Psych Scoop, 5/12/26

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

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Summer Psych Scoop Schedule

The Summer Schedule for the Psych Scoop is bi-weekly. Announcements will be sent out every two weeks starting on May 19th.

Psychology Engagement Scholarship - Summer Applications Open

Are you taking Summer classes & also volunteering in your community? The Department of Psychology's Donor Awards for Psychology Undergraduate Engagement are available to support you! The purpose of these awards is to encourage and support enrolled psychology majors who engage in unpaid learning experiences beyond the University campus and classroom environments (i.e. unpaid internships, volunteer experiences, or a study abroad containing a psych-related internship). Up to two awards of $500 will be offered for Summer 2026. The application deadline is Monday, June 15th. For details about the awards and application materials, please visit the Synapse!

May Term & Summer Classes

If you’re taking May term or 13-week summer classes, Monday, May 18th is the first day! Be sure to access your Canvas courses ahead of time and get any textbooks or materials that you may need.

Campus Services are Open in Summer

Remember that most student services are open during the summer. It is a great time to meet with your academic advisor, explore study abroad options, or work on your career goals.

Courses of Interest

Review courses included in this section on Schedule Builder. 

Summer Distribution A Course Still Available: PSY 3031

The Department of Psychology still has one Distribution A course, PSY 3031: Introduction to Sensation and Perception, available this summer. PSY 3031 focuses on the psychological, biological, and physical bases of sensory experience in humans and animals. All psychology summer courses are offered fully online and asynchronously. Learn more on Schedule Builder.

PSY 4960: Seminar in Psychology - Advanced Psychopathology

This course examines how traditional diagnostic systems fall short and how modern, empirically driven models aim to improve the scientific understanding of mental disorders. Students evaluate alternatives like the HiTOP framework and explore how dimensional, transdiagnostic approaches reshape research and clinical thinking. The course also highlights how emerging technologies, including AI and intensive data‑collection methods, are transforming the study and treatment of psychopathology.

PSY 4960: Seminar in Psychology - Advanced Methods for Analyzing Psychological Data

This course introduces upper‑division psychology students to advanced data‑analysis methods that shape modern psychological research. The course focuses on understanding when and how to use these techniques, how to interpret results, and how different research designs and variables guide statistical choices. Students progress from analyzing simple data relationships to complex multivariable models, applying these tools to evaluate and design psychological studies.

Events

PAWS in the Summer!

• Date:  Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
• Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Campus Club, Coffman Memorial Union - Commuter Lounge, 1st Floor

Boynton Health’s PAWS (Pet Away Worry & Stress) sessions feature registered therapy animal teams—including dogs, bunnies, cats, chickens, and other therapy animals as available. Sessions are free and open to the University of Minnesota community. All are welcome!

Dr. Gordon Legge’s Book Release: Low Vision – What It’s Like to Live with Vision Loss

• Date:  Friday, May 29th, 2026
• Time: 1:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Campus Club, Coffman Memorial Union

Dr. Gordon Legge’s new book explores the lived experience of low vision, explaining its causes, measurement, and impact on daily life as the condition becomes increasingly common with an aging population. Aimed at students, professionals, families, and anyone interested in accessibility, it highlights the diversity of low‑vision challenges and the importance of broader public understanding. The mini‑conference will run from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29 in the Campus Club A‑B‑C room, followed by a book‑release reception from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on the Campus Club Terrace and Lounge.

Community Research for Liberation Convening

• Dates:  June 11th & 12th
• Cost: Sliding Scale ($20 - $40)
• Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church 1200 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Research in Action (RIA) and the Equity in Action Way (EAW) Foundation will host the inaugural Community Research for Liberation National Convening in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a theme of “Building a New Table with Black Women, Girls and Femmes.”  This event is an invitation to community members of all ages, educators and academics, non-profit staff and organizers, front-line public service workers and philanthropic leaders of ALL racial backgrounds to gain tools and training in liberatory research design, healing-centered engagement, and accountable partnerships across community and institutional settings. Registration is required.

