APA fights for student-loan repayment program
The opportunity to have your student loans paid while working in an underserved area has attracted many students to the National Health Service Corps' (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program. But funding ended once the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which oversees NHSC, allocated the project's $30 million budget to other programs, ending any chances psychology students may have of the government repaying their student loans.
APA's Nina Levitt, EdD, director for education policy, and the Practice Directorate's James "Gil" Hill are working together to request that the U.S. Senate release funding for the loan repayment program. Long before DHHS decided not to renew the program, Levitt and Hill worked to petition the U.S. Senate to reauthorize the program and appropriate more funding. Although the NHSC has a category for mental health professional shortage areas, with more than 700 sites listed, only 204 mental health professionals, including 66 psychologists, are participating in the NHSC Loan Repayment Program. No psychology students or other mental health professionals are participating in the NHSC Scholarship Program.
The Public Policy Office and the Practice Directorate have written recommendations that will improve and expand NHSC programs to provide services to the underserved populations, especially in rural areas. For psychologists, those recommendations include:
* Clarifying the eligibility of psychology in the loan repayment and scholarship programs.
* Changing the term "clinical psychologist" to "health service psychologist" to better describe those providing psychological services.
To learn how to get involved in reinstating the Loan Repayment Program, contact Nina Levitt at (202) 336-6023. For more information on NHSC, visit www.bphc.hrsa.dhhs.gov/nhsc/.
Time to renew your membership dues!
The 2001 dues statements for Members, Associate Members and Fellows were mailed in late September.
The deadline for payment is Nov. 10. Prompt payment ensures that your records will be updated and that delivery of the Monitor on Psychology and the American Psychologist, your APA membership card and other important benefits will not be interrupted.
Your paid membership also provides a credit toward your journal of choice, discounts on APA books, delivery of directorate newsletters and continued eligibility for APA Insurance Trust programs.
For more information, contact APA Membership at (800) 374-2721, (202) 336-5580; TDD: (202) 336-6123; fax: (202) 336-5568; e-mail: Membership
Reminder: Renew your discounted subscriptions
APA members will receive order forms this month to renew their discounted subscriptions for 2001. Those who have paid their 2001 dues may apply the journal credit toward their subscription order. Return the form before the Nov. 20 deadline to ensure uninterrupted service.
Student, International and High School Teacher Affiliates also receive their fee statement/journal order forms this month. Student Affiliates receive subscriptions to the American Psychologist and the Monitor on Psychology upon payment of their fee. They are also entitled to use a $10 journal credit toward the purchase of APA periodicals.
International and High School Teacher Affiliates receive a subscription to the Monitor on Psychology upon payment of fees and may subscribe to the American Psychologist at a discounted rate. They are also entitled to subscribe to all APA periodicals at the discounted member rates.
For more information on subscriptions, contact Subscriptions at the APA address, (800) 374-2721, (202) 336-5600; TDD: (202) 336-6123; fax: (202) 336-5568; e-mail: Subscriptions. Questions about member or affiliate status should be directed to Membership at the APA address, (800) 374-2721, (202) 336-5580; TDD: (202) 336-6123; fax: (202) 336-5568; e-mail: Membership
Interested in presenting a continuing-education workshop at next year's convention?
The Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Workshop Proposal forms for APA's 2001 Annual Convention are now available. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1.
CPE invites proposals from psychologists in academics, research and practice to meet the needs of mental health professionals. Submissions on industrial/organizational psychology, violence/abuse, addictions, adult development and aging, neuropsychology and couples/marital/family are among the topics underrepresented in recent years.
While CPE will repeat some popular workshops from this year's program, new presenters on cutting-edge issues of interest in psychology are encouraged to consider this opportunity.
To obtain a CPE Workshop Proposal form, visit www.apa.org/ce, call the Office of Continuing Professional Education at (800) 374-2721, ext. 5994, to request a proposal form on paper or diskette, or send your inquiry by e-mail.
