APA home contact us site map search
Monitor on Psychology
Volume 31, No. 8 December 1999
 
Association News December 1999


VOLUME 30, NUMBER 11 December 1999

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Sign up for graduate student listservs

The American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) invites students to sign up for several new listservs. They are:

  • APAGSABILITIES--a forum for disability issues, as well as related ideas and concerns.

  • APAGSINTERNSHIP--a forum for issues faced by students as they go through the internship process.

  • APAEMGS--a forum for concerns, issues and ideas regarding psychology and ethnic-minority issues.

  • APAGSREP--a forum for our APAGS Campus Representatives.

    With the help of APA's Student Science Council, APAGS has also launched two listservs for cognitive scientists (COGAPAGS) and clinicians (CLINAPAGS). The COGAPAGS listserv will allow those interested in cognitive science and psychological research to share ideas and opinions on the Internet. On COGAPAGS you can:

  • Seek advice about methodological problems.

  • Learn how people from other programs approach education and research.

  • Exchange suggestions about completing a thesis or dissertation.

  • Discuss steps in professional development, such as postdoctoral positions, grants and finding jobs.

  • Address the "deep issues" of consciousness and cognition with a new audience.

    The CLINAPAGS listserv will provide a forum for people interested in research and the scientific base for clinical practice. On CLINAPAGS you can:

  • Discuss research ideas.

  • Get advice about methodological problems.

  • Ask about research on different clinical issues.

  • Learn how people from other programs approach research.

  • Share tips about completing a thesis or dissertation.

  • Discuss research on professional issues such as certification.

    APAGS also announces the NewPsychList, a listserv for doctoral-level and postdoctoral psychologists who have completed their degrees within the past five years and are establishing their careers. Participants can share concerns, provide mutual support and help each other become a part of the profession. The listserv will focus on topics that interest researchers, educators and clinicians. Such topics include tenure, young investigator awards, licensure preparation, postdoctoral study issues, finding a grant, job tips, the changing demographic composition of psychologists and repaying student loans.

    To subscribe to a listserv, write in the message area: SUBSCRIBE <listserv name in capital letters> <your first name> <your last name>. Send the message to Listserv, and the system will send you further instructions. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer P. Fleming, APAGS staff liaison, at (202) 336-6014.

    Minority fellowships available for doctoral students

    Reminder: APA's Minority Fellowship Program will accept applications for minority fellowships that research mental health services, substance-abuse services, HIV/AIDS and neuroscience.

    Applications are due Jan. 15. For more details, visit www.apa.org/mfp or the November Monitor (www.apa.org/nov99/an.html).

    Commission receives petition for specialty recognition

    This fall, APA's Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies in Professional Psychology (CRSPPP) has received a petition to recognize behavioral psychology as a specialty by APA. This petition is the result of combined efforts and contributions of APA divisions 25 (Experimental Analysis of Behavior), and 33 (Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) and the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy and the Association for Behavior Analysis-International.

    According to CRSPPP's procedures, there must be a period of public notice and opportunity for comment before a petition can be reviewed by CRSPPP. On Sept. 1, copies of the petition became available for review. Copies of the comments and the petition are available upon request. Written replies to comments may be submitted until Feb. 1. For more information, contact Martha Braswell, special projects officer, Education Directorate, at the APA address, (202) 336-6140, e-mail

    Free guidelines for high school teachers available

    The Standards for the Teaching of High School Psychology are available on APA's Education Directorate Web Page at www.apa.org/ed.

    APA's Board of Directors charged the Task Force for the Development of National High School Psychology Standards with creating the standards to encourage excellence in high school psychology programs. These standards are not mandatory; each school must decide the best way to structure and conduct its program.

    To receive a hard copy of the standards, contact Sherrill Simons at the APA address, (202) 336-6076.

    Mark your calendar for the second annual CE winter weekend

    APA's Education, Practice, Public Interest and Science Directorates present "The violence around us: changes and challenges for your psychology practice," a CE Winter Weekend at the Catamaran Resort Hotel in San Diego Feb. 10-13. As America has increased its attention to violence in the workplace, school and family, practitioners face questions about how to treat and prevent violence, resolve related ethical questions in their practice and address concerns about their personal safety.

    APA's CE Winter Weekend will provide:

  • Practical skills and information for dealing with violence-related concerns.

  • A chance to discover potential new practice opportunities.

  • CE credits for professional development.

    To learn more about APA's CE Winter Weekend, call (800) 374-2721, x5991 or visit www.apa.org/ce.

