Psych Scoop, 5/19/26

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 asynchronous. 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.

Summer Undergraduate Research Education Program (SUREP)

The Summer Undergraduate Research Education Program (SUREP) is a free virtual program that helps students explore graduate study in psychology and careers available with a Ph.D. It runs from June 29 to July 17, 2026, offering mentorship from experts and graduate students, plus hands‑on experience with research design and application materials. Applications are due May 30, 2026, and questions can be directed to the program coordinators at [email protected] or Dr. Allison Skinner at [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].

Research Opportunity Deadlines for Fall Projects

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and Researcher-Initiated Student Employment (RISE) program have summer deadlines on June 26 (RISE) and June 29 (UROP) for fall semester projects. Make an appointment or email if you have any questions.

Graduate School

University of Michigan Pathways Program

The Pathways Program is a synchronous virtual learning experience where upper‑level undergraduates and post‑baccalaureate students explore social science research methods and how they connect to survey and data science. It offers two summer 2026 sessions and includes exposure to research at the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. Applicants must submit an application and a recommendation letter, with the Session I deadline on June 8, 2026 and Session II details forthcoming.

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 

Visit the Nutritious U this Summer

The Nutritious U Food Pantry will be open in the summer! Beginning this June, the Coffman Memorial Union location will be open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and Thursdays, 2–6 p.m. Visit the Nutritious U website for the full schedule.

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.

Boynton Mental Health & Counseling Available this Summer

Boynton Mental Health & Counseling will offer several group therapy options in Summer 2026 to support students facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, identity exploration, and relationship concerns. Groups include support for trans and nonbinary students, graduate students working on dissertations or thesis stage of their programs, students experiencing grief, those wanting to improve interpersonal skills, and students interested in a positive psychology approach, with details available on Boynton’s website.

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.

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!

Volunteer at the 2026 Special Olympics

The 2026 Special Olympics will be held on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus this summer and volunteers are needed! Every role plays a part in creating a safe, welcoming, and unforgettable experience for athletes and guests.

Part Time Undergraduate RA position - Paid

The Technology, Teens, and Families Lab is seeking a part-time Undergraduate Research Assistant (10 hrs/week, $16.25/hr) for a 6-month position beginning around June 1, 2026. The student will support the Teen and AI Study by helping collect and analyze interview and survey data on teens’ use of AI social chatbots. Visit the website to apply.

Masters Student Research Interventionist Position

The UMN Department of Psychiatry is hiring a part time Research Interventionist for a pediatric eating behavior study. Work directly with children and families, delivering behavioral interventions. Flexible evening hours; ideal for master's students or graduates seeking clinical research experience. Apply to [email protected].

HBCD Research Assistant - Paid

The MCTFR​ seeks to hire ​a Research Assistant ​for the HBCD ​study. Study tasks include scheduling, conducting parent interviews; ​administering neurocognitive and observational assessments designed to assess ​child development; ​collecting biospecimens (e.g., blood, saliva, nails, urine); and collecting ​infant MRI and EEG data​. Those interested can apply on the University of Minnesota Employee website.

MCTFR NeuroHealth Technician

​The MCTFR seeks a NeuroHealth Technician (8351RL: Research Professional 1) responsible for collection of MRI, psychophysiology, and biospecimen data for several MCTFR projects, as well as administering assessments for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Those interested can apply on the University of Minnesota Employee website.

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].