Foundation accepting proposals and nominations for 2001 awards
Reminder: The American Psychological Foundation (APF) welcomes nominations for the:
* Roy Scrivner Small Grants for empirical research consistent with the Roy Scrivner Fund's goal of encouraging research on lesbian and gay family psychology and family therapy. Deadline: Nov. 1.
* Gold Medal Awards recognize life achievement in and enduring contributions to psychology in the areas of science, public interest, practice and life achievement. Deadline: Dec. 1.
* Distinguished Teaching in Psychology Award recognizes career contributions to the teaching of psychology. Deadline: Dec. 1.
For more information, contact APF at (202) 336-5814, or visit www.apa.org/apf.
Nominations sought for APA journal editorships
The Publications and Communications (P&C) Board has opened nominations for the editorships of Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Journal of Educational Psychology, Psychological Bulletin and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (JPSP): Interpersonal Relations and Group Processes for the years 200308. Kevin R. Murphy, PhD, Philip C. Kendall, PhD, Michael Pressley, PhD, Nancy Eisenberg, PhD, and Chester A. Insko, PhD, respectively, are the incumbent editors.
Candidates should be members of APA and available to start receiving manuscripts in early 2002 to prepare for issues published in 2003. The P&C Board encourages participation by members of underrepresented groups in the publication process and would particularly welcome such nominees. Self-nominations are also encouraged.
To nominate candidates, prepare a statement of one page or less in support of each candidate. Address all nominations to the appropriate search committee in care of Karen Sellman, P&C Board Search Liaison, Room 2004, at the APA address and send them to:
* Margaret B. Spencer, PhD, for Journal of Applied Psychology.
* Donna M. Gelfand, PhD, and Lucia Albino Gilbert, PhD, for Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.
* Lauren B. Resnick, PhD, for Journal of Educational Psychology.
* Janet Shibley Hyde, PhD, and Randi C. Martin, PhD, for Psychological Bulletin.
* Sara B. Kiesler, PhD, for JPSP: Interpersonal Relations and Group Processes.
First review of nominations will begin Dec. 11.
Nominations requested for ad hoc committee
The Board of Directors is seeking nominations for the Ad Hoc Committee on New Professionals. The committee will be comprised of five individuals, four of whom are within five years of receiving their doctoral degree, and one of whom is a more senior APA member. The ad hoc committee is funded for one meeting in 2001 and one in 2002. All other work will be done by conference call and e-mail.
The mission of the Ad Hoc Committee on New Professionals is to:
* Promote recruitment and retention of new psychologists into APA membership.
* Collect and disseminate data on new psychologists.
* Identify new psychologists' concerns and develop mechanisms for proactive support and representation.
* Foster early career development and examine issues relevant to current and future employment and training opportunities.
* Integrate and disseminate existing APA efforts directed at new psychologists.
* Provide further recommendations for future actions by APA beneficial to both new psychologists and the discipline of psychology.
The four new professional members must have a doctoral degree in psychology, be a member of APA and be within five years of receipt of degree.
To be considered, candidates must conduct work in one or more of the following areas:
* Research.
* Educational setting.
* Public institution.
* Applied fields.
* Underrepresented groups (ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, gay, lesbian or bisexual individuals).
The review committee seeks nominees with leadership experience, a wide range of knowledge about what new professionals are experiencing in their professional lives, and who are able to dedicate time for two-day meetings in 2001 and 2002, and to work on assignments as needed between meetings.
Submit vita and statement of qualifications no longer than 300 words with a discussion of the support new professionals need to advance in their chosen field.
Criteria for the senior member of Ad Hoc Committee on New Professionals:
* Doctoral degree in psychology.
* Fellow of APA.
* Knowledge of issues new professionals are facing in the current work environment.
* Knowledge of APA governance system.
Submit vita and a statement of interest no longer than 300 words with a discussion of how one might contribute to the committee's work.