Research

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

*Credit or Volunteer* Undergraduate Research Assistant - Summer & Fall 2026

The MN Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation is looking for responsible, detail-oriented and organized students to assist with preserving our historical dataset for credit (CPSY 4994) or as a volunteer. The project began in 1975 and is one of the longest-running developmental research studies both nationally and globally. The overall goal of the study is to follow the lives of individuals to understand how early experience and varying levels of social support impact development across the lifespan. Please submit an application to be considered. For any questions, you may reach out to [email protected].

*Volunteer* Research Assistant Position Available

The Rising Together study is seeking undergraduate students to support a project assessing a depression prevention program for middle and high school students. RAs will be responsible for conducting virtual data collection visits with teen participants and their parents. To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to [email protected].

Graduate School

NextGen Psychology Scholars Mentorship Program

The NextGen Psych Scholars Program is opening recruitment for 2026-2027! Please sign up if you hope to be a mentee for the next year. Mentees are paired with current graduate students to discuss graduate school plans and workshop application materials. Apply online by May 31st, 2026 or see our website for more information.

Resources 

Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026

• Date: Thursday, May 21st, 2026
• Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual 

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is a virtual accessibility event on Thursday, May 21, 2026 aimed at engaging in conversation, thinking, and learning about access and inclusion. The year’s theme, “Design, Develop, Deliver”, is about refining your digital accessibility skills. It’s about making accessibility an integral part of everything we do, from the way we communicate, design, and innovate, to how we create a more equitable future for everyone. Register for the event online!

Mindful Mondays: Free Drop-In Sessions

Experienced facilitators from The Bakken Center will guide you through a series of mindful movements and meditations on Mindful Mondays that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Connect with a Career Coach

Make an appointment with a career coach for 30 minutes in-person, virtually, or by phone!

Resume and Cover Letter Reviews (e-Doc Reviews)

Submit your resume and/or cover letter and get customized feedback within 24-72 business hours.

Pre-Law Advising in Summer

Check out the Pre-Law website for answers to many questions, including an overview of the application process. The Pre-Law office is offering individual appointments all summer, which are open to any current University of Minnesota Twin Cities students and alumni.

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!

Psychometrist/Client Support Specialist Position - Paid

Martin-McAllister Consulting Psychologists seeks a Psychometrist. Responsibilities include administration of psychological tests, client support services, filing, and typing. Requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and strong detail orientation. Please submit a resume and statement of interest to [email protected].

Direct Care Professional - Paid

ACR Homes is hiring psychology students for flexible Direct Care Professional roles supporting adults with disabilities in a home setting. Students can earn direct patient care hours, enjoy paid training, work as few as two shifts per week, and choose a start date anytime in the next six months, with pay ranging from $16.00–$23.50/hr. Optional research-based internships, locations near campus, and 30‑minute Zoom interviews are available. Interested applicants can contact Kayla Wildes at [email protected].

New Members wanted for Libraries Undergraduate Student Advisory Board

The UMN Libraries Undergraduate Student Advisory Board is seeking eight undergraduate students from any college or year to serve during the 2026–2027 academic year. Board members provide feedback on library spaces and services, work on student engagement projects, and receive a $500 annual stipend for attending bi‑weekly meetings plus 2–4 hours of monthly work. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews held in May and June and the first meeting in September.

Hiring Peer Research Consultation (Library Peer Tutor) for Fall 2026

The UMN Libraries are hiring three Peer Research Consultants for Fall 2026 to support students one‑on‑one with research, including using library resources and navigating faculty‑sponsored research opportunities. The role pays $15.25/hour for 10–14 hours per week and begins in September 2026. Students can apply by emailing a cover letter, résumé, and reference letter to Andrew ([email protected]) or by applying through the Libraries’ Jobs Page.

Psychology Peer Tutors Needed for Summer and Fall 2026

The Lindahl Academic Center is offering paid positions open to undergraduate and graduate students to host weekly recurring PSY content review tutoring sessions on campus. Schedules built around submitted availability and extremely flexible. Those interested can apply online. Direct questions can be sent to Adam at [email protected].