Psych Scoop, 12/9/25

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

Feedback for the department? Check out our suggestion box

End of Semester Announcements

As we near the end of the semester, it's good to know what is available for you during finals and the break! The last opportunity for Drop-Ins will be tomorrow, December 10th. During finals week and throughout the break, we will be available through virtual scheduled appointments and through email. We will resume drop-ins when the Spring semester resumes. Good luck on finals!

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.

Fall 2025 Psychology Capstone Poster Session

• Date:  Wednesday, December 10th, 2025
• Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, 1st Floor Lobby

Psychology Undergraduates completing their Capstone in Psychology this Fall 2025 will be participating in the Capstone in Psychology Poster Session! Posters will change every 20 minutes. Psychology faculty, staff, and students are all encouraged to attend! This is a great opportunity for Spring or Summer 2026 Psychology Capstone students to see current project examples!

Thank a Teacher!

Have you had a University of Minnesota instructor or TA who has made a difference in your education? Take a moment to let them know why! They will receive a letter with your comments after grades have been submitted for the semester. You may choose to remain anonymous if you desire.

Psychology Student Group Announcements

All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psychology student organizations. To learn more, visit our website. Latinos for Psychology, Counseling Psychology Club, and Chinese Psychology Student Association are not formally affiliated with the Department of Psychology, as they are independent Registered Student Organizations with an academic focus in the field of psychology.

Chinese Psychology Student Association is 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. Our intention is 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 to join us. For more information, please email Yuwei Xia at [email protected].

Events

Minneapolis Craft Market

• Date:  Sunday, December 14th, 2025
• Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm CST
• Cost: Sliding scale 
• Location: Machine Shop - 300 2nd Street Southeast Minneapolis, MN, 55414

The Minneapolis Craft Market is back at Machine Shop for their Old St. Anthony Holiday Bazaar. With 50 vendors offering countless artisan works and crafts, guests are sure to find a spark of joy at this event. DJ Buster Baxter will keep the energy lively while Misfit Coffee keeps you warm. Visit their website for more information. Questions? Please email [email protected].

Let’s talk about Grad School - Planning, Decision-making, and more!

• Date:  Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
• Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm CST
• Cost: Free
• Location: Register via Zoom

Are you an undergraduate student interested in graduate school? Join us to learn more about how to make decisions about going to graduate school, and important parts of the application process. In this session you can gather perspectives about how graduate school fits into your career planning from a CLA Career Coach, and learn about the experience of being in graduate school from a current international graduate student. This session is designed with undergraduate international students in mind, but any UMN community members who are interested in learning about graduate school decision-making and the application process are welcome to attend!

Research

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

*Credit* Mazzocco Math and Numeracy Lab - Institute of Child Development

The Math and Numeracy Lab  focuses on the role of cognitive development and function on numerical and mathematical thinking. Our research includes studies focused on early childhood and adulthood. Our current projects concern individual differences in the cognitive skills underlying mathematical thinking; influences on children’s attention to numerosity; and the potential influence of numerical and ordinality skills on word level language comprehension and concepts. Undergraduate students interested in pursuing research in the Math and Numeracy lab are also encouraged to contact Dr. Mazzocco at [email protected] or apply online. Opportunities include supervised research experiences for academic credit or potential honors thesis projects. 

*Credit* Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (MLSRA)

The Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (MLSRA) is seeking motivated undergraduate research assistants for the Spring 2026 semester, with the possibility of extending into the summer. The Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (MLSRA), also known as the Parent Child Project, began in 1975 and is currently celebrating its 50th year. This study contributes to a better understanding of early caregiving, social support, and intervention strategies across the lifespan. Additionally, it reflects on how people think about their experiences, risk and protective factors, and issues of continuity and change. If you are interested in applying, complete the MLSRA URA Application online. 

*Credit* Undergraduate Research Opportunity at the Institute of Child Development

We are looking for responsible, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented students to work in Professor Glenn Roisman's Relationships Research Laboratory in the Spring of 2026 to help with the transcription of interviews about participants' childhood experiences with their primary caregivers. Prospective undergraduate research assistants must be prepared to sign up for 3 credits (approximately 9 hours of work per week, including a flexible schedule and 1-2 weekly, hour-long lab meetings). Please contact Professor Roisman by email at [email protected] if you are interested and indicate your availability for an informal, 15-minute interview via Zoom. Professor Roisman asks that you email in advance of your Zoom appointment your resume and a brief writing sample (no more than a 1-page excerpt) from a college paper.

Courses of Interest

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

PSY 3960: Undergraduate Seminar in Psychology - Work Motivation: Theory and Practice

• Course Time and Location: Tuesdays & Thursdays - 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm - Elliott Hall N639
• Instructor: Aaron Schmidt

Work Motivation: Theory and Practice Why do people put effort into their jobs, and what sustains (or undermines) that effort over time? This course will survey classic and contemporary theory and research on work motivation, its causes, and its consequences, as well as evidence-based interventions to bolster workplace motivation. We will discuss the What (defining motivation), Where (the factors that motivate), When (under what conditions motivation thrives or falters), Who (individual differences), and Why/How (the dynamic, reciprocal processes by which motivation and its outcomes unfold over time).