The deadline for all nominations is Jan. 2. Submit nominations, including self-nominations, to the Ad Hoc Committee on New Professionals, at the APA address, fax: (202) 336-5694; e-mail.
Apply now for the 200102 APA Congressional Fellowship Program
APA's Congressional Fellowship Program is looking for four psychologists to serve as special legislative assistants on the staff of a member of Congress or congressional committee for one year. One fellowship position is dedicated to HIV/AIDS-related policy. The program encourages more effective use of scientific knowledge in government and broadens the perceptions of the research, practice and governmental communities about the value of psychology-government interaction.
Activities may include conducting legislative or oversight work, assisting in congressional hearings and preparing speeches and briefing materials. Prospective fellows must demonstrate competence in scientific or professional psychology, display sensitivity toward policy issues and show a strong interest in applying psychological knowledge to national issues.
Applicants must hold APA membership (or have an application pending) and a doctorate in psychology at the time of application with a minimum of two year's postdoctoral experience preferred.
Congressional fellows will begin their one-year appointments on Sept. 4, 2001. Fellows receive a stipend ranging from $48,500 to $61,200, depending on years of postdoctoral experience. Up to $3,000 is allocated for relocation to the Washington, D.C., area and for travel expenses during the year.
Interested psychologists should submit a curriculum vitae and a personal statement of 1,000 words addressing the following: the applicant's interest in the fellowship, career goals, potential contributions to the legislative process and desired learning from the experience.
Applicants should include three letters of reference specifically addressing the abilities related to the fellowship. All application materials must be received by Dec. 15.
Send all materials to APA Congressional Fellowship Program, Public Policy Office, at the APA address.
For more information, contact the Public Policy Office at (202) 336-6062; e-mail: PPO.
New members and associates join Ethics Committee
APA's Ethics Committee is welcoming three new members and two new associates. APA's Council of Representatives elected the new members to serve from January 2000 to December 2002, while the Ethics Committee selected the (nonvoting) associates to serve from April 2000 to March 2002.
The new members are:
* Carolyn B. Block, PhD, a clinical psychologist with a private practice in San Francisco, who specializes in child and adult psychotherapy, assessment and program, and forensic consultation. For 20 years she was a faculty member in the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of California, Berkeley. She is a member of APA Divs. 42 (Psychologists in Independent Practice) and 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues).
* Wilbert J. McKeachie, PhD, generally regarded as the nation's foremost authority on college teaching, who is now in his 52nd year on the faculty of the University of Michigan's psychology department, where he earned his PhD in 1949. McKeachie has been the department's chair from 1961 to 1971, the director of Michigan's Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, where he continues as a research scientist, and the associate director of Michigan's National Center for Research to Improve Postsecondary Teaching and Learning. He has served as president of APA, the American Psychological Foundation and the American Association for Higher Education.
* Steven N. Sparta, PhD, who holds several positions as a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, adjunct professor of psychology at San Diego State University, and adjunct professor of law at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He also maintains an independent practice of psychology. Sparta recently ended a term on the APA Committee on Professional Practices and Standards, where he helped write APA's Guidelines on Psychological Evaluations in Child Protection Matters.
The new associates are:
* Beth K. Clark, PhD, a clinical psychologist in private practice in Ann Arbor, Mich., who has an extensive practice in the area of forensic psychology, with a concentration in the areas of civil and family law. She has been involved in evaluations and consultations on a variety of related issues throughout the country. Clark is a former president of the Michigan Psychological Association and current vice president of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology.
* Douglas C. Haldeman, PhD, a counseling psychologist in private practice in Seattle, who holds a clinical faculty appointment in the University of Washington's psychology department, and serves as a psychologist evaluator for the Federal Aviation Administration. His past roles in APA governance include president of Div. 44 (Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Issues) and chair of the Committee on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns.
