Psych Scoop, 6/9/20

June 9th, 2020

The Psych Scoop is sent to all Psychology Undergraduate students and alumni every Tuesday throughout the academic school year. 

Share your news with psyadvis@umn.edu!

Psychology Advising Announcements

1. Summer Availability

We do still have appointments available in the summer! We are available throughout the workweek, throughout each day. All appointments are virtual through Zoom, so you do not need to worry about travel. This can be a great time to start thinking about planning for grad school, planning toward graduation, and anything else you may have questions about. You can schedule an appointment here. We are also still available by email at psyadvis@umn.edu.

2. Psych Peer Chatroom

Tuesdays, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
Cost: Free

Are you stuck at home and want to talk to someone? Join us in the Peer Chatroom on Tuesdays from 12:00 - 1:00 pm virtually via Zoom! Rucha, one of our peer advisors, is hosting the chatroom. She is happy to talk about everything from school to things to do during quarantine and cabin fever. If you are lucky, you might be graced by the presence of my roommate's cat! (This is not a substitute for the academic drop-in hours, which are not offered for summer. For academic questions, please email psyadvis@umn.edu.) (Meeting password: email us for password)

Scholarships

3. Psychology Engagement Award

Are you participating in an internship this Summer 2020 semester? Or engaging in a learning opportunity that takes you outside of the classroom for a unique experience? The Department of Psychology's Donor Awards for Psychology Undergraduate Engagement is available to support you! The purpose of these awards is to encourage and support psychology majors who engage in learning experiences beyond the University campus and classroom environments (i.e. unpaid internships, volunteer experiences, study abroad containing a psych-related internship or research component, etc.). Up to two awards of $500 will be offered for Summer 2020. For Summer 2020, only remote experiences will qualify. Funds cannot be used to support in-person (on-site) work. The application deadline is June 15th (12:00 pm CST). For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage.

Courses of Interest

4. New Course - PSY 1010 - Introduction to the Psychology of Pandemics - 1 credit - Fall 2020 Online!

This course will increase students’ understanding of how psychological science can inform our understanding of causes, consequences, and responses to pandemics, such as the COVID- 19/Coronavirus. In doing so, it will expose students to the different subdisciplines of psychology so they can understand the wide range of theories and methods employed in the field. This is one of the only psychology courses in which students will be taught by a wide range of psychology faculty with expertise in cognitive and brain science, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, industrial/organization psychology, personality, social psychology, and quantitative/psychometric methods.

This course does not count as Psychology Elective for most Psychology majors or minors - however, there is one exception. Students that transferred in a 3 credit PSY 1001 course may request that this 1XXX level course be applied to the 4th credit towards PSY 1001. You must email us at psyadvis@umn.edu to request an APAS update for this option.

5. EPSY 3801 - The Science of Human Resilience and Wellbeing - 3 credits - Summer 2020

his course is for any undergraduate student interested in learning about and applying the theory and practice as it relates to resilience and wellbeing. This course integrates key cross-cutting, scientific findings from a range of psychological disciplines, including positive psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, neuropsychology, and social psychology. Stated simply, resilience refers to the human capacity and ability to both survive and thrive in the face of life circumstances. Students will develop a deep understanding of the theoretical concepts of stress, resilience, and wellbeing, as well as specific resilience practices scientific research has shown enable people to better manage and bounce back from stressful situations and enhance their social, emotional, and behavioral functioning in career and personal aspects of life.

EPSY 3801 is online, with synchronous meetings on Tuesdays 9:45 am- 12:30 pm, June 8th - July 2nd

Instructor: Jessie Kember, Ph.D.

Note: this course does not count in psychology majors and minors.

