5/13/14

The inside scoop on staying engaged and up-to-date with the Psychology major!

The psychology undergraduate newsletter provides a weekly update on the latest course information, upcoming events, and currently available job, internship, and research opportunities relating to your major! Find past issues here. If you would like to start receiving the Psych Scoop directly to your inbox, send a request to: psyadvis@umn.edu.
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IN THIS ISSUE:
PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING
--1.Psychology Advising Availability for Summer 2014
EVENTS
--2.University Libraries Offer Distraction-Free Study Time
--3.Wells Fargo Summer Internship Program Summer 2014
SCHOLARSHIPS
--4.CLA Internship Scholarship
COURSES
--5.PSY May Term Psy 3960: Cognitive Enhancement and 'Smart Pills'
GRADUATE STUDIES
--6.Master of Arts in Psychological Science at UMD
JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
--7.Internship Opportunity at Autism Treatment Center
--8.Summer Youth Advocate Interns/Volunteers at Tubman
--9.Case Manager II Position
--10.Positions with Minnesota Reading/Math Corps
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PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING
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1.Psychology Advising Availability for Summer 2014
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1.Psychology Advising Availability for Summer 2014
Psychology Undergraduate Advising will begin our summer availability this Monday, May 19th. We do not hold drop-in hours during summer session, as advisor availability fluctuates. However, we are available to meet with students through appointments. If you would like to meet with an advisor, please submit an Appointment Request Form. Our office remains open during our usual operating hours, though availability of front desk assistance varies during this time as well. We will still be checking and responding to emails frequently, so feel free to contact us with your questions at psyadvis@umn.edu. If you would like to have a research contract signed, please email us ahead of time to let us know when you would like to stop by so we can be sure that there is an advisor available to go over your contract.
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EVENTS
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2.University Libraries Offer Distraction-Free Study Time
The University Libraries will offer "distraction-free" studying for finals that includes extended hours in our buildings, as well as stress-reducing activities. Students can study in our spaces (13 on campus libraries), use our computers (and printers and staplers), enjoy our coffee shops, get help when needed, and take a break with our awesome activities. Walter and Bio-Medical Libraries are open 24/7 now through May 16; Wilson Library will be open 24/7 on May 9-16; Magrath Library (St. Paul) will have extended hours until 2 am on May 9-16. Many of our Libraries host study break activities including puzzles, coloring, games, bubble wrap, plant therapy, coffee, treats, chair massage, animal therapy, origami, button-making and more. All the details can be found online.
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3.Wells Fargo Summer Internship Program Summer 2014
The 2014 Wells Fargo Summer Internship Program offers internship opportunities for undergrads in a variety of areas! To learn more and apply, visit their website!
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SCHOLARSHIPS
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4.CLA Internship Scholarship
Are you doing an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the CLA Undergraduate Internship Scholarship. The application deadline is June 11th. Find more information online.
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COURSES
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IMPORTANT: Courses listed below are not offered by the Department of Psychology, and you will need to meet with your college advisor to find out how they will fit into your academic program.
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5.PSY May Term Psy 3960: Cognitive Enhancement and 'Smart Pills'
Use of stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (trade names such as Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamine (Adderall) by psychologically healthy individuals as so-called "smart pills" (nootropics: drugs designed to improve mental functions) has undergone recent increases in popularity. Most notably used to treat psychiatric conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulant medications are thought to enhance cognition by increasing alertness and energy, improving positive mood, and prolonging physical and mental stamina. College campuses, athletic settings, and workplace environments are among nonmedical settings that one might find individuals using such medications in hopes of gaining a "competitive edge." However, to what extent these medications actually boost a person's cognitive ability (versus one's perception of effectiveness) or what the potential aversive consequences may be from taking stimulants (e.g., dependence, iatrogenic effects) remain to be better understood. This course will give a brief history of stimulant drug usage (prescription and non-prescription; e.g., nicotine, caffeine) as it pertains to medical (e.g., asthma, ADHD) and nonmedical (recreation, cognitive enhancement) applications. We will also investigate present-day prevalence of stimulant usage: who is using stimulants and for what reasons? Folk belief of stimulants' effect on a person's cognitive ability is that these drugs enhance learning/memory processes among other executive functions and motor abilities. To this regard, we will ask whether stimulant medications actually "work" for the common person and if so, how? Several considerations of stimulant usage will be discussed. Do stimulants work for all people in the same way? How should policy-making institutions view the use of stimulant drugs for nonmedical purposes (is it "cheating?")? Is it ethical for the medical profession to prescribe these drugs for this purpose, especially when parents request them for school-age children? Given that methylphenidate and amphetamine are government-controlled substances, what potential concerns are there for the neurotoxic effects and addiction? Go to the Summer Course Schedule to register!
