Autism Conference

Click here for more details

Autism and the Transition to Adulthood:

Pressing Issues, Promising Solutions

Friday, October 15^th, 2010

At the CCIU on Boot Rd. in Downingtown; 3^rd Floor

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Paul Wehman, from VCU, will discuss issues related to autism and employment

Dr. Wehman is a Professor of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Chairman of Rehabilitation Research with a joint appointment in the Departments of Special Education and Disability Policy and Rehabilitation Counseling at VCU. He has written, co-authored, or edited 40 commercially published books and written over 200 journal articles, mostly in the transition and employment areas. He is on several editorial boards and has been Editor of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation for 17 years. Dr. Wehman is the parent of two children with disabilities.

Psychology Peer Mentoring Program

The Psychology Department invites undergraduate students to participate in the Psychology Major Peer Mentoring Program (PPMP). It was developed to help incoming students cope with the transition to college by providing support and guidance from current Psychology majors who are in their Junior/Senior year.

The goals of the program are:

• Create a welcoming environment for new students

• Ensure new students become familiar with the Psychology Department

• Provide academic and social support

• Offer peer advice to incoming majors

Interested? Please fill out the appropriate application below. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE SEPT 13!

Mentor Application (for Juniors and Seniors):

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEpadEJqMGIzQV9GVDZGeE5CZGVDLUE6MQ#gid=0

Mentee Application (for First Years):

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dG9CaGZfUF9YdTNCY3c3b1k3Vnl5cFE6MA#gid=0

Summer Internships at FIU

UNDERGRADUATE SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL

-- The Center for Children and Families (CCF) in the Psychology Department at Florida

International University (FIU), announces positions for summer internships for

undergraduate students and recent graduates in the Summer Treatment Program (STP)

for children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder (CD)

or Oppositional-Defiant Disorder (ODD). The program provides treatment tailored to

children's individual behavioral and learning difficulties and serves children ages six

through fifteen. The Program is directed by William E. Pelham, Jr., Ph.D., who is a

Professor of Psychology at FIU. In 1993, the Summer Treatment Program was named as

a Model Program for Service Delivery for Child and Family Mental Health by the Section

on Clinical Child Psychology and Division of Child, Youth, and Family Services of the

American Psychological Association. Additionally, in 2003 the Program received the

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (C.H.A.D.D.) Innovative

Program of the Year Award. Moreover, the Program has been adopted as a core

psychosocial component of the Multisite Treatment Study for ADHD that is funded by

NIMH, and the Early Risers Prevention Program funded by SAMHSA. It was also recently

added to the National Registry of Evidenced-based Practices and Programs.

- For more information on this program and to make application, visit

http://casgroup.fiu.edu/CCF/pages.php?id=1379

page down to STP Staff section for application materials.





SUMMER SCHOOL ON CRIME, LAW AND PSYCHOLOGY

-- The Prague's Centre for Public Policy (Centrum pro verejnou politiku -

CPVP) is pleased to announce the forthcoming Summer School on Crime,

Law and Psychology 2010 (CLP2010)

- Where? Prague, Czech Republic

- When? July 3-10, 2010

- Who? The Prague's Centre for Public Policy, has teamed up with professors from the

Royal Holloway College, University of London and Warwick University to organize the

fourth Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology 2010 (CLP2010)

- Why? The Summer School on Crime, Law an Psychology 2010 (CLP2010) is a weeklong

academic program designed to bring together 30 undergraduate and graduate students of

various nationalities and academic backgrounds (criminology, legal studies, psychology,

sociology and other related academic fields) from the USA, Eastern and Western Europe

to enjoy their summer holidays in the unique academic and cultural environment.

What is it about? The aim of the program is to provide students with an opportunity to

deepen their own expertise, thereby enhancing their knowledge on the correlation

between criminal law and psychology, exchanging their ideas with academics,

practitioners and fellow students from different countries. The summer program combines

intensive academic courses with cultural, social, and recreational opportunities.

- Visit the website http://www.clp.cpvp.cz to discover all the details about the CLP2010.

The website contains updated information about the academic content, practicalities, and

application process.