    Time to renew your 2000 membership

    To ensure updated records and to take advantage of the member or student journal credits, APA asks members and affiliates to send in their 2000 dues or fee payments and journal orders. Prompt payment guarantees uninterrupted delivery of the Monitor, American Psychologist and other APA publications.

    Members who renew on time receive the APA membership card, which offers discounts on a variety of consumer services, as well as eligibility for APA's Insurance Trust programs and other benefits.

    Questions related to dues/fee payments or replacement statements should be directed to APA Membership at the APA address, (800) 374-2721 or (202) 336-5580; TDD: (202) 336-6123, fax: (202) 336-5568; e-mail: Membership.

    Minority fellowships awarded to future neuroscientists

    The Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) in Neuroscience has selected six students to receive predoctoral fellowships and one postgraduate to receive a postdoctoral fellowship for 1999-2000.

    The MFP in Neuroscience strives to increase the representation of ethnic minorities in neuroscience who perform National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-related research. With support from APA and the Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs and funding from NIMH, the MFP provides financial support and professional guidance to individuals pursuing doctoral degrees and to those pursuing postdoctoral studies in neuroscience.

    The six MFP predoctoral fellows are:

  • Akilah L. Boomer (Johns Hopkins University).

  • Juan Gomez Cueva, Jr. (University of California at Los Angeles).

  • Mose Armand Herne (Brandeis University).

  • Greta M. Lorge (University of Michigan).

  • Gustavo J. Rodriguez (Purdue University).

  • Luis A. Vidal Marlasca (University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus).

    MFP in Neuroscience has also chosen Eduardo Mercado, III, as the new MFP in Neuroscience Postdoctoral Fellow. Mercado has a postdoctoral position in Mark Gluck's, PhD's, laboratory at Rutgers University. During his postdoctoral appointment, he will focus his research on the development of a computational model of the interaction between the basal forebrain and the auditory cortex that can be integrated with prior models of associative conditioning.

    The MFP in Neuroscience is accepting applications from Sept. 1, 1999 to Jan. 15, 2000 for the 2000-01 academic year. Applications can be requested by contacting MFP at (202) 336-6027, fax: (202) 336-6012, e-mail: MFP, web site: www.apa.org/mfp.

    International Affairs Office requests donations for developing countries

    APA's Office of International Affairs acts as a clearinghouse for APA members, the International Council of Psychologists (ICP), and others who wish to donate collections of psychological journals and books to libraries outside the United States.

    Several times a year, eligible institutions receive lists of books and journal collections donated in response to announcements in the Monitor and international psychological newsletters. APA ships collections directly to recipient institutions, most of which are located in developing countries in critical need of psychological publications. Collections cannot be stored at APA. For more information about the APA/ICP Book and Journal Donation Program, please contact Sally Leverty, Office of International Affairs, at (202) 336-6025, fax: (202) 218-3599.

    New funding is available for scientific meetings

    At the direction of APA's Board of Directors, the Office of International Affairs has established an annual $3,500 fund to provide support for diverse scientific events and projects that foster the exchange of knowledge among psychologists across the world. APA's Committee on International Relations in Psychology (CIRP), or a subcommittee of CIRP, will make all the funding decisions.

    Funds may be used to support any of the following activities associated with scientific meetings: organizing expenses (e.g., printing, postage, supplies); scholarships for travel or registration for targeted populations (e.g., students, special speakers); support for special events (e.g., historical exhibits); activities related to a theme that is deemed of importance; or support for social or cultural events.

    Priority will be given in the following order:

  • International or multicultural organizations that have standing collaborative relationships with APA for five or more years.

  • New or established organizations holding socially significant and relevant events.

  • Other international organizations.

  • Other multicultural organizations that have U.S. members.

  • Organizations whose events are attended by U.S. citizens.

  • Organizations that hold events attended by 500 or more people.

  • New or one-time events that hold great social relevance. Preference will be shown for not-for-profit organizations.

    Each application for funding should include a brief description of the applicant's organization with mission statement and other relevant documents that describe the organization and a description of the organization's relationships with APA.

    Applications should also include an overview of the event's objectives and activities, including a preliminary program; a description of the department that will carry out the event; and the budget for the event--including a portion requested from APA and other funding sources, as well as a description of the event's proposed products (e.g., monographs, CD-ROMs). Organizations must agree to provide CIRP a post-event financial report, accounting for the expenditure of the grant award, and a summary report of the event.

