Psych Scoop, 10/1/24

Psychology Advising Announcements

Current majors are expected to know the announcements in the advising announcement section.

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Alumni Spotlight: Mia Hilali

Psych Advising loves to show what our amazing psychology alumni are up to through our monthly Alumni Spotlight! Our October spotlight, Mia Hilali (Spring '19 - PSY BA) works as a Medical Device Vigilance Specialist at Medtronic. Read more about her tips on finding a career path, getting the most out of your major, and more. Nominate someone who you think would be great to spotlight, including yourself! 

Psych Game Night 

• Date: Thursday, October 3 & Thursday, October 31, 2024
• Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room N219

Come and join Psychology Undergraduate Advising in the return of our event - Psych Game Night! We will supply a few games for students to enjoy such as Yahtzee, Codenames, Uno, and more. A Nintendo Switch is also available with a variety of Mario and Jackbox games. We highly encourage students to attend to meet other students within the psychology major, as it is one of the biggest majors at UMN. Feel free to bring any additional games you would like to play with others, but we do ask that the games are appropriate. If you are interested in joining us, fill out the RSVP so we can know attendance beforehand. We hope to see you there! Contact psyadvis@umn.edu for any questions.

Department of Psychology - Genes, Brains, and Behavior Seminar: Professor Arslan Zaidi

• Date: Monday, October 7, 2024
• Time:  1:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room N219

Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, and the Institute for Health Informatics, here in Minnesota will be discussing the quantitative genetics of group differences. The Genes, Brains, and Behavior seminar is a weekly in-person seminar series in the Department of Psychology that showcases ongoing research by graduate students and postdocs in the Department, as well as guest lectures by University faculty. Each week, we announce the speakers for the following Monday. All are welcome. If you'd like to present yourself, please email one of the organizers, Monica Luciana or Scott Vrieze. Coffee will be provided. Join us!

Faculty Spotlight 

• Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
• Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall & Zoom

Exciting news! Get to know our featured faculty for Fall 2024, Dr. Alex Ajayi, on a personal and academic level. Dr. Ajayi conducts their work within the Counseling Psychology area. At the event, you can ask questions ranging from "How did you find your passion?" to "What is your favorite Netflix show?". Feel free to join us in person or via Zoom on Thursday, October 24th, from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM! Scones may be available for in-person attendees. RSVP if you are interested in attending!

Psychology Department Brainstorming Session – Help Improve the Department! 

• Date: Friday, October 25, 2024 
• Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliot Hall, Room N219

Do you have ideas about how to improve the psychology department? Join the Psychology Student Advisory Council in a brainstorming session. We value your input to better the department. This event is led by undergraduate students on the PSAC board. Light food will be provided. There is low commitment and everyone is welcome! You can come just to hear what PSAC has been working on, connect with other psychology students, and/or share your ideas about our psychology department! Please RSVP to confirm your attendance. We hope to see you there!

Psychology Student Group Announcements

All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psychology student organizations. No previous participation or membership is required. If you're interested, please attend! To learn more, visit the Organizations, Clubs, & Committees page on our website.

Psych Club & Psi Chi - Psych Club Event with Psychology Advising!

• Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
• Time: 4:30 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliot Hall N219

Join us for our second Psychology Club meeting! We will be joined by advisors in Psychology Advising who will be providing information about majoring in psychology and possibilities within the program. If you are curious about majoring in psychology or would like to get some more information, this is the event for you! We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, feel free to email psichi@umn.edu. 

Chinese Psychology Student Association Hiring Team members 

The Chinese Psychology Student Association (CPSA) is currently recruiting new members and potential leaders for the organization. Candidates from all years are welcome, Members will be in charge of content creation (article composition/video editing), event planning, and public relations management on social media. CPSA is an academic student association composed of Chinese students with a major in psychology at UMN. We intend to set a foundation to unite and provide a platform to communicate, share, and establish comprehensive information in the psychological field between alumni and students, including topics on academic discussions, research/graduate programs, career perspectives, etc. We are looking forward to having people who would love to learn and share psychology knowledge join us. For more information, please email Yuwei Xia at xia00160@umn.edu.

