Psych Scoop, 9/9/25

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

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First Two Weeks Drop-Ins 

Psychology Undergraduate Advising hosts 2-hour drop-in slots each morning and afternoon during the first two weeks of the semester. If you have any 5-10 minute questions, feel free to view our available drop-in times and chat with an advisor! 

Psychology Engagement Award - Fall Application Open

Are you volunteering in your community this Fall? Or, participating in an unpaid internship here or abroad this semester? 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 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 three awards of $500 will be offered for Fall 2025. The application deadline is Monday, September 15th (12:00 pm CST). Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. 

Psychology Undergraduate Advising is Hiring a Student Office Assistant!

The Department of Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office seeks to hire a Front Desk Office Student Assistant. The student assistant is responsible for appointment scheduling, organization of the front desk, and general intake. Many opportunities for projects like social media, graphic design, stats analysis, and more. This is a great position to learn more about the department overall and meet faculty! Starting pay is $16.00 an hour, with raises available for time and performance. If you continue with the office, there is the opportunity to move to a Peer Advising role! This position is only available for active undergraduate students. If interested, review the job description, qualifications, and apply on the University of Minnesota Job Website. Click the "Students" button, then search for Job ID #370068. The priority application deadline is Monday, September 15th, 2025. Students with existing UMN Jobs may apply online. Students without existing UMN Jobs may apply through the U of M Job website. For questions about this position, please reach out to [email protected].

Psychology ‘Wel-Cup’ Back Coffee Bar

• Date:  Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
• Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
• Cost: Free
• Location: 10 Church St. Building

Join Psychology Undergraduate Advising in welcoming a new semester! Free coffee, tea, and breakfast items will be available. Advisors from the office will be on the first floor to help students navigate to the room where coffee and tea will be. 

Psych Social

• Date:  Thursday, September 18th, 2025
• Time: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room N219

Psychology Undergraduate Advising is hosting a Psych Social event this Fall semester! Join us to chat with psychology peers, student groups, and advisors to learn more about research, courses, and resources we offer through the department. Grab some cookies and paint tote bags, coasters, and more while you meet some peers! Visit the Google Form to RSVP.

Psychology Student Groups 

All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psychology student organizations. If you're interested, please attend! To learn more, visit our website. Latinos for Psychology and the Counseling Psychology Club 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.

Psychology Club & Psi Chi - Psychology Trivia Bingo Night

• Date:  Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
• Time: 6:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: 216 Pillsbury Drive, Room 35

Interested in Psychology and looking for a community of people with similar interests? Join the Psychology Club this semester! Our first meeting will be Tuesday, September 9, at 6 pm! We will introduce you to what we do as a group and play some psychology trivia bingo with prizes for the winners! Students of any major are welcome! Contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns. Register for the event to attend! 

Counseling Psychology Club Back to School Bake Sale

• Date:  Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
• Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall Lobby

The Counseling Psychology Club is back and excited to put on more events for students this semester! To raise money and fund these fun events, they are holding a bake sale in the lobby of Elliott Hall on Wednesday, September 17th. Chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and more will be for sale. Make sure to stop by to get your sweet treats and support the Counseling Psychology Club at the same time!

Events

Leveraging Cognitive Neuroscience to Decode Threat Learning in Anxiety: New Approaches to Old Fears

• Date:  Monday, September 22nd, 2025
• Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall Room N219 & Zoom

Dr. Sam Cooper is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. He received his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Minnesota after completing an internship at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. His research focuses on how threat learning becomes maladaptive and can negatively affect our memories, behavior, and beliefs, as well as developing new strategies to help regulate unhelpful fear and avoidance. Dr. Sam Cooper’s research program combines experimental psychopathology, cognitive neuroscience, and quantitative modeling to understand the neurobehavioral mechanisms of higher-order threat learning and memory in relation to anxiety psychopathology. Registration is required for the virtual modality on Zoom. 