- Students may submit their applications by the Early Bird Application Deadline of April

30, 2010. The Final Deadline is May 15, 2010.

- Questions regarding the CLP2010 and/or application process may be addressed to Tel:

+420 739 569 045, Fax: +420 281 930 584, or E-mail: mailto:clp@cpvp.cz

Internship Opportunity

Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County

FAMILY CENTER

SUMMER INTERNSHIP

In order to promote early childhood development, Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County has established a Family Center in Kennett Square. The Center provides home visiting and parent education to families living in southern Chester County who have young children aged 0-5 years. MCHC joins almost 50 Family Centers across Pennsylvania that use the “evidence based”, nationally recognized curriculum called “Parents as Teachers” to help increase parents’ skills and children’s school readiness. The Center presently has a position available for an unpaid internship from May to August 2010. This is an exciting opportunity for a student who wants to make a contribution in the Community, while gaining outstanding experience.

For the third summer, the Kennett Square Family Center presents its Kindergarten Transition Program. The program helps to prepare children for school by providing a stimulating learning environment, away from their parents, with rules and regulations similar to a school setting. A day in the summer program is designed to mimic an actual kindergarten classroom. Health promotion is at the core of the standards-based curriculum, with a specific health-related theme attached to each school day. Students are able to gain beginning math and literacy skills while learning about the importance of nutrition, hygiene, safety, social-emotional health and oral hygiene.

Responsibilities Include:

• Support every effort to help coordinate and run the Kindergarten Transition Program
• Organize and prepare materials for each school day, prepare daily reports, and track outcome data
• Work alongside the Program Assistant to support the team of volunteers that help implement the program
• Help the children transition between activities during the program
• Assist with welcoming and discharging the children each day
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, or related activities
• Work closely with both the parents and children in the program and will responsible to report any issues to the director of the Family Center
• Create a Powerpoint presentation that summarizes the activities of the 2010 Kindergarten Transition Program
• Perform community outreach
• Assist with general Family Center program operations as required

Qualifications Include:

• Pursuing a Bachelors’ degree in social work, early childhood education, child/family development or related field
• Experience working with young children strongly preferred
• Proven ability to develop trusting, supportive relationships with parents of young children
• Highly developed organizational skills with proven history of successfully managing multiple priorities simultaneously. Must be detail oriented.
• Track record of working as a productive and cooperative member of a team and a displayed willingness to accept supervision and make personal performance improvements as appropriate
• Experience using Microsoft Office
• No criminal or child abuse history as determined by criminal history, child abuse and FBI screenings

For further information about MCHC please visit our website at: www.ccmchc.org. To apply please email your resume to: Rebecca Zerr at rzerr@ccmchc.org

Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer

Psychology T-Shirts for Sale!

Psi Chi and The Psychology Club are taking pre-orders for the WCU Psychology T-shirt. The t-shirts will be $10 and we are asking that you place your order by Tuesday, April 13th so that the t-shirts can be ordered on Wednesday. It will take about two weeks for the t-shirt to come in, so you will get your t-shirt before the end of the semester! You can pre-order by contacting Linda Cavileer (lcavileer at wcupa.edu), Dr. Ellie Brown (ebrown at wcupa.edu), or Dr. Deanne Zotter (dzotter at wcupa.edu).

If you don’t pre-order, you can still buy a shirt when they come in but we cannot guarantee we’ll have your size.

Swope Scholarship

DR. & MRS. CHARLES S. SWOPE

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

APPLICATION

Click Here for the Application

A Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund has been established in the memory of Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Swope, President of West Chester University for a quarter of a century, by his family and friends. Each year the Foundation awards scholarships between $1,000 - $3,000 to students of West Chester University who meet the following criteria:

1. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a full time academic program, must have completed 45 to 89.5 credits at West Chester University, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

2. Graduate students must be enrolled in a full time program (minimum 9 credits) and must have received their baccalaureate degree from West Chester University.

3. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and have permanent residence in the U.S.A.

To apply for this award, the applicants meeting the above criteria must provide the following:

1. Two (2) letters of recommendation from West Chester University faculty members who address academic performance.

2. One (1) letter of recommendation from a community leader who can address applicant’s community involvement, leadership qualities and citizenship qualities.

