8/26

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.Fall 2014 Drop-In Hours for Psychology Undergraduate Advising
2.Like Psychology Advising on Facebook!
PISA - Psychology International Student Association
3.PISA Welcome Back
EVENTS
4.Basic fMRI Design and Analysis Using SPM Workshop
RESEARCH
5.Opportunity for Undergraduate Research Experience
6.Research Lab at the VA
7.Undergraduate Research Assistants Needed - Political Communication
ENGAGEMENT
8.New LAC Programs in Thailand
9.CAPE and The Major Network Looking for Major Mentors
JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
10.Gain Experience in Working with Individuals with Disabilities
11.Student Worker Positions
12.Position in CEHD Student Services
13.Youth Work Positions at YMCA
14.Fall Internship at Washburn
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PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING
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1.Fall 2014 Drop-In Hours for Psychology Undergraduate Advising
Psychology Undergraduate Advising has designated drop-in hours during the academic year. However, due to the high student demand the first two weeks of the term, we will have an advisor available from on drop-ins from 8:00am- 4:30pm. Drop-ins are a great time to have research contracts signed, and ask 5-10 minute questions; longer issues will be referred to schedule an appointment. Our normal drop-in hours will take effect Monday, September 15th. This semester's drop-in hours for the Psychology Advisors can be found on our website. While other units may have advisors available at all times, each advisor in our unit holds drop-in hours once a week and cannot address walk-in issues outside of these. While it may seem like a quick issue (such as signing a research contract), it often takes more time than expected and adds up when considering our large student population. To run efficiently and serve our students best, it is important that we recognize and respect these specified drop-in times.
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2.Like Psychology Advising on Facebook!
Likes the Scoop? Like us on Facebook too! As I'm sure you know, the Psych Scoop is a great resource for: Campus Groups and Opportunities, Latest course information, Research Opportunities, Upcoming Events on and off Campus, Available Jobs & Internships, and much, much more! Psychology Advising also has a Facebook Page, Twitter Account & LinkedIn where we will post this type of information as well! Be sure to Like Us on Facebook & Follow Us on Twitter to get the most Recent and up-to-date information from Psychology Advising!
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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 PISA activities. No previous participation or membership is required. If you're interested, please attend!
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3.PISA Welcome Back
The Psychology International Student Association (PISA) is holding its first 2014-2015 school year event! Please come and join us for the PISA Welcome Back Celebration! It will take place outside the main entrance of Elliot Hall, on Friday, September 5th from 4-6 pm. We will introduce and discuss the future plans of PISA with our new and returning members, along with other fun activities. Pizza and drinks will be provided! Please come and celebrate with us, if you want to learn more about our new student group, or just have a good time! If you want to contact someone to learn more about PISA or about the event, email Nijhum Dutta at dutt0097@umn.edu. Please RSVP through the Facebook event.
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EVENTS
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4.Basic fMRI Design and Analysis Using SPM Workshop
Basic fMRI Design and Analysis Using SPM is a 5-day workshop designed for investigators having familiarity with the fundamental principles of fMRI measurement and design, with some experience in functional neuroimaging data acquisition and analysis. The strongly interactive workshop will focus on using SPM12 and its extensions for preprocessing, statistical modeling and visualization of data associated with a range of basic and clinical fMRI experimental designs. The fundamentals of analyzing both task-related and resting state data will be covered. While the primary emphasis will involve using the core SPM12 programs for these purposes, there will also be extensive discussion of a variety of software tools that extend the power of SPM12. Some of these tools facilitate fMRI quality assurance through artifact detection and mitigation at various analysis stages. Other tools support a variety of data visualization methods, including MRIcron, xjView, FSLview, and FreeSurfer. This course is appropriate for investigators who have had some experience with previous versions of SPM.) The workshop will be hosted in September, costing $1500 for regular participants, $1000 for students. Go online for more information.
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RESEARCH
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5.Opportunity for Undergraduate Research Experience
We are looking for responsible, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented students who can work in Dr. Ted Christ's research lab and help with data entry, organization, assessment development, and other lab activities related to School Psychology and reading and math assessment research during the fall semester. Credit and volunteer options are available. Please contact Dr. Mary Jane White by email (whit0782@umn.edu) if you are interested and attach a 1 page resume that includes information about your work and schooling experience, references, skills using Microsoft Office (WORD, Excel, etc.), SPSS, R and/or other statistical software.