Know Your Professor Event

• Date:  Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
• Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union, Mississipi Room 

The ' Know Your Professor' event is designed for students to meet their professors in the College of Liberal Arts, network, and win prizes through group fun activities. It is a great opportunity to talk to professors 1:1 and learn more about them. We have 6 professors from CLA including, Psychology faculty member Patricia A. Frazier, Philosophy faculty member Alan Love, Political Science faculty member Paul Soper, Human Physiology faculty member Dalay Olson, Communication Studies faculty member Ronald Greene, and Economics faculty member Fahima Aziz. Register for the event now! 

Connect for Career Success - How to use Handshake

• Date:  Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
• Time: 12:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Zoom - must register for Zoom link

Handshake is the University of Minnesota’s career opportunities platform to search for off-campus internships and jobs around the world, to register for on-campus career fairs and workshops, to join virtual info sessions from companies, and so much more. Join this session to learn how to navigate this site so you can be well-informed about career opportunities and events. This session is designed with international student needs in mind, but anyone in the UMN community is welcome to join. Please email Jane at [email protected] with any questions about this event.

Pre-Health Student Resource Center Open House

• Date:  Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
• Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Moos Tower, Room 2-565

Students are invited to stop by 2-565 Moos Tower anytime between 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm to enjoy snacks, get acquainted with the PHSRC office, and speak with career counselors.

The Gender & Sexuality Center for Queer & Trans Life: Queer & Trans Kick Off 

• Date:  Tuesday, September 16th, 2025
• Time: 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Appleby Hall, Room 40/41 

Kick off the year with the Gender & Sexuality Center! Food will be provided as supplies last. The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life provides education, advocacy, outreach, and support to students, staff, faculty, alum, and community members. They strive to create a campus climate where more inclusive understandings of gender and sexuality foster a sense of belonging for all.

Courses of Interest 

For more detailed information on each of these courses, refer to Schedule Builder.

PSY 3896: Internship in Psychology - 3 Credits - Fall 2025

Late registration for the PSY 3896 Internship class is possible through Monday, September 15th!

Make your internship experience this Fall count toward your PSY Major! PSY 3896 class credits (3 credits) are based partly on the number of hours you work at your internship during the Fall 2025 semester. Online course assignments are a complement to your learning at your internship site. Students apply to and secure a position on their own, but we offer a number of internship ideas for students. Example sites include ACR Homes, People Serving People, Sexual Violence Center, Tubman, and the Walk-In Counseling Center. Look for more opportunities in the Psych Scoop and even more on Handshake. Read more about what students have to say about PSY 3896! PSY 3896 is completely online.

Steps to Register for PSY 3896:

1. Student secures an internship or position with a site (paid or unpaid)
2. Student submits the "Request an Experience" form on Handshake to receive approval.
3. A Permission number to register for the course will then be emailed to you.

Instructor: Michael Houlahan; email [email protected]

Note: This course counts as elective credit for the Psychology majors only.

Research

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

*Credit or Volunteer* Psycho-physical Abilities Lab

Are you interested in Industrial-Organizational Psychology research? The Deniz S. Ones’ I-O Psychology Lab is seeking conscientious, motivated, and responsible students to volunteer for our project on psycho-physical abilities. We are looking for help researching abilities regarding physical body motor movements (e.g., movement of fingers, hands, legs), fine motor skills (e.g., finger dexterity), and coordination. These abilities are important to successfully assess performance with jobs in domains such as sports, healthcare, safety and security, and crafts/trades. Students will participate in identifying, retrieving, and organizing studies, as well as reading and coding relevant research for a quantitative synthesis. Interested students should fill out the application form. Questions about this position can be directed to Sarah Nakamoto at [email protected].

*Credit or Volunteer* Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research

The Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research (MCEDR) at the University of Minnesota Medical School is looking for driven students and recent graduates to volunteer in our lab. MCEDR's volunteer and for-credit research assistants gain exposure to eating disorders and clinical research through their involvement with current research projects and educational seminars. Tasks can include tDCS, clinical diagnostic interview assessments, data entry/cleaning/analysis, recruitment, in-vivo laboratory-based "test meals", fMRI data collection, and more. RA's will also attend lab meetings and have an opportunity to develop independent research questions based on their interests and available data. Competitive applicants will have a strong interest in pursuing graduate-level education and a strong academic record. If interested, please fill out the interest form. Any questions can be directed to Emma Rasmussen at [email protected].

