Psych Scoop, 1/20/26

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

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Department of Psychology ICE Response Protocol

The Department of Psychology has established a protocol for responding to visits from Federal Law Enforcement. Elliott Hall is a UCard access-controlled building. Do not tailgate or allow anyone to enter behind you without using their own card access. If approached by any federal agent, remember your rights: you may remain silent, you may ask for identification and the purpose of the visit, and you may tell them that you are not authorized to respond or act on behalf of the University (contact the Office of General Counsel, 612.624.4100). Printable "Know Your Rights" Red Cards are available on the ACLU website, and will be provided across study spaces and offices in Elliott Hall. Thank you for helping keep our community safe and informed.

Welcome Back and Drop-Ins Update

We at PsyAdvis welcome you back to campus. If you have any questions about courses, planning, or post-grad, we are happy to help! For the first two weeks of the semester, we will be holding drop-ins consistently. Our goal is to try to have them for most of the day (9:00 am- 11:00 am, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm CST). There may be some changes day-to-day, so be sure to check our website if you are interested in coming for drop-ins. Please keep in mind that drop-in appointments are specifically for quick questions, 5-10 minutes in length.

Alumni Spotlight: Grant Shipp

Psych Advising loves to show what our amazing psychology alumni are up to through our monthly Alumni Spotlight! Our January spotlight, Grant Shipp (Spring '24 - PSY BS) works as a Research Coordinator and Mental Health Navigator at the Aliveness Project. Read more about his 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!

Psychology Engagement Award - Spring Application Now Open

Are you volunteering in your community this Spring? Or, participating in an unpaid internship here or abroad this semester? The Department of Psychology's Undergraduate Engagement is available to support you! The purpose of these awards is to encourage and support psychology majors who engage in unpaid learning experiences beyond the University campus and classroom environments (i.e. unpaid internships, volunteer experiences, study abroad containing a psych-related internship, etc.). Up to two awards of $500 will be offered for Spring 2026. The application deadline is February 4th at 12:00 PM (CST). For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage.

Graduation Planner Retirement

The University of Minnesota will be retiring the Graduation Planner tool at noon on January 30th, 2026. The University plans to replace Graduation Planner with another system, but are unsure when the new system will be ready for use. Make sure you save anything you want to keep to a new location before noon (12:00 pm) on January 30, 2026.

Events

Never-Ending Tales: Antisemitism, Jewish Creative Resistance, and a Literature of Hope

• Date:  Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
• Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Minnesota JCC Sabes Center, Minneapolis - 4330 Cedar Lake Road South, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Jack Zipes, Professor Emeritus of German and Comparative Literature at the University of Minnesota, is a founding father of Fairy Tale Studies, seeing fairy tales as agents of socialization and as deeply revealing about the historical moment of their telling. He is the author, co-author, or editor of over 70 books. This lecture will demonstrate how Jewish folk narratives and fantasy writing between 1870 and the 1930s, a period in which Jewish and especially Yiddish literature blossomed, enable us to grasp the dilemmas of Jews who seek to identify themselves by themselves, yet also want to become fully assimilated under hostile conditions in various nation-states. Register for the event on the University of Minnesota Events Calendar.

Cozy Reading Party and Walter Library & Tutoring Open House

• Date:  Friday, January 23rd, 2026
• Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Walter Library Upson Room (1st Floor)

Spend a cozy afternoon relaxing and reading in the unique Upson room (102) in Walter Library. There will be hot chocolate and snacks to enjoy. Bring a book to read, select one from a pop-up library of fun books or try out the Libby app for ebooks and audiobooks. Explore Walter Library – the pretty, old library on campus to find your ideal study spot. Check out the Tutoring and Academic Success Center (room 204) and learn more about one of the largest peer tutoring centers on campus and the variety of free peer tutoring for students. Join us as we slow down and read. All are welcome including undergraduate and graduate students from all colleges. No registration required. Come solo or bring a friend!

Nutritious U Food Pantry

• Date:  Wednesday, January 28th & Thursday, January 29th, 2026
• Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union (Room B60, next to Whole Music Club) 

The Nutritious U Food Pantry has three locations and operates weekly during the semester. The East Bank Coffman Memorial Union location is open twice (or more) a month on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The St. Paul Student Center and West Bank Skyway locations open once a month on Thursdays. Anyone can visit a food pantry event once per week. We encourage students to bring their own bags to carry items. Paper and compostable bags are also available.