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6.Research Lab at the VA
A laboratory at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System is conducting treatment outcome research to examine how individuals with schizophrenia change as a result of participating in computer-based skills training. There is an opportunity for 2 undergraduate students to become involved with this project as a Research Lab in Psychology experience. The students will learn about the assessment and treatment of schizophrenia, with emphasis on symptom severity, social functioning, cognition, and rehabilitation. Student will work as a part of a research team lead by a psychologist and will be involved primarily with scoring measures and entering data. As part of the research experience, students will attend a weekly lab meeting in which topics related to the project are discussed. In addition, students will write an APA-style paper on a related topic. All research activities are conducted at the VA Health Care System. Students must be able to commute to the VA. Student will be asked to register for research credit and to commit an average of 9 hours each week between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Availability on Tuesday and Thursday is preferred. For more information, please contact Tasha Nienow, Ph.D. at 612-467-1004 or send a resume to Tasha.Nienow@va.gov.
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7.Undergraduate Research Assistants Needed - Political Communication
The Political Communication Lab is looking for undergraduate research assistants to start work during the Fall semester, earning research credit for PSY 5993. RAs will be assisting with literature reviews and data analysis in a study examining the relationship between different types of verbal accounts (e.g., excuses or denials) and political scandal. Responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, helping to build a large database using news archives from across the country, and attending a weekly team lab meeting, which will be scheduled based on lab members' availability. The position runs during the Fall semester, with the opportunity to continue into the Spring. RAs will be expected to work approximately 9 hours per week (may vary across weeks). Strong candidates for this position will be conscientious, bright, motivated students interested in the research process. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the University Honors Program, to students willing commit to at least 2 semesters in the lab, and to those with previous research experience. If you would like to apply for an RA position, send an email with the subject line "Political Communication Research Assistant Position" Pierce Ekstrom (ekstr076@umn.edu) by 1pm on Tuesday, September 2nd, containing the following information: Name, Email, Class Year, Cumulative GPA, and Reason for applying (no more than one sentence, please). Only students who respond accordingly will be sent the full research assistant application and considered for this position.
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ENGAGEMENT
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8.New LAC Programs in Thailand
Beginning in the 2015-16 academic year, the Learning Abroad Center will offer 2 new programs in the Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) family. MSID Thailand puts students in direct contact with the social and economic realities of actual communities and of people working within them to address complex problems. The curriculum explores the theoretical and practical implications of international development and intercultural issues in Thailand, the only southeast Asian country not be colonized by European powers and a hub for manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The program is based in Chiang Mai, and students will also spend time in the hill-tribe region surrounding Chiang Mai. Field experience is an integral part of all courses. On the Intensive Thai in Thailand program, students enroll in 4 credits of intensive beginning or intermediate Thai language, where they learn in small classes taught by host-country instructors and practice Thai each day with their host family. The program appeals to students interested in completing a full semester of Thai language in only 3 weeks. This program can be an optional pre-session for MSID Thailand or can be taken on its own. Students can apply for these programs beginning this fall. Learn more about these programs on our website, or contact Vanessa Walton.
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9.CAPE and The Major Network Looking for Major Mentors
The Center for Academic Planning and Exploration (CAPE) provides personalized services to help undergraduate students like you develop an Action Plan to aid in your major and career decision-making process. The Major Network is a University of Minnesota cross-college network that connects upper-level students who are passionate about their majors, with students who are exploring different major options. Exploring students are paired with an upper-level mentor in a low-key and time-commitment-friendly environment where students can receive a firsthand look at what it is like to be a student in a particular major. Exploring Students and Mentors collaborate to ask questions and share information about their major(s) of interest in a variety of ways. Upper-level Mentors are students who have been identified as excellent peer resources in particular areas of study. Mentors should be passionate about their major and need to have completed a significant amount of upper-division coursework within their particular major. If you are an upper-level psychology student, consider applying to be an upper-level mentor! More information can be found 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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10.Gain Experience in Working with Individuals with Disabilities
REM Hennepin is a company dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to become independent and live the highest quality of life possible! We help individuals in a community and home based setting to learn new independent living skills on a daily basis! Our Direct Support Professionals are given the opportunity to work with individuals who may have mental illness, mental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, high medical needs, and a range of other behavioral and cognitive disabilities. GAIN REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE WHILE MAKING A TRUE POSITIVE CHANGE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES! We provide comprehensive trainings and have locations throughout Hennepin county! We offer full time, part time, and overnight positions allowing for flexibility for all schedules! All Direct Support Professionals must be 18 years old and have a true passion for working with people. More information and applications can be found online!