3. A completed application.

Hand-deliver application to the following location:

WCU Office of Development

Filano Hall, Room 203

University Avenue and High Street

Or by mail: WCU Foundation

Atten: Swope Scholarship Committee

PO Box 541

West Chester, PA 19381

The Foundation will award the scholarships primarily on the basis of scholastic achievement. Consideration will be given to the community and/or university involvement of the applicant. The Foundation will notify recipients of their award in late May of 2010 by mail. Funds will be available to begin class in September of 2010.

Psychology Research Day: April 1, 2010

Sponsored by the Psychology Student Life Committee

Psychology Student Life Committee:

Simone Jackson
Stephanie Englander
Therese Delia
Randy Edwards
Dr. Angela Clarke
Dr. Phil Duncan
Dr. Debbie Mahlstedt
Dr. Geeta Shivde



Schedule of Events

Special Topic Discussions

3:30-3:50

Dr. Jennifer Bunk:
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Research

Dr. Ellie Brown:
Supporting Early Learning and Healthy Emotions for Children Growing Up Poor

Dr. Jay Azorlosa:
Biopsychology Lab Tour Biopsych Lab

3:50-4:10

Student researchers from the lab of Dr. Susan Gans & Dr. Vanessa Johnson:
Whole Family Biopsychology as a Marker for Adjustment During the Transition to College

Dr. Tom Treadwell:
Cooperation vs. Collaboration: The Common Traps


4:10-4:30
Dr. Angela Clarke:
After-School Preventive Intervention, Research & Education

Student researchers from the lab of Dr. Lauri Hyers
Social Psychology/ Psychology of Women: Gender Stereotypes in Halloween Costumes



Poster Session: 3-4:30

Responses to Academic Challenge for Children Attending Head Start Preschools
Brown, E., Velazquez, B., Sullivan, S., Malatesta, J., & Krawczynski, K.

Daily Poverty-Related Stress and Nighttime Waking Associated with Externalizing Behavior Problems
Brown, E., Sax, K., Post, C., Christiansen M., & Liberty S.

Why are You Being So Rude? A Qualitative Exploration of Workplace Deviance
Lucasti, H., Seyfert, D., & Bunk, J.

Plugged In or Stressed Out? Investigating the Role of Technology in the Work-Family Interface
Montero, R., Stephens, L., & Bunk J.

Thinking Beyond the Individual: Exploring Workplace Incivility at the Workgroup Level
Downing, L., Drobbin, T., & Bunk J.

Feminist Identity, Empowerment, and Social Action in Relation to Eating Pathology
Holdren, J. & Zotter, D.

Differences In Global And Local Updating In Working Memory Are Associated With Arithmetic Calculation Ability
Kapp, B. & Shivde, G.

Maximizing Intervention Acceptability for Adolescents in Urban Poverty: Community Perspectives on Critical Program Components
Clarke, A & Buckley, E.

Culture and Aging: A Case Study of Two Grandmothers
Le, T. & McConatha, J.


Presentation of Student Awards: 4:30-5

Research and Field Experience Opportunities with Dr. Ellie Brown

Hi All,

I’m offering exciting research and field experiences through my Early Childhood Cognition and Emotions Lab (ECCEL) for Fall 2010. At the Early Childhood Cognition and Emotions Lab, we want to make sure that all children grow up in cognitive and emotional environments that support their flourishing. Children growing up poor face particular challenges, and supporting these children represents our top priority.

WCU students are an important part of the ECCEL Team. The ECCEL Team offers students an excellent chance to gain experience with clinical psychology, child development, issues of classism and racism, counseling, research, and the process of working with children, families, and schools. By participating in ECCEL, you can contribute to the community, develop key skills, and gain experiences that are important for jobs and graduate school. I am offering two opportunities for students for Fall 2010.