International Student Career Fair Preparation Workshop

• Date:  Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
• Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual via Zoom

Presenters from ISSS and Career Services will provide helpful tips and information on what to expect at a career fair, how to talk with employers, work authorization options, and tips for successful interactions and follow-up at a career fair. This session has been designed with the needs in mind of UMN international students who are attending fall career fairs in mind, although anyone in the UMN community is welcome to attend. Register via Zoom to receive the link to join. Please email Jane at [email protected] if you have any questions about this event.

2026 Pre-Health Opportunities Fair

• Date:  Friday, February 6th, 2026
• Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall

Attend the 2026 Pre-Health Opportunities Fair to connect with local and on-campus organizations that provide experiences to prepare you for health professional school. This includes volunteer opportunities, part-time jobs, study abroad programs, gap year programs, research positions, and more! This career fair is open to all University of Minnesota pre-health students and alumni. Student registration is required on Handshake. Also, review all of the current attending exhibitors, which updates regularly!

Research

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

*Credit or Volunteer* Research Volunteer For a Brain Training Project in Addiction - Psychiatry Department

This research is under the direction of Dr. Jazmin Camchong within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Volunteer responsibilities will include working with databases, verifying the accuracy of study data collected, assisting in MRI data acquisition, and administering brain training sessions involving transcranial direct current stimulation. Research participants in our studies are patients enrolled in a treatment program for alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder. Qualified candidates must be highly motivated, able to work independently, extremely detail-oriented, comfortable using basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and web applications (e.g. zoom), and willing to develop new skills as the need arises. Candidates must be pursuing a degree in Psychology or a related field, and be willing to commit to 9-10 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Clarista Berg, [email protected].

Courses of Interest

For more detailed information on psychology courses, refer to Schedule Builder.

Interested in youth work, social justice work, violence prevention, or social work?

Are you interested in youth work, social justice work, violence prevention, or social work? Take a 'YOST' or 'SW' class! Search for YOST and SW in ScheduleBuilder. Select courses also fit into the Youth Studies minor, Social Justice minor, and Family Violence Prevention minor. Reach out to Rae Dillon, academic advisor at [email protected] with questions.

ANTH 3301: Fundamentals of Anthropological Genetics

• Course Time and Location: Tuesdays & Thursdays - 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm -  Hubert H Humphrey School 60 
• Instructor: Maria Nieves Colón

This course examines how anthropologists apply genetic approaches to investigate human evolutionary history. Students will learn how the study of modern and ancient genomes has informed understanding of major anthropological questions related to hominid evolution, human adaptation, the peopling of the world, health in the past and present, ancestry testing, and forensic identification. Students will also become familiar with basic concepts as well as major laboratory and analytical methods used in the fields of human evolutionary and population genetics, paleogenomics, and forensics. Throughout the course, students will engage with the ethical issues posed by genetic technologies, especially as pertains to research with underrepresented communities, discussions of race and identity, commercial genetic testing, and forensic genetic genealogy. This course does not count toward the Psychology major or minor. 

FRIT 1601: Migrants and Refugees in Mediterranean Cinema

• Course Time and Location: Tuesdays & Thursdays - 11:15 am - 12:30 pm - Folwell Hall 108 
• Instructor: Hakim Abderrezak

This course deals with films made in France, Spain, Italy, the Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia), sub-Saharan Africa and the Levant (mostly Syria). All of the films tackle migration, and most of them deal with the crossing of the Mediterranean Sea in particular. It focuses on how migrants, regular and clandestine migrations, as well as related themes, including globalization, hospitality, and transnational modes of transportation, have been filmed, discussed and written about in various types of discourses. This course does not count toward the Psychology major or minor. 

CSH 5555: Introduction Body & Movement-Based Therapies

• Course Time and Location: 2nd Half of Term - Check Schedule Builder
• Instructor: Barbara Nordstrom-Loeb

This course will cover basic theories and approaches of selected Somatic Therapies and Somatic Psychotherapy (Dance/Movement and body-based therapies). Students will learn the Western historic and theoretical perspectives on the use of movement, dance and somatic re-patterning for well-being. Additionally, students will engage in introductions and demonstrations of specific somatic approaches and the application of these techniques to specific populations and settings. The experiential part of the course will include individual, partner, and group exercises intended to embody and deepen the topics covered in the class. This course does not count toward the Psychology major or minor. 