    Applications are due no later than Feb. 15. Letters and supporting documents should be sent to International Scientific Meetings Support Fund, c/o APA Office of International Affairs, at the APA address, fax: (202) 218-3599.

    Editorial assistance available to international scholars

    APA's Committee on International Relations in Psychology and the Office of International Affairs have united to coordinate an editorial mentoring program that encourages international scholars to publish their work in U.S. psychology journals.

    The Office of International Affairs has established a clearinghouse of mentors who volunteer to help authors prepare their manuscripts for publication. Journal articles are the only papers that will be considered. Manuscripts must be written in English and conform to APA style.

    For more information about the APA Editorial Mentoring Program, contact Sally Leverty, Office of International Affairs, at (202) 336-6025, fax: (202) 218-3599.

    Nominees sought for Fowler Award

    The American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) is seeking nominations for the 2000 Raymond D. Fowler Award, given annually to a psychologist who has made an outstanding contribution to the professional development of students.

    Criteria for selection include encouraging and facilitating academic or scientific excellence, encouraging broader socialization of students and helping students to shape their own professional identities.

    Nomination materials should include no more than three letters describing why candidate should be considered and an abbreviated curriculum vitae of no more than seven pages. Applications that exceed length requirements will not be considered. The recipient will give a presentation at APA's 2000 Annual Convention and honored with a plaque.

    The deadline for submission is Jan. 31. Send all materials to APAGS Fowler Award, c/o APAGS, at the APA address, fax: (202) 336-5694.

    Gerson Memorial Grant welcomes nominations

    Reminder: The American Psychological Foundation (APF) welcomes nominations for the 2000 Randy Gerson Memorial Grant, which serves to advance the systemic understanding of family or couple dynamics and multigenerational processes. The deadline for submission is Feb. 1. For more information, contact APF at (202) 336-5814 or consult the November Monitor (www.apa.org/monitor/nov99/an.html).

    Committee welcomes nominations for leadership award

    APA's Committee on Women in Psychology (CWP) invites nominations for its 16th annual Leadership Awards. These awards serve to actively demonstrate CWP's commitment to ensure that women receive equity both within psychology and as consumers of psychological services, and that issues pertaining to women are kept at the forefront of psychological research, education, training, and practice.

    Nominees will be identified as emerging or distinguished leaders. Emerging leaders are psychologists who have received their doctorates within the past 15 years, have made a substantial contribution to women in psychology and show promise of an extensive, influential career. Distinguished leaders are psychologists who have worked for 15 years or more after receiving their doctorates. They should have a long-standing influence on women's issues and status and should be recognized leaders in their areas of expertise.

    Successful candidates will have made significant contributions in one or more of the following areas:

  • Service provision--Recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding delivery of psychological services to women. Such leadership includes working directly with women, directing or supervising psychological services for women, or development of innovative psychological services for women.

  • Scholarship--Recognizes innovative, high-quality research accomplishments that impact women's lives or improve their status. Such leadership includes but is not limited to: increasing our general knowledge and understanding of women's experiences and development; developing theory and research relevant to decreasing societal biases (i.e., sexism, racism, heterosexism, ageism and discrimination against people with disabilities) that impede the advancement of women. Relevant activities include publication, teaching and mentoring.

  • Public interest--Recognizes individuals whose efforts have furthered the welfare of women. Such leadership includes but is not limited to: promoting legislation which improves the welfare of women; increasing the representation of women in psychology and society; advocating for the rights of women; advancing the utilization of psychology to enhance women's lives; challenging the discrimination and harassment of all women; and improving the welfare of underrepresented subpopulations of women in psychology and society.

  • Service in psychology--Recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their service to psychology. Such leadership includes serving in multiple leadership positions in the governance of psychology-oriented groups, having a sustaining impact and influence on women's issues in policy and procedures in professional organizations, or tackling important and significant issues for women as part of their leadership activities.

    All nominations must include:

  • A brief statement of support for the nominee specifically identifying the individual's major area of contribution, whether emerging or distinguished, and the particular characteristics that make the person eligible for the award (500-word maximum).

  • Six copies of a current curriculum vitae and six copies of three reference letters. Reference letters should address the nominee's leadership activities, contributions and scope of influence that advance knowledge for and about women, foster understanding of women's lives, and improve the status of women and underrepresented populations of women in psychology and society.

    CWP members, members of APA's Board of Directors, individuals who have announced candidacy for APA President, and APA staff are not eligible. CWP members cannot make nominations. Award recipients, selected by CWP in March, will be announced at APA's Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., Aug. 4-8.