Task force welcomes input on your early education and care activities
The Task Force on Psychology in Early Education and Care, housed in the Education Directorate's Center for Psychology in Schools and Education (CPSE), requests information about activities your work group may have relating to early education and care issues. The task force advances the use of knowledge from psychological theory, research and practice to advocate for optimal development of young children in early education and care.
Please send your information to Courtney A. Leyendecker, Program Officer, CPSE.
Public Policy Office offers internship advocacy
APA's Public Policy Office (PPO) invites applications for its 200102 Public Interest Policy Internship program. The internship provides graduate students with firsthand knowledge of the ways in which psychological research can inform public policy and the opportunity to work on public interest policy issues in PPO. The office helps formulate and implement APA positions on major federal policy initiatives of importance to psychology in the areas of public interest, education and science.
Starting Sept. 4, 2001, the intern will spend 12 months working with PPO on a range of public interest issues, including children, youth and families; women; lesbian/gay/bisexual concerns; aging; ethnic minorities; AIDS; disabilities; media; and crime and violence. Activities involve participating in legislative and advocacy work, such as assisting in the preparation of briefing papers, testimony and other documents, and attending congressional hearings and coalition meetings.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a doctoral program in psychology or a related discipline, in at least the third year of graduate training, and be able to work 20 hours per week in APA's Central Office in Washington, D.C., from September 2001 through August 2002. The internship provides a stipend of $14.50 per hour.
Interested students are required to submit the following materials by March 15: a current vita providing information about educational background and any relevant professional, public policy or legislative experience; a statement of 500 words or fewer expressing the applicant's interest in the internship and what the applicant hopes to learn from the experience; and two letters of reference, including one from the department indicating the applicant is enrolled in good standing with the college/university.
Application materials should be sent to Public Policy Office/Public Interest Policy Internship Program at the APA address. Inquiries may be directed to PPO at (202) 336-6062; e-mail: PPO.
Commission receives petitions for the recognition of two specialties and a proficiency
APA's Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies in Professional Psychology (CRSPPP) has received three petitions for recognition by APA of a specialty in forensic psychology and family psychology, and a proficiency in psychopharmacology.
The forensic psychology petition is the result of combined efforts and contributions of the American Board of Forensic Psychology and APA's Div. 41 (American PsychologyLaw Society). Copies of the petition are made available for review and comment during this period of public notice that began on Sept. 1.
The psychopharmacology petition is the result of combined efforts and contributions of APA Divs. 28 (Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse), 31 (State Psychological Association Affairs), 42 (Psychologists in Independent Practice), 50 (Addictions) and 55 (American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy). Copies of the petition are made available for review and comment during this period of public notice that began on June 1.
CRSPPP has also received a petition for recognition by APA of a specialty in family psychology. This petition was submitted on behalf of APA's Div. 43 (Family) and co-sponsored by the American Board of Family Psychology and the Academy of Family Psychology. Copies of the petition are made available for review and comment during this period of public notice that began on Oct. 1.
Prior to CRSPPP's consideration of these petitions, a period of public notice and opportunity for comment is required by CRSPPP's procedures. Written comments for forensic psychology and psychopharmacology may be submitted until Nov. 1. Comments for the family psychology petition may be submitted until Dec. 1.
For more information, contact Joan Freund, Education Directorate, at the APA address, (202) 336-5967; Web site: www.apa.org/crsppp.
APA attracts more students to its ranks
Last month APA launched its annual poster campaign to promote student affiliation as well as APA publications designed specifically for students. Undergraduate and graduate psychology departments throughout the United States received posters and applications describing the benefits of student affiliate membership in APA. The benefits of APA student affiliation include subscriptions to the Monitor on Psychology and American Psychologist, discounts on APA books and journals, and other important information services.
Undergraduate psychology departments also received two additional posters that promote APA publications geared to student needs, including Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th Edition; Mastering APA Style: Student's Workbook and Training Guide; Dissertations and Theses From Start to Finish; Presenting Your Findings: A Practical Guide for Creating Tables; Critical Thinking About Research; Reading and Understanding Multivariate Statistics; Graduate Study in Psychology; Getting In: A Step-By-Step Plan for Gaining Admission to Graduate School in Psychology; Career Paths In Psychology: Where Your Degree Can Take You; and Is Psychology The Major For You?