PSY 3896: Internship in Psychology

• Course Time and Location: Online - Asynchronous
• Instructor: Mike Houlahan

The purpose of this applied course is to integrate students' academic, personal, and career development in the context of an applied, community-based, concurrent internship. Students will explore their own interests and values, identify and build desired career readiness competencies, and synthesize their learning through the creation of a culminating internship "Final Reflection Project." While the field of psychology is broad in nature, the internship must be in the realm of psychology and directly related fields. In order to register for PSY 3896, you must be a declared or soon-to-be-declared Psychology BA or BS major, and must receive instructor permission. Course is only offered for 3 credits - this requires online classwork in addition to your planned internship site work for 135 hours minimum (an average 8-9 hours per week at your internship site). Contact the course instructor about late registration - students with an Internship position secured will be accepted into the class through Monday, February 2, 2026. A Handshake agreement with your Site is required to receive a Permission Number for registration.

CPSY 4303: Adolescent Psychology

• Course Time and Location: Tuesdays & Thursdays - 9:45 am - 11:00 am- 216 Pillsbury Drive
• Instructor: Henriette Warren

This course will describe the overview of development in the teenage years and the second decade of life. This course will also review interactions of adolescents with family, school, and society. CPSY 4303 can count toward the psychology elective for the psychology major. 

Learning Abroad 

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

May-June 2026 Global Seminar: Informational Session

• Date:  Monday, January 26th, 2026
• Time: 2:30 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Online

Learn about the May Term Mental Health & Well-being in Spain study abroad program. This program is open to all majors and fulfills the Global Perspectives Liberal Education requirement. It also fulfills major electives for Psychology and Developmental Psychology majors. Freshmen through seniors are welcome to participate in this program. At this info session, students will learn more about the program, meet the leader (Professor Seth Christman), and learn about resources for planning for study abroad experiences. Registering in advance is required in order to receive virtual event login details. 

May & Summer Study Abroad Expo

• Date:  Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
• Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Walter Library Room 101

Explore study abroad opportunities available over May and summer 2026. Program representatives will be available to answer questions. Pizza will be served at noon. Registration is not required for you to attend this event; you may just show up. If you do register, the Learning Abroad Center we will send you a calendar invite and a reminder for this event. Registering also lets them know you're interested, even if you're unable to attend.

Youth Development & Psychology in France

Beginning Spring 2026, a new English-taught psychology course, Clinical Psychology: From European Origins to Global Practice is available in Montpellier. It is approved for CPSY and PSY majors and minors. Learn more about the program on the Learning Abroad Center website. 

Language & Culture in Southern France 

Students will study in Montpellier, with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance. They will choose from beginning through advanced French language courses as well as courses in humanities, engineering, sciences, and business. Psychology faculty member, Dr. Bonnie Klimes-Dougan will be teaching MONT 4303: Adolescent Psychology, which counts toward the Psychology major or minor! Application deadline for the Summer 2026 session is March 15th, 2026. 

Graduate School

Marcus Autism Center Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunity

The Social Neuroscience Research Core at Marcus Autism Center, in collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, offers two-year predoctoral research fellowships in autism research. Aimed at college graduates, these fellowships provide intensive research opportunities with children with autism, mentorship from experienced faculty, and participation in various training seminars and meetings. Fellows are involved in clinical observation and research, funded to attend conferences, and are compensated with healthcare benefits. For inquiries, contact [email protected] or (404) 785-9554.

Resources 

Gender & Sexuality Center for Queer & Trans Life is Accepting Applications - Spring 2026 Queer Peer Mentoring Program

This program aims to create meaningful relationships between people who are invested in the uplift of LGBTQIA+ communities. In this program, you have the choice to be paired with a mentor, or join the program as a mentor! This program is open to all members of the UMN community. Applications are due by January 26th, 2026, at 11:59 pm. For Disability Services, Access Requests, or any other information, contact our Student Leadership & Outreach Coordinator, Mia, at [email protected].