Courses of Interest

For more detailed information on each of these courses, refer to Schedule Builder.

PSY 3960: Undergraduate Seminar in Psychology - 1 Credit

Psychology Research Preparation Course - a part of the Department of Psychology's Pathways Program.

• Course: Second Half of Term Course - Mondays - 4:00 pm - 5:40 pm CT
• Location: Elliott Hall N639
• Instructor: Maya Rogers (roge0634@umn.edu) and Emily Saks (saks0011@umn.edu)

Joining a research lab can be a fun way to enhance undergraduate education in psychology. However, getting involved is not always straightforward. This course is designed to help first- through third-year students with all levels of experience learn more about research and develop skills that will support success in future research placements, such as a PSY 5993 course. We will cover a broad range of topics including different career paths in research, preparation of 5993 application materials, how to look for scientific articles, and different expectations that labs may have. Throughout these topics, we will emphasize issues of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in science. We hope to provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds to explore how personal identity can play a meaningful role in the research experience. A permission number is required to enroll; please contact psyadvis@umn.edu for information.

Note: PSY 3960 may be used as Elective Credit in the Psychology Major.

Events

Life Sciences Graduate School Fair

• Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
• Time:  11:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall

This career fair aims to connect undergraduate students with program representatives from a variety of master's and PhD programs related to the life sciences. This includes, but is not limited to plant pathology, medical laboratory sciences, tumor biology, animal and dairy science, environmental policy, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals, neuroscience, public health, patent law, genetic counseling, occupational therapy, bioinformatics, cancer biology, and many more. Please visit Handshake to register and find more information about this event. 

On Campus Jobs for International Students 101

• Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
• Time:  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Bruininks Hall, Room 512A

Have you thought about working on campus, or are you wondering how to make the most of your on-campus student employment? Join us for this session! Hear representatives from ISSS, Career Services, and a current international student employee will share more about the benefits and process of working on campus. To register for this event, visit the Google Form. Keep in mind this event has been designed with undergraduate international student needs in mind, but no one will be turned away from attending. Contact Jane Sitter with any questions about this event at sitt0036@umn.edu. 

Making Career Connections & Building Relationships

• Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
• Time:  11:00 am - 1:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: St. Paul Student Center, Cherrywood Room (2nd Floor- Room 275)

See where your degree can take you! Network with alumni and other professionals in your career area! This is meant to be a small, intimate setting where you can speak one-on-one with alumni to learn from their experiences and journeys. Talk with Family Social Science and Youth Studies Alumni as well as other professionals from related career areas. Food and refreshments will be served, so registration is strongly encouraged! Register on the events Handshake page! Explore the list of attending alumni and prepare by reviewing example networking questions.

Health Careers Fair

• Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
• Time:  12:00 pm - 3:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall

The Health Careers Fair is a great opportunity for students interested in health careers to explore degree programs, valuable experiential opportunities, and pre-health clubs on campus to start building their network. More information, including the list of exhibitors, will be posted on the PHSRC website. Student pre-registration is now open. Onsite registration will also be available at the event.

Government and Nonprofit Career Fair

• Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
• Time:  12:00 pm - 3:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall

The Government & Nonprofit Career Fair allows candidates to pursue professional opportunities and internships in all levels of government and nonprofit agencies. The job fair is open only to students and alumni from participating colleges and universities. Visit the Participating Colleges & Universities list on the job fair website to find your career fair office contact. For students in CLA, reach out to clacareer@umn.edu if you have any questions about this event.

Minnesota Symposium on Addiction Neuroscience

• Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
• Time:  12:00 pm - 3:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: McNamara Alumni Center, Memorial Hall & Johnson Great Room

The Minnesota Symposium on Addiction Neuroscience is sponsored by the University of Minnesota's Medical Discovery Team on Addiction. The day-long conference will bring together basic scientists, clinician-scientists, and others to discuss the latest, most exciting brain science on addiction. If you are interested in attending this event, use the registration form. 

