the web pages of places of interest to you!

Helpful websites:
--Great free resource for web design assistance
-- The U of M offers students a free subscription to Lynda, a great website for learning how to use Design software such as Photoshop and Illustrator!

--Ideas on different paths to becoming a web designer

--Check out Free 30 Day Trials of Adobe programs to practice what you learn at Lynda.com (Youtube is also a great resource!)

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