6. EPSY 5401 - Counseling Procedures - 3 credits- Fall 2020

According to the American Counseling Association, counseling is the process of building relationships with individuals that empower them to accomplish mental health and wellness, education, and career goals. According to the Positive Psychology movement, counseling can help individuals and communities thrive, cultivating what is best within themselves, and enhancing their experiences of work, love, and play. In this course, you will learn a short-term model of counseling that is rooted in both client empowerment and positive psychology, aimed at helping clients, students, and others manage problems more effectively and develop opportunities more fully. The course relates to the COVID-19 pandemic in that students will learn skills to help others manage stress and isolation, overcome anxiety and fear, and make and implement personally-meaningful choices in their lives. This course is appropriate for individuals whose professional work includes counseling and interviewing and for those interested in advising, counseling, and consulting.

EPSY 5401 is Thursdays, 4:40 pm- 7:30 pm

Appleby Hall 226

Instructor: Sherri Turner, Ph.D. (turne047@umn.edu)

Note: this course does not count in psychology majors or minors.

Events

7. Creating a Compelling Cover Letter

Wednesday, June 10, 2020, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Online

A cover letter is either a hindrance or a powerful way to improve the likelihood of making it to the next phase of the application of process and land that interview. In this webinar, we will cover how to demonstrate your skills and relevant experiences in a cohesive and effective manner. Rebecca Diaz Luebbert is the Director of Career & Business Engagement with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. With 11 years of experience in higher education, she has cultivated expertise in career services and coaching others to achieve their goals. Register here.

8. Meet 3 Companies Hiring Right Now

Thursday, June 11, 2020, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Online

During these tough times, it can be difficult to identify opportunities with companies that are hiring right now. The University of Minnesota Alumni Association brings you three companies that are hiring right now to help you cut through the online clutter. This is an opportunity to hear from a panel of hiring managers/ recruiters about their organizations, opportunities available from entry-level to seasoned positions and receive concrete advice on the job search or interview process that is helpful to any job seeker regardless of where they decide to apply. Companies include Exit Lakes Realty Premier, Fairview Health Services, and Robert Half. Register here.

9. Trust Issues: Communicating Research during a Pandemic

Wednesday, June 17, 2020, 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Online

Science is having a moment as the world looks to researchers to come to the rescue with COVID-19 treatments and, eventually, a vaccine. But this pandemic has exposed the tension between how science actually works and a public eager for immediate reassurance. While scientists around the world are working 24/7 to understand the coronavirus and share what they are learning as quickly as possible, the rush to publish may ultimately undermine scientific credibility as members of the media and others use provisional results to feed various narratives about the disease. Our panelists will explore the challenges of communicating research in real-time now and during past pandemics. Register here.

10. Conquering The Virtual Interview

Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Online

In this webinar, we will cover how to prepare for your virtual interview, common questions, and a method for responding to interview questions and how to follow up post-interview. There will also be an opportunity for QA during the last 15-20 minutes. Register online.

Research

11. *Volunteer* Internship with Clinical and Research Experience

The Center for Practice Transformation in the School of Social Work is seeking highly motivated volunteer student interns to assist with community-based research. CPT is currently conducting outcomes research with a large outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment provider based in Minnesota. Student responsibilities would include participant outreach, phone-based data collection, and data entry. Qualifications include excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills; basic computer skills including use of Microsoft Excel, interest in clinical care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, and the ability to work remotely. Preference will be given to students who are able to commit to 12 months of involvement and have availability between 3 and 5 pm for 5-10 hours per week. To apply, please contact Tanya Freedland at free0165@umn.edu with a brief statement of your interest and CV or resume.

12. *Volunteer or Credit* Psychology Research through Spring 2021

Max Hui Bai from the Federico Lab is seeking for one research assistant to help with projects on political psychology, prejudice, and sociocultural beliefs. The research assistant will help with various aspects of different studies, including but not limited to reviewing the literature, recruiting participants, constructing survey instruments, preparing administrative documents, data cleaning, data analysis, and proof-reading. The research assistant may sign up for the PSY 5993 class if they choose to. The assistant is encouraged but not required to attend weekly lab meetings during fall and spring semesters. Preference will be given to candidates who 1. are self-motivated, responsive, curious, enjoy challenges, and pay attention to details. 2. are able to commit to the end of the 2021 Spring semester. Recent projects from the researcher can be found here. To apply, please send an email to Max Hui Bai at baixx062@umn.edu with 1. name, 2. a copy of an unofficial transcript, and 3. an explanation (in no more than one short paragraph) of why they are interested in the position, what the student wishes to learn and get out of this research experience, and how they think this may be helpful for furthering their career.