Available once again this year for undergraduate psychology departments and students are two electronic study guides. The APA Style Helper 2.5 (updated version available in December), an electronic companion to the APA Publication Manual, with clear and straightforward help on how to format references, citations, headings, statistics, tables and more according to APA Style guidelines. The Electronic Graduate Study in Psychology contains a fully searchable database of graduate programs in psychology and is available only online.
If your department has not received the posters or would like to receive additional posters or applications, contact Membership at the APA address, e-mail: Membership
Faculty volunteers sought to spread the good word about APA benefits
APA seeks university and college faculty members who will volunteer to disseminate information about APA membership, as well as APA books, journals, and other products and services on their campuses.
For information, contact Mia Yi, Membership Development, at the APA address, (800) 374-2721, ext. 5610; TDD: (202) 336-6123; fax: (202) 216-7628.
--M. WATERS
Minority Fellowship Program announces the 200001 new fellowship recipients
APA's Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) has selected 43 new fellows for the 200001 academic year. MFP seeks to increase the knowledge of issues related to ethnic-minority mental health and to improve the quality of mental health and substance-abuse treatment delivered to ethnic minorities. MFP provides financial support and professional guidance to individuals pursuing doctoral degrees in psychology and neuroscience with funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute on Aging.
The six new Mental Health Services Fellows are:
* Andraé Brown (Seton Hall University)
* Michelle Juardo (SUNYBinghamton)
* Cotrane Payne (University of CaliforniaBerkeley)
* Wizdom Powell (University of Michigan)
* Mary Wilkie (University of North Dakota)
* Karen Chan (University of Washington)
The eight new Mental Health Research Fellows are:
* Iris Blandon-Gitlin (Claremont Graduate University)
* Karen Chen (University of MichiganAnn Arbor)
* Shauna Cooper (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor)
* Lisa Flook (University of CaliforniaLos Angeles)
* Sadeka Harris (SUNYStony Brook)
* Hollie Jones
(CUNYThe Graduate School and University Center)
* Luis Romero (University of MichiganAnn Arbor)
* Maria Scharron (University of Puerto RicoRio Piedras)
The five new HIV/AIDS Research Fellows are:
* Audrey Bangi (DePaul University)
* Tami De Coteau (University of NebraskaLincoln)
* Shannon Johnson (George Washington University)
* Carlos Valiente (Arizona State University)
* Patrick Wilson (New York University)
The 11 new Neuroscience Fellows are:
* Irene Avila (Arizona State University)
* Monique Cola (Tulane University)
* Kamisha Davis (University of Utah)
* William Doyon, II (University of Texas at Austin)
* Katrina Foster (Indiana University/Purdue University)
* Latoya Johnson (Tulane University)
* Kenneth Jordan (Ohio State University)
* Collene Lawhorn (Albert Einstein School of Medicine)
* Veronica Lopez (University of Massachusetts, Amherst)
* Ileana Soto (University of Puerto Rico)
* Chris Whittle (University of Alaska, Fairbanks)
The 13 new Aging Fellows are:
* Dwayne Brandon (Pennsylvania State University)
* Stephanie Canada (Chicago Medical School)
* Wendy Cheng (University of Michigan)
* Wendy Fung (University of Southern California)
* Yuri Jang (University of Southern Florida)
* Lisa Jones (University of North Carolina)
* Charla McKinzie (Fordham University)
* Cynthia Mercado (University of Arkansas)
* Robin Parsell (University of Alabama)
* Kevin Thomas (University of Arizona)
* Valerie Washington
(Pennsylvania State UniversityFayette)
* Gloria Wilson (Pennsylvania State University)
* Faika Zanjani (Pennsylvania State University)
--M. WATERS |