    Nominations and supporting materials must be received by Feb. 1. Send nominations materials to Susan Houston, Women's Programs Office, at the APA address.

    American Psychological Foundation welcomes applicants for mental illness research grants

    The American Psychological Foundation (APF) seeks nominations for the 2000 APF Alexander Gralnick, MD, Schizophrenia Research Grant and the Alexander Gralnick Foundation Mental Illness Research Grant.

    Candidates for the Alexander Gralnick, MD, Schizophrenia Research Grant must give evidence of an exceptional contribution to schizophrenia research with emphasis on the discovery or treatment of the earliest signs of schizophrenia, emphasizing the psychosocial as opposed to the biological aspects of the disease process. The grants committee is particularly interested in recent or current work with preliminary findings to ensure that the recipient is committed to ongoing research in this area. Winners each receive $2,500.

    To apply, send six copies of your entire application packet, which includes application form, curriculum vitae and copies of selected recent publications. Preference will be given to individuals working in a psychiatric facility and to those working with cutting-edge or breakthrough issues in psychosocial research and treatment during the earliest signs of schizophrenia.

    Candidates for the Alexander Gralnick Foundation Mental Illness Research Grant must demonstrate an exceptional contribution to research on serious mental illness with emphasis on depression and manic depression. The grants committee is particularly interested in recent or current work with preliminary findings to ensure the recipient will perform ongoing research in this area. To apply, send six copies of your entire application packet, including application form, curriculum vitae and copies of selected recent publications. The winner receives $2,500.

    Individuals must submit applications to APF by Feb. 1 with no exceptions. To request an application or additional information, indicate which grant application you require and contact Grants Coordinator/
    Gralnick, APF, at the APA address, (202) 336-5814, e-mail: APF.

    Travel award welcomes applications for 2000

    Reminder: The deadline for the 2000 David International Travel Award is Feb. 1.

    For more information, consult the November Monitor (www.apa.org/nov99/an.html) or contact the International Affairs Office at (202) 218-3599.

    Proposals sought for lesbian and gay research awards

    The American Psychological Foundation (APF) requests proposals for the 2000 Wayne F. Placek Awards and Small Grants. The program encourages scientific research that increases the general public's understanding of homosexuality and aims to alleviate the stress gay men and lesbians experience in this and future civilizations.

    The Wayne F. Placek Awards focus on empirical research from all fields of the behavioral and social sciences. The awards committee encourages proposals that address prejudice, discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation; family and workplace issues relevant to lesbians and gay men; and subgroups of the lesbian and gay population that have historically been underrepresented in scientific research.

    Wayne F. Placek Award recipients will receive a maximum of $40,000. Funds may be requested for any expenses legitimately associated with conducting an empirical research project, including salary for the applicant or assistants, money for equipment with a $5,000 limit, supplies, travel, photocopying, postage and payment of participants. The award does not pay institutional direct costs.

    Applications should propose studies that can be completed in two years based on the funding provided by the award. Funding will begin Sept. 15 after the awards are announced in August.

    Applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent, and be affiliated with a college, university or research institution that meets federal requirements for administering research awards. Junior faculty and individuals who have recently completed their doctorates are encouraged to apply. The deadline for receipt of applications is March 28.

    The Wayne F. Placek Small Grants for scientific research on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues awards $5,000 to cover any expenses legitimately associated with conducting an empirical research project. Funds will not normally be provided for stipends of principal investigators, travel to conventions, or manuscript preparation. The award does not pay institutional indirect costs. Applications should propose a study that can be completed within one year.

    Applicants must have a doctoral degree or the equivalent. All research involving human subjects must be approved by an Institutional Review Board from the applicant's college, university, or research institution. All application materials must be received by Jan. 18. Awards will be announced in March.

    All applicants must conform to the APF Placek Grant Award guidelines. To request guidelines and application forms, contact the Placek Awards Coordinator at APF at the APA address, or call (202) 336-5814. Please indicate which Placek Award you wish to learn more about. You may also visit the APF Placek Awards site: psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow.

    Legacy Club member leaves generous bequest

    The American Psychological Foundation received a generous bequest of more than $180,000 from late Legacy Club member, Noble H. Kelley, PhD, to carry on his tradition of furthering the development and growth of psychology.

    Kelley was born in Thomasville, Ontario, in 1901, and emigrated to Pontiac, Mich., in 1925. By 1931 he received a BA degree in psychology from Graceland College, and earned his doctor of philosophy degree in 1936 from the University of Iowa's graduate program in psychology. Kelley studied under Carl Seashore, the Swedish-born experimental psychologist who established Iowa State's reputation as one of the preeminent academic institutions in the Midwest in both American psychology and education.