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11.Student Worker Positions
Academic Technology Support Services is seeking applications for multiple student production assistant positions for the upcoming academic year. The position description is available on the U of M employment site - requisition #193378.
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12.Position in CEHD Student Services
CEHD Student Services is now accepting applications for a Transfer Student Adviser & Admissions Coordinator position.This role is crucial to the College meeting its enrollment targets. This person is responsible for the creation, implementation, and evaluation of transfer student recruitment goals and strategies, and functions in many ways as an academic adviser with a special emphasis on the advisement and recruitment of prospective internal and external transfer students. The posting is available on the University of Minnesota employment website, requisition 193369, and can be found online. We will accept applications through 11:59 PM on Sept. 10.
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13.Research & Evaluation Associate in San Diego
Gregory Aarons, Ph.D., of the University of California San Diego Psychiatry Department, is currently seeking a Research and Evaluation Associate to assist with research and evaluation studies examining novel service delivery strategies in behavioral health, criminal justice, and social service settings. The implementation of evidence-based practice into real-world human service settings is an important priority for improving the quality of services and outcomes for individuals and families. Multiple ongoing research and evaluation studies utilize quantitative and quantitative methods to develop detailed service assessments and improvement recommendations for behavioral health and criminal justice service settings within San Diego County and throughout the State of California. Under supervision, the incumbent will function as a Research and Evaluation Associate in the UCSD Department of Psychiatry who will provide support for all phases of the research and evaluation process for one or more studies involving behavioral health, physical health, and/or related social service and criminal justice organizations and systems. Under supervision, the incumbent will be an active member of the research team and assist in literature reviews, study design, measurement, IRB protocol processing, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript/report/presentation preparation as needed. The incumbent will also support study administration tasks such as preparing IRB documentation, coordinating and participating in meetings and assisting with other study responsibilities as needed. The ideal candidate will have completed college level coursework in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, or a related field and/or have equivalent experience, possess knowledge of public sector mental health and social service organizations, and have demonstrated experience designing and conducting evaluation studies with advanced knowledge of SPSS, STATA, SAS and/or other software packages for data management and analysis. Candidates with any qualitative research experience are especially encouraged to apply. The position is full-time, starting salary ranging from $ 3,302.52 - $ 3,598.32 per month. Full benefits are available. Preferred start date is late summer and a two-year commitment is strongly preferred. Interested applicants should send their resume to jiphillips@ucsd.edu and apply online. The deadline for application is 9/4/2014. After that date, we will be unable to consider applications.
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14.Youth Work Positions at YMCA
As we gear up for the school year we have some openings at YMCA Sheridan Beacons Center! The position will be a part time (15-20 hours/wk) Group Leader (youth worker). Staff will be responsible for planning and executing fun, engaging, and educational activities for young people ages 6-13. Interested students should go to www.sheridanbeacons.blogspot.com and click the 'work with us' link. For more information about the Beacons Program check out their website.
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9.Fall Internship at Washburn
There are currently unpaid internship positions open at Washburn Center for Children in our Family Focused program this fall. The Family Focused Program serves families needing an intensive combination of periodic parent groups, in-home and center-based therapy and a therapeutic preschool for children. It is designed to decrease the potential for harm to children and to help parents provide a safer, more nurturing environment for their children. In Family Focused, preschool aged children come to the center for milieu therapy four half days a week, all year round. They are in small groups of about 7 to 9 children each. There are three to four adults (which include the interns) with a group so interns have a lot of direct involvement with the children. During the fall interns in Family Focused volunteer 2 half days a week. The schedules that are available include: Monday/Wednesday mornings, Monday/Wednesday afternoons, Tuesday/Thursday mornings and Tuesday/Thursday afternoons. For mornings the hours would be 8:45am-12:30pm and for afternoons the hours would be 12:45pm-4:30pm. Our fall internship placements run from the end of August until the middle of December. Applications are available on our website at: www.washburn.org. For more information, contact: Colleen Hegy, Intern Coordinator, at 612-872-3341 or email internships@washburn.org.
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