PSY448/449-J Field Experience in Psychology allows students to work with me to provide support for to children and parents in Head Start and affiliated preschools serving low-income families. Students receive training in current techniques for assessing and supporting children’s cognitive and emotional development. Students volunteer in Head Start classrooms to assist teachers with activities and provide extra attention for children who need it. This 3-credit course fulfills the Psych Group III requirement and the Diverse Communities requirement. It provides excellent experience for students interested in graduate school or career opportunities in clinical, abnormal, counseling, developmental, educational or school psychology, social work, or programs related to social policy, social justice, and prevention of psychological problems for children at risk.

PSY410 Research in Psychology allows students to work with me to conduct research on poverty and children’s cognitive and emotional development. Students receive training in research methods and ethics, and counseling tools. Students conduct interviews with parents and teachers, administer tasks that examine how children think and feel, and observe parents and children interacting with each other. Students also volunteer in Head Start classrooms to assist teachers with activities and provide extra attention for children who need it. This 3-credit course fulfills the Psych Group III requirement. It provides excellent experience for students interested in graduate school in psychology.

To take PSY448/449-J or PSY410 you must have one full day or two mornings or afternoons open each week to travel to Head Start preschools in the area to work with children and families, or you must have an hour free each day to conduct telephone interviews with parents, which can be arranged at times that are convenient for you. Consider being part of the ECCEL Team for Fall 2010! You will gain important experience in the field of psychology and make a difference for children and families in poverty. You will also become part of a team that has fun together and really bonds.

If you are interested in learning more, contact me at ebrown@wcupa.edu.

Thank you!

Ellie

Eleanor D. Brown, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Peoples Building Room 30
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3153
ebrown@wcupa.edu

Devereux Foundation: Autism-related Opportunity

Looking to Gain Experience?

Help Others?

The Devereux Foundation is looking for college students to partner with students with autism to work on computer and social skills!

Can you help? We still have a few openings!

We will be meeting for 5 Thursdays on the WCU Campus beginning March 25 from 3:15 to 5:15. You can choose to help for the whole time or just for an hour.

Interested? Please RSVP to Betsy Swope – bswope@devereux.org.

Psychology Research Day

Are you thinking about going to graduate school? Getting involved in research is a great way to improve your knowledge, enhance your application and get to know Psychology department faculty personally. Come see the kinds of research projects that our faculty and students have been working on.

Psychology Research Day

Thursday, April 1, 3:30-5 p.m.

Schedule of events (all events will take place in the Peoples building)

3:30 – 500 Posters of student and faculty research on display

3:30 – 4:30 Small-group sessions with faculty discussing research opportunities

4:30 – 5:00 Undergraduate student awards presentations

Refreshments will be served

From the members of the Psychology Student Life Committee

Avon Grove Field Placement

Field Placement

at

Avon Grove Charter School 

Fall, 2010

 

Field Placement ( Psy 441 & 442) at Avon Grove Charter School is available for Fall, 2010 registration.

 

WCU students partner with Avon Grove Charter teachers and staff to help children with autism and other special needs.

 

For more information and permission to register, please see Prof. Duncan, PEO 31, x 2110.

 

 

InternshipPracticumField Experience

Internship                            Practicum                            Field Placement

 

 

SPARC, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Autism Resource Center, welcomes West Chester University students who wish to complete Graduate Internship or Practicum requirements or Undergraduate Field Placements.

 

We are currently seeking students who wish to complete these requirements this summer and those who would like to plan ahead for the Fall 2010 semester.

 

Interested?

 

Please take the following steps:

1.               Go to SPARC’s website [www.wcupa.edu/SPARC] and read about our mission and services.

2.               Weigh the demands of your academic/work schedule against SPARC’S requirements.

·                  SPARC’s schedule is driven by our clients.  We will need you for some morning hours and some late afternoon hours each week.  You should consider this as you build your academic schedule.

·                  Involvement at SPARC is a commitment for the entire semester. In the case of summer, the commitment would be for 3 months starting in May. The number of hours required by your university program will be spread across the semester (excluding holidays), not bunched up in just a few weeks.

·                  Many practicum, internship and field placement students also choose to do volunteer work in addition to the required hours.

·                  Anyone working with children in the State of Pennsylvania must obtain the following clearances: TB test, PA Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI Fingerprinting. You MUST have copies of these clearances on file at SPARC before starting your experience. (The PA Criminal Record Check and the PA Child Abuse Clearance must be renewed yearly, so please check dates.)

