Psych Scoop, 5/5/26

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

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May Alumni Spotlight: Claire Griffin

Psych Advising loves to show what our amazing psychology alumni are up to through our monthly Alumni Spotlight! Our May spotlight, Claire Griffin (Spring ‘21 - PSY BA) works as a Clinical Implementation Specialist at NeuroCatch Incorporated. 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!

Study Spaces Available in Elliott Hall During Finals Week

Elliott Hall has some available spaces for you to study for final exams. Elliott Classrooms N119 and N391 are widely available, as well as our study room, S225. If you have questions about these spaces, please email [email protected].

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!

Take the SERU Survey

The SERU survey is used to assess student experiences on campus. Your input ensures that the Twin Cities campus is providing the best undergraduate experience possible for current and future students. Take the survey now.

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.

Smash Your Finals - Plate Smashing Event

• Date:  Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 
• Time: 5:00 p.m. 
• Cost: Free
• Location: Back of Elliott Hall (grassy area near parking lot)

Need a cathartic release? Join Counseling Psych Club, Association of Black Psych Students, and Latinos for Psych at our joint send-off event! This event will let you (safely) SMASH your frustrations to bits! Find more info on our socials and make sure to pre-order some items so that we have enough for you to get your feelings out before finals! 

Courses of Interest

Review courses included in this section on Schedule Builder. 

POL 3766: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior - Summer 2026

This course explores how ordinary people form political opinions and make political decisions by examining psychological influences such as ideology, identity, personality, biology, and social context. Students learn how political psychologists study public opinion and behavior, gaining tools to critically evaluate political arguments and understand why individuals may strongly support or oppose certain political figures. The class also emphasizes collaborative learning, helping students build analytical, problem‑solving, and group‑based skills as they engage with the material. This course does not count toward psychology major or minor requirements.

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

De-Stress with Donuts

• Date:  Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Walter Library, Upson Room (First Floor)

Take a break from finals stress and join us for a relaxed, supportive study session with free donuts and a welcoming atmosphere. This event is designed to give CLA students a comfortable space to focus, recharge, and prepare for exams—while being supported by friendly CLA alumni.

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.

Research

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

*Credit* Undergraduate Research Assistant - Summer 2026

PSY 5993 with Dr. Hoang Nguyen in Summer 2026: Students will be able to (1) explain and demonstrate the research process in psychology, (2) conduct a formal literature review, (3) produce a publishable-grade paper, and (4) present your work to an audience of your peers. Fill out the Google Form if interested. 

*Credit or Volunteer* Math and Numeracy Lab Research Opportunity - Summer & Fall 2026

The Math and Numeracy Lab focuses on numerical thinking in young children and adults. Our projects concern the cognitive skills underlying mathematical thinking; influences on children’s attention to numerosity; correlates of math anxiety; and the potential influence of numerical skills on word-level language comprehension and concepts. Those interested can apply using the Qualtrics form. 

*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

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.

Columbia Occupational Therapy Info Sessions

• Date: Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
• Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual 

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 [email protected] if you have any questions.

Resources 

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!

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 are built around submitted availability and are extremely flexible. Those interested can apply online. Direct questions can be sent to Adam at [email protected].

College of Education & Human Development: Peer Student Services Positions 

CEHD Student Services is hiring two undergraduate students for the Peer Career Coach Assistant and Administrative Projects Assistant positions, which offer paid, skill‑building experience in student services, project management, marketing, and career development. These hybrid‑eligible roles pay $17/hour for 10–15 hours per week, run from late August 2026 to early May 2027, and involve event planning, employer engagement, data analysis, communications work, and participation in professional development. Interested students should email a cover letter and résumé to Denise Felder ([email protected]) by May 28, 2026, with interviews held in early June.

Undergraduate Clinical Research Internship - Paid

The Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Department is seeking first‑generation college students for a paid, 10‑hour‑per‑week undergraduate clinical research internship. Interns will support research teams studying topics such as mobile health, depression treatment, resilience, early dementia, sleep disorders, and more while gaining hands‑on experience with data management, participant engagement, and literature reviews. Participants also benefit from journal clubs, career development sessions, and educational opportunities across MGH and Harvard Medical School. Applications are open until May 15, 2026, with a flexible start date and a preferred commitment of at least nine months. For questions, contact Livv Williamson at [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].