Resume and Cover Letter Reviews (e-Doc Reviews)

College of Liberal Arts Career Services offers resume and cover letter review! Submit your resume and/or cover letter and get customized feedback within 24-72 business hours.

National Student Exchange Applications Open

Now is the time to plan your NSE exchange for Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and/or Spring 2027! Through NSE, you can study at another school in the U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands for a summer, semester or year! Check out the 160+ NSE campuses available for exchange. Take new courses. Meet new people. Expand your networks. NSE is affordable and accessible, and credits transfer back easily into your degree. Learn more at an NSE Info Session or email [email protected]. Begin your NSE application anytime. February 25th, 2026 is the priority application deadline for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Apply for the Pre-Law Mentor Program

This program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in law school. Participation entails a commitment to a training/kickoff event in early February, two mentor-mentee meetings/events, and a wrap-up event later in the spring. Meetings with your mentor will be tailored to your interests, but may include attending a law school class, student group meetings, or events. If interested, fill out the Google form. You will be notified of placement by Wednesday, February 4th and further instructions will follow on how you will connect with your mentor.

Let’s Talk: Free Drop-in Consultations

Your mental health matters. Boynton Health’s Let’s Talk program is here to connect U with the support you need. Offering free, informal drop-in consultations, Let’s Talk counselors are available to meet with students Monday-Friday.

Job, Internship, & Engagement 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. Looking for Psychology Internships? Get Started with Our YouTube Tutorials!

Paid Summer Research Experience - University of Pittsburgh

The mission of the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) at the University of Pittsburgh is to advance the science of learning by bringing together leading researchers in the cognitive, social, computer, and educational sciences. Selected REU students will work on leading edge learning science research. During the program, students will work alongside faculty, research staff, graduate students, and postdocs to create research questions they will explore during the program. LRDC faculty have primary appointments in the Department of Psychology, and the Schools of Education, Law, and Computing and Information. This application is due February 8, 2026. In addition, have two individuals submit a letter of reference on your behalf to [email protected] no later than February 8, 2026. One letter should be from a faculty member or instructor. The second letter can be from someone you know from school, work, or community.

Orientation and Welcome Week Leaders Needed - Orientation & Transition Experiences

Orientation Leaders are responsible for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for approximately 6,900 new first-year students and 1,200 new transfer students during New Student Orientation and Welcome Week. Both programs focus on providing a quality transitional experience for new students and their families. Welcome Week Leaders are responsible for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment during Welcome Week. Welcome Week Leaders will be responsible for preparing and staffing events during Welcome Week with significant responsibility for supporting program logistics and ensuring new students have a smooth and successful Welcome Week experience. Applications for Orientation and Welcome Week positions are due by February 2nd. Apply on the Office of Undergraduate Education website.

Looking for a Summer Job? Housing and Residential Life is hiring!

Want to stay in the Twin Cities this summer? Housing & Residential Life is currently accepting applicants for our Conference & Event Services Hospitality Specialist and Hospitality Business Specialist positions for Summer 2026! Apply by Monday, February 2nd. 

Summer Internship with Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health

Students participating in the Summer Internship Program will participate in a variety of didactic, career, and professional development seminars and will receive mentorship from 1-3 faculty members engaged in varied global mental health research and training initiatives. Students will gain exposure to networking within the healthcare research environment and develop the skills to apply an equity-informed lens into global mental health research and implementation. The summer internship typically starts in June and runs for 8 weeks, with students attending daily seminar sessions and working on their assigned projects from Monday through Thursday. Visit their website to download the full internship description for the 2026 Summer Internship cycle. Applications for the 2026 Undergraduate Summer Internship are now open and must be submitted by 5:00 PM EST on January 31, 2026 for consideration.

Yale Fellowship in Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience

Successful applicants will be involved in a 2-year training program involving clinical research experience in a developmental research lab. The primary training experience will be in daily activities related to behavioral, psychophysiological, eye-tracking, and neuroimaging (fMRI) studies involving infants and young children with and without autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. With research mentorship, the selected applicants will be expected to lead a research project to present at an international conference. Completed applications including cover page, CV, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements are due no later than January 23rd, 2026. Additional information about the fellowship opportunity and our lab can be found online. Questions regarding the Yale Fellowship in Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience may be directed to [email protected].