EduConnect

• Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
• Time:  5:00 pm - 6:30 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: 411 Bruininks Hall

Whether you're exploring different career paths, seeking inspiration for your studies, or eager to gain career experience, EduConnect is a great place to start. You’ll have time to connect in small groups with organizations in different areas of education and fellow students with similar interests to chat, ask questions, and learn how you can gain experience in the field of Education. Open to all CLA undergraduate students. Register for this event on Handshake.

Research

To register for PSY 4993 or 5993 credit, view the registration requirements on the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Website.

*Volunteer or Credit* CPSY Research Opportunity for Fall 2024! 

Undergraduate Research Internship Opportunity in the Center for Developmental Neuroimaging (CDNI) and Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) seeks multiple undergraduate research assistants to support brain imaging studies in one of the following topic areas: 1) brain imaging analysis review and recruitment strategies, 2) linking functional brain imaging to mental health and cognition, and 3) linking health factors to adolescent cognitive and brain development. In addition to supporting primary topic areas, all URAs are invited to participate as full members of the center and attend weekly scientific discussions, and lab meetings. Opportunities to support the broader activities of CDNI/MIDB and further scientific questions are also possible through discussion with faculty. Time commitments range from 3-9 hours per week depending on student requirements and project needs. Positions require a 1-year commitment.  Please complete the Google Form to express interest.

The UROP Application Deadline is Approaching

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) application for Spring 2025 projects is now open! The deadline to apply for an award is October 7, 2024. Research experience through UROP is open to all majors. The OUR staff is happy to help you get started with any step of the process, from finding a faculty mentor to fine-tuning your research proposal. Not sure where to start? Go to peer drop-in hours to demystify the research process. For more information about general research questions, visit the FAQ page. For all other inquiries, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Research at ugresearch@umn.edu. 

Learning Abroad

For additional information about learning abroad opportunities, refer to the Learning Abroad Center’s website.

You CAN Afford to Study Abroad Info Session About Scholarships & Financial Aid Virtual Webinar

• Date: Monday, October 7, 2024
• Time: 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual

Do you want to study abroad but aren’t sure how to afford it? Attend our You CAN Afford to Study Abroad information session to learn about a variety of scholarships and strategies for applying; financial aid options; and cost considerations that will help you choose a program that fits your budget. Registering in advance is required to receive virtual event login details. Registering also lets us know you're interested, even if you're unable to attend.

New Learning Abroad Center Scholarship

The Learning Abroad Center has a new scholarship for first-generation college students. This award for first-generation undergraduate students covers airfare and $1,000 toward the cost of a student's program. The award is an early planning award, so recipients can use the award for a program offered any term starting the fall semester after they receive the award. Applications are now live and due February 12, 2025. Learn more about the award on the Learning Abroad Center website. 

Graduate School

Find Diversity Weekend programs - includes Fall, Spring, and Summer programs. Updated frequently.

Demystifying the Grad School Selection & Application Process

• Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
• Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual

This workshop will illuminate the graduate school selection and application process that can at times feel daunting. Participants will learn about the key components of the application process, and learn about resources available to inform them as they select a graduate school program. To register, visit the RSVP form. If you have questions specific to the Gopher Grad Initiative or events, please reach out to the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at mcnair@umn.edu.

Diversifying Clinical Psychology Event - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 

• Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
• Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual

This event is for prospective applicants who identify with backgrounds historically underrepresented in Clinical Psychology, which can include but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, POC, or LGBTQ+ and/or with varying ability statuses, from low-income backgrounds, or first-gen college students. Join them to meet with UWM faculty member(s) of interest and current students to learn more about UWM and DEI initiatives within the program. If interested in attending, please register by October 3rd, 2024.

UW-Stout Graduate Degree Showcase

Graduate Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Stout is pleased to announce our upcoming Graduate Degree Spotlights.  These 30-minute virtual events are interactive sessions where potential graduate applicants can meet with the graduate Program Directors, or their representatives, from selected programs to learn more about the opportunities available by pursuing graduate study at UW–Stout. During the event, the Psychology cluster is scheduled to feature representatives from our programs in Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MS), School Psychology (MS), and School Counseling (MSEd/EdS). Registration for the session and more information can be found on the UW–Stout CONNECT events page.