PSY 5960: Topics in Psychology - Using Psychology to Address Societal Challenges

• Course Time and Location: Fridays - 10:10 am – 12:40 pm - Elliott Hall S204
• Instructor: Iris Donga Vilares

This course will describe the potential and actual use of psychology to address societal challenges, such as climate change, addiction, and health epidemics. This class will be discussion-based and interdisciplinary, combining decision-making and game theory with Biology, Economics, and Social and Cognitive Psychology. This class will consist of lectures (including guest lectures), discussion, paper presentation, and group work. This is an advanced undergrad or graduate class. Completion of PSY 3001W is recommended but not mandatory.

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, 2025
• Time: 2:30 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location:  Register for Zoom link

The Department of Educational Psychology, in partnership with the Learning Abroad Center, is excited to welcome students for their Global Seminar May 17 - June 7, 2026. EPSY 3401: Mental Health and Well-being in Spain course is an approved elective for psychology majors and minors. It fulfills the liberal education global perspectives requirement. Highlights include guest lectures from local psychologists, tours of mental health clinics, excursions to Madrid and Segovia, flamenco lessons, and living and learning in a converted 16th century convent in the heart of this medieval walled city!

Graduate School

Scholarship Opportunity for Counselor Education

Earn a Masters of Arts in Counselor Education! Prepare for a rewarding career as a licensed school counselor or work toward a career as a licensed mental health counselor (LPC/LPCC). Support individuals and groups across the lifespan academically, socially, and emotionally. Tuition dollars are available for the 2026-2027 academic year! Applications are due January 15th, 2026! Visit the University of Minnesota’s Counselor Education program website to learn more!

MS in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care - University of Minnesota - Informational Session

• Date:  Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
• Time:  7:00 pm 
• Cost: Free 
• Location: Virtual

The Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota is now enrolling for the online MS in child life and pediatric psychosocial care, a program designed to prepare the next generation of professionals in child life and psychosocial care. Students get advanced training to provide ethical, evidence-based care for children, teens, and families dealing with health challenges, stress, or traumatic events. This 100% online graduate program prepares students to become a skilled Certified Child Life Specialist as well as a psychosocial leader in the field. Graduates will be ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Register to learn more about the program and child life careers at the upcoming info session.

Resources 

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.

Help With Food Assistance and Related Needs

Due to the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will stop issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1. The federal government shutdown will also impact the Minnesota Family Investment Fund. To support students, employees, and their families who may be affected by the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits, OHR is sharing resources on community organizations that provide food assistance, plus financial resources and emotional support.

Transfer Student Navigator Appointment

The Transfer Student Experience program offers current transfer students the opportunity to meet with a Transfer Student Navigator to get support and connect with campus resources during their first year at the U of M. Schedule an appointment with a Transfer Student Navigator today!

Pre-Law 101 Module

Check out the Pre-Law 101 Module. This module is perfect for someone just starting to explore law school, and outlines how to explore, ways to gain experience, and a brief overview of the timeline and application process.

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!

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.

Facilities Assistant Student Position - UMN Bell Museum 

Facilities Assistants clean the University of Minnesota Bell Museum facilities, serve on event set-up crews, and assist with the day-to-day facilities operations of the museum. They help with creating a clean, accessible, and functional environment for visitors to the museum. Shifts are scheduled during museum public hours as well as during after-hours events in the mornings, evenings, and on weekends. Applicants must currently be enrolled as a University of Minnesota undergraduate student carrying the minimum number of credits to qualify for student employment. Background Check will be conducted prior to hiring. Please apply on or before December 30th, 2025. Visit the U of M Employee website and search for Job ID #2223 or Handshake (#10550742). For questions regarding the position, please contact Kristen Williams at [email protected]. 

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. 

Paid Research Data Collector Position - Children’s HealthWatch Study

Children’s HealthWatch is looking to hire student data collectors for the “Real Cost of a Healthy Diet” national study, and would like to invite University of Minnesota students to apply for this study which seeks to examine the cost and availability of items in the Thrifty Food Plan market basket (specific foods and beverages that together make up a healthy, low-cost diet) used to calculate benefit amounts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Students will work in supervised teams to track food availability and cost in-person at a variety of food stores in your city. Findings will help determine the (in)adequacy of the existing SNAP benefit and the need for increases to the value of the benefit to truly support a healthy diet for all. We anticipate the total time investment for each student to be 40 hours. Children’s HealthWatch will provide students with a 3-4 hour virtual training during the month of December 2025. All data will be collected during the month of January 2026. Upon completion of data collection, each student will receive a $585 stipend. If interested in this position, send your resume to [email protected].

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]. 

Clinical Research Assistant - Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center

The Adolescent Risk Prevention Lab at the Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center (BHCRC) is seeking motivated applicants to support three NIH-funded projects focused on emotion regulation. This is a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in careers in psychology, public health, sociology, social work, or medicine. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, communities, and identities! To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume/CV to David Koestler via Google Form, who is collecting applications on behalf of Christopher Houck, PhD. The position will be filled as soon as qualified candidates are found, with an anticipated start date in January 2026.