Resources

13. Nutritious U Food Pantry Available Over Summer!

The Nutritious U Food Pantry will be offering food to students one day per week at Coffman Memorial Union during the summer months. Students in need can request a bag of groceries using this Food Pantry ordering form. Students can pick up their bag of food at Coffman on Wednesdays from 3-6 pm OR they can choose to have their food delivered to their residence on Wednesday afternoons. Delivery is available for students who live in the following zip codes: 55455, 55454, 55414, 55108, and 55408. Not living on campus? Here are some Minnesota food resources.

Grad School

14. Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology - Application Deadline Extended!

With a Masters of Arts in counseling and student personnel psychology (CSPP), you’ll be qualified to counsel others throughout their lifespan. Become a school counselor and help students develop academically, personally/socially, and in their careers. Study to be a college and student personnel counselor and work in a higher education setting. Or become a mental health professional and work in a community setting. Whatever you decide, a master's in CSPP leads to a fulfilling career that allows you to do well by doing good. Our admissions deadline for fall 2020 has been extended to July 15. Visit our application page for more information on how to apply.

Jobs/Internship 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.

15. Minnesota Twin Registry - Research Assistant (Full-time Position)

Dr. Glenn I. Roisman of the Institute of Child Development and Dr. Bob Krueger of the Department of Psychology, Co-Principal Investigators on a five-year NIH-funded grant to follow-up the large Minnesota Twin Registry (MTR) cohort into late life, seek to hire a Research Assistant (8352R2: Researcher 2) responsible for carrying out field studies by interviewing study participants (aged 60-80 years) in their homes or remotely by phone. (Currently, all visits are remote due to COVID-19). In addition to questionnaires that participants will complete online (or by mail) before the in-person visit, structured research assessments conducted by the Research Assistant will include a 1.5 hour-long interview with the twin participants about their childhood experiences, objective assessments of twin participants’ physical health (including collecting samples of body measurements and a blood draw), and standardized measures of cognitive health. The Research Assistant will review data to assure quality and prepare data for analysis and publication. They will work closely with the MTR research participants, MTR co-investigators, and the MTR project coordinator who schedules visits, so a bachelor's degree is required and research experience, knowledge, and skills plus outstanding communication and problem-solving skills are preferred. In addition, applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to use their own car to travel for assessments of the older twins in this study (should MTR return to in-person visits). The Research Assistant will be compensated for mileage at University rates. To apply for the position, go to the UMN Job Board and search for Job ID 336345.

16. Research Assistant Position for Study of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatments

We have an opening at the Center for Veterans Research and Education (CVRE) for a full-time research assistant to work on a health services research project, found on this website. The study’s primary aim is to determine which of two evidence-based strategies for treating PTSD is more effective, acceptable, and feasible for patients with comorbid substance use disorder: trauma-focused therapy or non-trauma-focused therapy. The research assistant will: a) Review & extract data from medical records, b) Recruit subjects via telephone, collect data, enter & maintain a database of outcome data collected, c) Conduct research study assessments over the telephone, in accordance with research protocols, d) Organize follow-up assessment mailing, e) Prepare assessment mailings, log returned assessments into study database, f) Scan & verify assessment data into study databases, g) Assist in data cleaning, h) Perform administrative functions including meeting planning, setting up conference calls, maintaining written correspondence, and transcribing memoranda, i) Maintain professional clearances/human studies training to be qualified to work with sensitive data as promulgated by the IRB, HIPAA, VHA, and other regulatory agencies, j) Assist in manuscript preparation as needed (i.e., literature searches & table preparation), k) Independently maintain and organize records & files, l) Develop & distribute patient engagement materials (e.g., quarterly newsletters), and m) Coordinate participant payments.

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