    After earning his doctor of philosophy degree, Kelley helped established a psychology department at the University of Louisville in 1937, and as chairman of the department, oversaw its development for 14 years. In 1951, Kelley worked to establish a psychology department at Southern Illinois University. Grateful for this and for his many other contributions to the institution, the university named Kelley University Professor in 1960, and Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 1969. Soon after the death of his only child, Alan, in 1996, Kelley died in 1997; his wife, Ethel Patterson, died in 1988.

    Throughout his career, Kelley served on numerous boards and committees. He was twice elected president of the Kentucky Psychological Association and assisted in devising one of the state's early licensing bills for psychologists in 1948. From 1949 through 1951, he acted as president of the Conference of State Psychological Associations, and for nine years he served as a member of the Illinois Psychiatric Authority. By 1950, he served as a trustee of the American Board of Examiners in Professional Psychology, later renamed the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). He eventually became secretary-treasurer and executive officer of ABPP. In acknowledgment of his service, ABPP awarded Kelley with a citation of achievement as Distinguished Psychologist.

    Kelley dedicated much of his time and energy as an active member of APA. He served on the Education and Training Board, and served three times on the Council of Representatives. Kelley also served as president of APA's Div. 13 (Consulting), and as fellow of both divisions 1 (Society of General Psychology) and 13. In 1969, Div. 12 (Clinical) presented an award to Kelley for the distinguished contributions he had made on behalf of clinical psychology, and in 1974 Kelley received APA's Distinguished Professional Contribution Award.

    END-OF-THE-YEAR: a time to reflect, a time to give

    Many people find the end of the year an opportune time to review what they have done, to think about the goals they have set and the ones they want to set for the future. Certainly, many people who give donations to the American Psychological Foundation (APF) take this time to review their charitable giving by determining which institutions they want to support, as well as the ways they can give that work well for their individual financial situations. I thought this article could address the questions that arise at this time of year and hope that if you have additional questions, you will call or write to us.

    CASH GIFTS

    If you itemize your tax return, all gifts completed by Dec. 31 will be deductible on your 1999 taxes. In general, you can deduct cash gifts in amounts up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income. If you don't use the entire deduction, you can apply what remains for up to five future tax years.

    GIFTS THAT SAVE TAXES TWO AND THREE TIMES

    If you make a gift of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, you could take advantage of significant tax savings.

    Any securities you have owned for at least 12 months, which have increased in value since you bought them, are subject to the capital gains tax if you sell them. However, if you make a gift of these securities to APF, you get a charitable deduction for the full fair market value as of the day of transfer and avoid the tax on the capital gain. If you give this asset now and remove it from your taxable estate, you'd be saving taxes three times!

    GIFTS THAT HELP RECOUP LOSSES

    If your investments have decreased in value, you could sell them, create a loss that you could deduct, and give the proceeds to the Foundation and receive another tax deduction, which would help minimize the impact of the loss.

    OTHER WAYS YOU CAN GIVE

    A few people have asked us about whether they can donate their life insurance policies. Yes. If you have a life insurance policy that has a cash value but is no longer needed for its original purpose, this would make a wonderful tax-deductible gift.

    Another question concerns donating retirement accounts. If you are over the age of 59 and a 1/2, you can make withdrawals large enough to fund a charitable gift. You would report the income on your tax return and take a corresponding deduction for your gift. Although this gift would not result in an overt tax savings because the income and the deduction cancel out each other, this gift would allow you to avoid paying income, gift or estate taxes.

    In addition:

  • Always remember that an easy way to give is through a simple bequest in your will. After you have provided for all of your loved ones, you can leave the remainder to APF.

  • Always check with your attorney or tax consultant when making gifts to APF or to any other charity to ensure your gift is a wise financial decision for you.

    WHAT YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS

    APF is a nonprofit philanthropic organization which provides scholarships, grants, and awards to individuals and groups in order to advance the science and practice of psychology for the understanding of behavior and the benefit of human welfare.

    Visit our web site at www.apa.org/apf/. Feel free to call or send an e-mail to us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at APF; (202) 336-5843.

    Elisabeth Straus

    Executive Director, American Psychological Foundation



    Read our privacy statement and Terms of Use

    Cover Page for this Issue

    PsychNET®
    © 1999 American Psychological Association

    APA Home Page . Search . Site Map