*Credit or Volunteer* Seeking Research Assistants Interested in Functional MRI (fMRI) for Fall 2025 - PSY 5993 

Research Associate Philip Burton is seeking research assistants who are interested in learning about and assisting with the study of brain function using magnetic resonance imaging and specialized statistical analysis software. This will involve conducting an fMRI experiment and analyzing the data, reading relevant journal articles, attending meetings, and writing a brief (1 - 2 page) summary of results. Information about how to register for PSY 5993 is available on the department’s Directed Research page. Please email Dr. Burton at [email protected] to discuss whether this project is a good fit and, if so, for more specific information about how to complete the research contract.

View the Psychology Faculty Lookbook

Having a hard time trying to find faculty to reach out to about joining their research lab? The Psychology Advising Office created the Psychology Faculty Lookbook to show students and faculty who are currently facilitating active research labs in the Department of Psychology. View the Psychology Lookbook to see over 40 faculty profiles learning about their research interests, description of their research, their mentoring philosophy, and what research opportunities are available for undergraduate students. The Psychology Faculty Lookbook is located on our website.

Learning Abroad 

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

Learning Abroad Fair

• Date:  Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
• Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: West Bank Plaza 

The Learning Abroad Fair is designed for students to discover the variety of learning abroad options available at the University of Minnesota. Students will have the opportunity to meet Learning Abroad Center staff, affiliated program staff, college advisers, and many other departments from around the U that will help with the steps needed to participate in an education abroad experience. 

Gopher Study Abroad Scholarship

The Gopher Study Abroad Scholarship is the primary Learning Abroad Center scholarship offering for all students, as the most funding is allocated to this award. Students can use it for up to one year from being awarded. To apply, students must complete two essay questions—the first related to program choice and student goals, the second asking students to reflect on how their identities and experiences influenced their choice to go abroad. Preference will be given to those who are eligible for subsidized loans and have not previously studied abroad as a University of Minnesota undergraduate student. In order to be considered, complete application materials by the September 24 deadline. 

Language & Culture in Southern France Now Offers Adolescent Psychology Course!

The Language & Culture in Southern France program is offering a new course, MONT 4403: Adolescent Psychology, in the Summer of 2026. This new course will be offered over a four-week session and taught by University of Minnesota Psychology faculty, Bonnie Klimes-Dougan. Applications are open now. The program now offers the following equivalent courses of interest for Psychology Majors:

• CPSY 2/3301 Intro to Child Psychology - MONT 3321
• CPSY 4303 Adolescent Psychology - MONT 4403 
• PSY 3301 Cross-Cultural Psychology - MONT 3006 (Applicable to PSY Minors)

Graduate School

North Carolina State University - Graduate Program in Lifespan Developmental Psychology

The Lifespan Developmental Psychology at North Carolina State University in the Department of Psychology, has an active and growing group of faculty with expertise in development across the lifespan and particular strengths in the intersections among emotion, social cognition, and everyday cognitive functioning. Students in the program obtain a strong grounding in theory, research, and methodology in Lifespan Development, and are supported through graduate research and teaching assistantships. If you’re interested in applying, visit the application website. Additional information can be found on the North Carolina State University website. The deadline for applications is December 1. For more information, please contact Area Coordinator, Shevaun Neupert at [email protected].

Columbia Occupational Therapy Info Sessions

• Monday, September 29th, 2025 | 1:00 pm | Virtual Registration
• Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 | 1:00 pm | Virtual Registration 

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 

Apply to the TRIO McNair Scholars Program

Thinking about life after undergrad and interested in exploring graduate school opportunities? We've got you covered! The TRIO McNair Scholars Program is more than a research program. Scholars have the opportunity to develop their research and leadership skills while simultaneously preparing for graduate school and building community with their peers. We are now accepting applicants for the 2026 McNair Scholars Cohort! If you are eligible and interested in learning more about the program, fill out the form to express your interest! Early admissions applications are due October 6, 2025. Final admission applications are due November 3, 2025. Accepted students will enroll in an exclusive Spring 2026 course to prepare them for summer programming.