3.               Contact SPARC [SPARC@wcupa.edu] or 610-430-5678 to inquire about available opportunities.  Please indicate your major, whether you are seeking a Graduate Internship or Practicum Experience or an Undergraduate Field Placement, the particular semester, and the number of hours you need to fulfill. We will need phone and email contact information.

 

SPARC looks forward to hearing from you!

Volunteer at SPARC

Volunteer at SPARC

 

 

 

SPARC, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Autism Resource Center, welcomes West Chester University students who wish to volunteer in our Social Skills and Feeding programs.

 

We are currently seeking students who can volunteer this summer beginning in May.

 

Interested?

 

 

Please take the following steps:

1.     Go to SPARC’s website [www.wcupa.edu/SPARC] and read “What is SPARC?” then click on “Opportunities” in the left column to learn more about the Social Skills program.

2.     Weigh the demands of your academic/work schedule against SPARC’S need for a consistent commitment across several weeks. 

3.     Anyone working with children in the State of Pennsylvania must obtain the following clearances: TB test, PA Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI Fingerprinting. You MUST have copies of these clearances on file at SPARC before starting your experience.  (The PA Criminal Record Check and the PA Child Abuse Clearance must be renewed yearly, so please check dates.)

4.     Contact SPARC [SPARC@wcupa.edu] or 610-430-5678.  Indicate weeks, days and times when you are available.  Give your phone and email contact information.

 

 

SPARC looks forward to hearing from you!

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2010 - February 22nd – February 26th

Monday, 2/22: Eating Disorders Awareness Info: Visit the table in Sykes between 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for information about eating disorders and body image. Free ribbons, pins, and pitas! Sponsored by the Sister to Sister Peer Mentors.

Eating Healthy for a Healthy Body and Mind: Stop by Sykes or the Health Sciences Center between 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. The WCU Student Dietetic Association will be distributing ribbons and information on nutrition and eating disorders.

Positive Body Image: Join the Wellness Center between 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. as they celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of our individual bodies! Stop by their table outside the Women’s Center (Lawrence Hall, 220).

Body Image, Ethnicity, and Race: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Women’s Center (Lawrence 220). Are eating disorders only a problem for White girls? Do women of color have better body image and self-esteem? Come share your perspective about how race and ethnicity impact body image.

Tuesday, 2/23: Trash Fat Talk! Tired of everyone talking about their bodies in a negative way? Join the Sister to Sister Peer Mentors to trash fat talk! Look for their table in Sykes between 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Body Image, Eating Disorders, & Exercise: 7:15 p.m. Sykes room 252; Sponsored by the WCU Exercise Science Club.

Wednesday, 2/24: Inside the Mind of an Eating Disorder: EDAW 2010. Visit the table in Sykes’ lobby between 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. to learn more about eating disorders, try some eating disorders trivia, and win sweet treat prizes! Sponsored by the WCU Student Dietetic Association.

Food and Friends Fundraiser: Bring your friends to Barnaby’s (15 S. High St.) between 5:30-7:30 p.m. and then head to Sprinkles (22 S. High St.) for dessert! Just mention “Sister to Sister” and a portion of the money you spend will be donated to the Sister to Sister organization.

Thursday, 2/25: Power Yoga – Free Class! 11:00-11:30 a.m. Sykes Fitness Center; Appropriate levels of exercise can improve body image! Come experience the benefits of power yoga!

Yoga – Free Class! 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sykes Fitness Center; Experience the mind-body connection through this traditional yoga class.

No Body is Perfect! 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. Sykes Theater; Join the Sister to Sister Peer Mentors for an interactive presentation on eating disorders, body image, and inner beauty.

Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders Candlelight Vigil, 7:00 p.m. Sykes front patio; sponsored by Delta Phi Epsilon. In recognition of those who have struggled with eating disorders, the candlelight vigil will feature inspirational music, poetry, and stories of recovery. Donations will be accepted for the Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders Foundation.

For more information on eating disorders, visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org or http://iws.wcupa.edu/s2s

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