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GRADUATE STUDIES
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6.Master of Arts in Psychological Science at UMD
The Master of Arts in Psychological Science program at the University of Minnesota Duluth is still accepting applications for a limited number of seats in the General-Experimental track. We are seeking to fill seats on wait lists for the Clinical-counseling and Industrial-Organizational tracks. Please submit materials as soon as possible! Please visit our website or email mapsumd@d.umn.edu with any questions.
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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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7.Internship Opportunity at Autism Treatment Center
St. David's Center - Autism Day Treatment has a new internship opportunity beginning in September 2014. St. David's has recently opened a community-based autism day treatment program focused specifically on serving the Twin Cities' Somali/East African population. The program's goal is to bridge cultural barriers that limit access to autism services in the Somali community and provide high quality early intervention services. This includes being located in an accessible community location and staff who are fluent in Somali/East African language and culture. The program model and internship design is equitable to St. David's traditional ADT program. This is a fantastic opportunity for students who are interested in exploring culturally-responsive treatment practices to participate in an intensive early intervention autism program. Direct client contact therapy in the treatment room provides the majority of internship hours. The opportunity to provide in-home family therapy may be available to interns with fluency in the Somali language. Although St. David's traditionally accepts only graduate level interns, this program will be open to undergraduate interns who possess strong clinical skills. For a full internship description and information about how to apply contact Rebecca Ludwig at RLudwig@stdavidscenter.org.
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8.Summer Youth Advocate Interns/Volunteers at Tubman
Tubman is currently recruiting for a few summer Youth Advocate Interns/Volunteers at our Maplewood location. Tubman offers safety and support to anyone facing violence, chemical dependency or mental health challenges. This year Tubman will help light the way to hope for almost 40,000 people, from newborn to age 99. With countless ways to help and the best professional staff, Tubman is here. Peace Camp Youth Advocates are responsible for identifying and responding to the individual needs of children and youth residing in Tubman's domestic violence shelters. This includes implementation of activities and fieldtrips, providing child care, completing intakes with mothers, and other projects as needed. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Katie Massie at kmassie@tubman.org.
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9.Case Manager II Position
The Bridge for Youth is a premier resource for youth and families in crisis. We ensure a continuum of care to provide shelter and support, reunite families whenever possible and to build independent living skills in young people. The Bridge for Youth is a community leader in the development of approaches for youth and their families to resolve problems and develop healthier relationships. The Bridge is currently hiring a Case Manager for heir Emergency Shelter Program. For a full job posting, go online.
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10.Positions with Minnesota Reading/Math Corps
If you're looking to explore a career in education, take the first step and become a Minnesota Reading Corps or Minnesota Math Corps tutor. We are looking for people who are dedicated to our community. By joining Minnesota Reading Corps or Minnesota Math Corps, you can be one of more than 1,000 trained tutors placed in schools across the state. You will guide students toward becoming successful readers by third grade or proficient in math by the end of eighth grade. You'll also see real results and make a lasting impact in our students' lives, as well as in your own career. You'll not only tutor students who need extra support; you'll also make a meaningful connection with the school and our community. During your eleven month of service as a full- or part-time tutor, you'll receive extensive training, support and professional development opportunities. In addition, you'll receive a modest living stipend and an education award of $5,645 (full-time) or $2,822 (part-time). All necessary training is provided and no licensure is necessary. Learn more and apply about MN Reading Corps or MN Math Corps online. Preference is given to tutors who can start serving August 10, 2014. Send questions to recruitment@servemnaction.org or call 866-859-2825.
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