Boynton Health’s Nutritious U Food Pantry Opening Day

• Dates:  September 10th & 11th, 2025
• Time: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union, Room 103A

Any student can visit the food pantry; no proof of need is required. Students choose from available food items when they show up. Join us for Opening Day! Students can find us in Coffman Memorial Union Room 103A on the first floor. For reference, we’re across from the theater and directly behind the Goldy Gopher statue.

Campus Employment 101

• Date:  Friday, September 19th, 2025
• Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Bruininks Hall, Room 512B

Looking for an on-campus job? Come to hear from a panel of students and career staff about work-study and on-campus jobs. TRIO, PES, First-Gen, and students who have work-study funds are particularly encouraged to attend! To learn more and to register, visit the events Handshake page. 

Peer Academic Success Coaching - 15-minute Drop-Ins!

• Appleby Hall 27 | Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
• Walter Library 204 | Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Peer Academic Success Coaches are current undergraduate students trained to help you gain essential academic skills needed for your classes and beyond. Peer Academic Success Coaches help with organization, study strategies, time management, managing online courses, planning for tests, email management, accountability, and campus resources!

Interview Prep Workshops - Pre-Health Student Resource Center

The Pre-Health Student Resource Center is excited to be offering three health program Interview Prep Workshops this fall for UMN students and alumni: two Traditional Interview workshops and one Multiple Mini Interview workshop! Participants will learn strategies for preparing responses, interview practice, tips for virtual interviews, and more. Pre-registration is required for both the Traditional Interview Workshops and Multiple Mini Interview Workshops.

International Student Career Fair Prep Workshops

• Friday, September 12 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Zoom Link to register
• Tuesday, September 23 | 3 pm - 4 pm | Zoom Link to register

These events will feature helpful tips and information from presenters from ISSS and Career Services. You’ll learn what to expect at a career fair, how to talk with employers, your work authorization options, and tips for successful interactions and follow-up at a career fair. This session has been designed with the needs of all UMN international students who are attending fall career fairs. Anyone in the UMN community is welcome to attend. Please email Jane at [email protected] with any questions about this event.

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!

Planetarium Education Assistant

The Bell Museum is looking for Planetarium Guides to deliver programs in the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium. In addition to presenting shows in the planetarium, guides will facilitate telescope observing sessions and hands-on and guided activities for preK-12 school groups, youth and family groups, and public audiences throughout the museum galleries. Other duties include assisting at museum events on and off-site, exhibits, and facility rentals on an as-needed basis. This position requires a general knowledge of astronomy and availability during museum hours. Must be registered and maintain the minimum number of UMN required credits to hold this undergrad position. Apply on the UMN Job Website (ID: 369941) or Handshake (ID: 10197525). For questions regarding the position, please contact Kristen Williams at [email protected].

Direct Care Professional

ACR Homes is hiring psychology students to become Direct Care Professionals! Apply today for positions starting anytime in the next 6 months! You’ll work in a home setting alongside a co-worker to support four adults with disabilities. This role allows you to gain direct patient care hours by assisting with the medical, emotional, and physical needs of residents, while also enjoying fun activities with them during your shifts. ACR is flexible for students. We only ask for 2 shifts per week (with the option to work more). Starting pay is $15.50 – $21.50/hr, with paid training provided. We have locations near campus, and no car is required. In addition, we offer optional, custom, research-based internships that conclude with a letter of recommendation from our CEO, a licensed psychologist. We’re conducting 30-minute Zoom interviews now to secure your spot—you pick your start date! Contact Kayla Wildes at [email protected] if you’re interested in applying.

Support Staff 

Seeking part-time employees who are kind, motivated, and caring to work with Annie, a young woman with physical and mental disabilities, in our private home. Female preferred and no experience needed, as paid training is provided. Hiring now, but must be able to work some weekdays, approximately 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, once the semester begins. Starting pay is $22+ with flex pay available. If interested, contact Andrea McKee at 651-274-3574 or [email protected].