Columbia Occupational Therapy Info Sessions

The Columbia University Programs in Occupational Therapy offer an entry-level Masters Program as well as an accelerated MS/OTD program for our students and a part-time online Post-Professional OTD program for working occupational therapists. Students who are interested in learning more about our entry-level program can attend one of our virtual information sessions or sign up to sit in on an in-person class on campus in New York City. Sign up for a 1:1 meeting with an admissions officer to answer any questions you have about the program. Sign up for office hours with an admissions officer. Reach out to otadmissions@cumc.columbia.edu if you have any questions. 

Resources

Join Groups & Meet People - Cultural Centers, Affinity Groups, and Student Orgs!

Engaging with a cultural center, affinity group, or student organization at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a great way to connect with like-minded peers! Some of the most influential and active student organizations are the 2nd floor cultural centers in the student union. The 2nd floor offers space for studying and community gathering. Each cultural center provides educational opportunities, social connections, and a safe space for their identity group. There are more than 1,000 student groups and organizations on campus that meet regularly, host programs and events, and provide service to the greater Twin Cities area. Take a look at a full list of associations, groups, and cultural centers on the Office for Equity and Diversity's website under 'Student Resources'. 

Apply to the TRIO McNair Scholars Program

McNair Scholars develop higher-level academic and research skills necessary to gain admission to and complete graduate study through a comprehensive summer experience and academic year programming. The federally funded TRIO McNair Scholars program seeks to increase doctoral program application, matriculation, and degree attainment by underrepresented and first-generation college students. UMN McNair Exemplifying MPACT 2025. The 2025 cohort application is now live. Early admissions applications are due October 7, 2024. Final admission applications are due November 4, 2024. Accepted students will enroll in an exclusive Spring 2025 course to prepare them for summer programming. Fill out the McNair interest form to get access to the application. Learn more about what the McNair program is and why you should apply. Questions about the TRIO McNair Scholars Program can be directed to mcnair@umn.edu. 

Engagement/Volunteer Opportunities

Apply to Volunteer at The Aurora Center

The Aurora Center offers volunteer opportunities at The University of Minnesota that are focused on providing support to survivors and education around campus. All positions are designed to foster leadership and professional skill development for volunteers. The application for Direct Service Advocates and Violence Prevention Educators is now open(for training in January-February). Please read the Volunteer Information Packet. Applicants can either apply to be a Direct Service Advocate and support folks directly, or they can apply to be a Violence Prevention Educator and facilitate workshops on campus. Applications are open from now until Monday, November 5th.

Jobs/Internship Opportunities

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.

Direct Care Professional

ACR Homes is hiring psychology students to become Direct Care Professionals! Apply today for positions starting anytime in the next 6 months! You would work in a home setting alongside a co-worker to care for 4 people who have disabilities. You will get the chance to gain direct patient care hours by caring for the medical, emotional, and physical needs of the residents as well as enjoying fun activities with them on your shifts. ACR is flexible for students, we only ask for 2 shifts/week, but you could work more. Starting pay is $15.50-$21.50/hr depending on the shift you work, paid training, and we have locations near campus, and you don't need to have a car! On top of all of that, we offer optional custom research-based internships that end with a letter of recommendation from our CEO who is a licensed psychologist. We are doing 30-minute Zoom interviews now. You pick your start date. Contact Kayla Wildes at Kayla.wildes@acrhomes.com if you are interested in applying!

Housing Support Specialist - Behavioral Health

Looking for a unique and rewarding job? We are hiring housing support specialists- a great opportunity to build experience in the mental health field! Oak Grove is a small company located in Minneapolis. We serve a population of mentally ill residents in a long term care setting. Our clients are adults with Serious and Persistent mental illness (SPMI) such as depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. Some of them also have medical conditions. Housing Support Specialists are direct care providers who provide shift coverage and individualized services to residents. Duties Include: Medication Administration, Assistance with Independent Living Skills (ILS), Assistance with Activities of Daily Living, Socialization and Activities, Documentation of services and interactions. We offer paid training for the above noted. We do not do hands on bathing, toileting or lifting. If you have a passion for mental health and want to gain lasting experience that transfers to any field, apply today! Starting pay may increase based on relevant experience. We promote from within.