For some of you, the summer means weekend get-aways, month-long vacations, or just simply more time for research and service. The latter is certainly true for me and your 2009-2010 APSSC Executive Board. I hope that you will get to know us in the coming months.

The Board and I are currently refining APSSC programs and developing initiatives that will benefit you in the coming year. We are also looking forward to the 22nd Annual APS Convention in Boston. Mark your calendars and set your bookmarks: the 2010 Convention call for submissions will begin in October 2009, and the Convention takes place May 27-30, 2010.

In the meantime, do not hesitate to e-mail me your questions, comments, and/or suggestions on how to strengthen the APS Student Caucus. Moreover, I encourage you to join our APSSC group and bookmark the Discussion page. The entire APSSC leadership is accessible, responsive, and welcomes your input.

Since people only get out what they put into an organization, please get involved with the APSSC. We are always looking for dedicated Campus Representatives, authors, reviewers, mentors, and leaders.

Jeremy Ashton Houska, 2009-2010 APSSC President

This event featured highly successful psychology teachers who shared their knowledge and experiences regarding the gray areas many face as both teachers and students. Panelists included PFF professionals: Andrew Christopher, Albion College; Shelia Kennison, Oklahoma State University; Susan Nolan, Seton Hall University, and students: Lisa Hasel, Iowa State University, Jeremy Houska, University of Nevada-Las Vegas; James Vaughn, Oklahoma State University. The Chronicle of Higher Education columnist David Glenn summed up the primary advice of the event in his column, Psychology Grad Students Get Counseled on How to Teach (05/26/09). For summary of the event see David’s column and for additional advice visit the APSSC Website in August for a copy of the handout.

Do you qualify for any of these awards? If you do, now is the time to act because the deadlines are fast approaching!

For more information about these opportunities and more, check out the APSSC’s Online Funding Database! To increase the availability of funding resources please email new funding opportunities to apssc.funding@psychologicalscience.org.

Get involved with APSSC by becoming an official representative for your campus! Our program will allow you to inform your school about special events and activities happening in APS and APSSC as well as provide you with an opportunity to network with other students from different universities. To apply, please email Kris Gunawan, the Membership and Volunteers Officer, with the following information:

1. Your Full Name
2. Your School Name
3. Your Student Status
(full- or part-time/undergrad or grad/year in school)
4. Email Address

Please note that we can only accept one representative per campus and that the position is based on a first come, first served basis. If you are a returning campus representative for the 2009-2010 academic year, you must reapply for the position. Once you have been confirmed as a campus representative, we highly encourage you to join our Facebook network and introduce yourself in our discussion forum labeled “Campus Reps.” Don’t miss out, and join today!

Let’s face it: grad school involves investing of a great deal of time, huge amounts of effort, and the occasional frustration. With the constant pressure to keep multiple balls in the air (e.g., classes, research, teaching, clinical work for some), graduate students have a tendency to forget the simple pleasures in life. Although it can be hard to do, try to have a sense of humor about your work, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Personally, I love Ph.D. Comics for a look at the lighter side of graduate school.

The APS Observer is seeking articles from graduate student affiliates for the Student Notebook column. This is an excellent opportunity to build your resume while sharing your ideas and experiences with other students of psychology! To submit an article, or for more information, please contact Mandi White-Ajmani, Student Notebook Editor.

Are you interested in a writing opportunity for your fellow APSSC members, or want to add something to your CV? If so, here is a wonderful opportunity to write for the Undergraduate Update: consider writing an article that can help your fellow APSSC students! The Undergraduate Update is an online forum for information on grad school and other helpful tips and tricks for success in school and beyond. To submit topics or ideas, or if you would like more information, please email the APSSC Undergraduate Advocate, Kimberly Lowe.