Summer Research Opportunity

The National Science Foundation is funding a summer research program for 2011 at Oklahoma State University. The focus of the program is on the biological basis of behavior (both human and animal). Participating students will live in dorms and get a stipend of $500 per week for eight weeks. This is an amazing opportunity to get high-quality hands-on research experience, especially for students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in this field.

(On a personal note, I participated in this program at another university when I was in college, and it was amazing. I can't recommend it enough.)

The program runs from June 4-July 31, 2011. The application deadline is March 15, 2011. Students graduating in Spring or Summer 2011 are not eligible. For more information, including application materials, check out the program's web page:
http://psychology.okstate.edu/faculty/kennison/osunsfreu.htm

Mental Health Project Opportunity

Active Minds, the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to college student mental health, is offering an exciting opportunity for students to complete a research or creative project related to mental health and receive a stipend of $750 (with an additional $250 available for project expenses). Information on the Fellowship is available at http://www.activeminds.org/scholars. All undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis December 1, 2010 - January 4, 2011 and preference will be given to early submissions.

The fellowship connects students with a prestigious network of young scholars and national experts in the field of behavioral health and provides an exciting and flexible opportunity to pursue interests related to mental health. For questions, email Sara Abelson (Sara@ActiveMinds.org), Program Director of Active Minds.

Graduation Information

Here is some information relevant for students who have applied for graduation in December, 2010. If your graduation date has changed, please notify the Registrar's Office immediately (229-928-1331 or loliver@canes.gsw.edu).

General Information

The Fall Graduation for Georgia Southwestern State University will be held Saturday, December 11, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in Convocation Hall of the Student Success Center. There will be no rehearsal. In order to ensure that you are in the correct place and that you have all necessary instructions, please report to the Intramural Gym located in the Student Success Center no later than 10:15 a.m. on December 11. Be sure to have your cap and gown with you when you arrive. Do not bring anything else with you ­ purse, coat, camera, etc. The Intramural Gym will not be secure after you leave for the ceremony.

A Graduation Breakfast has been planned for all graduates, prior to the ceremony at 8:15 a.m. in the Dining Hall. Honor graduates and other recognitions will be presented at this time. This event is a very special time to visit with faculty and fellow students for the last time before you move on in your career or to graduate school. Space will allow for graduates only at this occasion.

All candidates for graduation are expected to participate in the graduation exercises­. If you are unable to participate and have not officially notified the Registrar of this, please contact that office immediately at 229.928.1331 or email Ms. Lois Oliver. Physically challenged candidates should immediately notify Ms. Oliver of desired special accommodations.

Mailing Address

It is imperative for the Registrar’s Office to have your correct address. If your address differs from the one listed in RAIN or will change prior to graduation, please notify Ms. Lois Oliver, Assistant Registrar, immediately and complete a Change of Address form.

Ordering Your Cap and Gown

All students who plan to march must wear the appropriate GSW cap and gown for the ceremony. Go to this page to order yours. The deadline for ordering is November 15.

Tickets for Guests Attending the Graduation Ceremony

Guest tickets will be mailed to only those students who have indicated they will be marching at the graduation ceremony on December 11. If you have changed your mind about attending or not attending the ceremony, email Ms. Lois Oliver or call her at 229-928-1331 by Friday, November 12, 2010. Tickets will be mailed out by November 19, 2010. The number of tickets issued per students depends on the number of graduation students marching. That number will be determined by November 15, 2010 and emailed to you.

Psychology/Sociology Club Meeting

The Psychology/Sociology Club will meet on Tuesday, October 26, at 8:00 p.m. in Room 1 of the Psychology/Sociology Building. Dr. Paul Shapiro will be discussing some of his research, which will probably involve his recent study of freshman attitudes toward college. We'll have snacks.

Also, the Club will be sponsoring a Bake Sale from 10:30-1:30 on Wednesday, October 27 in the hallway in front of the Post Office in the Student Center. Club members or friends who want to either make something for the sale or sit at the table during the sale should contact either Dr. Cotter, faculty advisor, or Trudy Hall, Secretary.

Registration and Important Dates

Registration for Spring 2011 classes will begin on October 25, 2010. Your registration dates depend on how many credit hours you have completed as of the start (not the end) of the fall semester:

Students Graduating Spring 2011 October 25-December 6 **
Seniors 90 or more credits October 27-December 6 **
Juniors 85-89 credits October 28-December 6 **
Juniors 60-84 credits October 28-December 6
Sophomores 30-59 credits October 29-December 6
Freshmen 0-29 credits November 1-December 6 **

** You will probably have an "Advisor Hold" on your record, meaning that you need to consult with me before you can register.

The schedules of spring semester classes are available online -- please review them and come up with some ideas of classes before meeting with me.

If you need to meet with me for advisement, the best times to do that are during my office hours, which are 1:30-3:30 MW and 9:30-11:30 TR. If none of those times work, please let me know and we'll figure something out.

Here are some important dates:
1. This semester's deadline for withdrawing from classes is Monday, October 18.
2. The deadline for signing up for the Regents' Tests is Friday, October 22.
3. For students graduating this semester: The deadline for ordering your cap and gown is November 15.

Convocation Wednesday, September 29

The following message was sent out earlier today by President Blanchard:

As you certainly know by now, Mr. David Ralston, the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives will be on campus this Wednesday, September 29. He will be speaking in Jackson Hall at 11:00 that morning. At the risk of pushing this a bit harder than necessary, I want to encourage you and your students to attend. Speaker Ralston was instrumental in our receiving the funding for Phase I of our Health and Human Sciences Complex this year and will be key to our receiving the money for Phase II next year. I want the Speaker to know that we appreciate his support. Having a large crowd for his presentation is important to sending that message. Thank you for your help on this.

Psychology/Sociology students: "Phase II" of the Health and Human Sciences complex mentioned in the message will be the new home of our department. Please try to come to the Convocation on Wednesday, if for no other reason than to show the Speaker the strength of your commitment to your education.

School Psychology Information Session

Georgia State University in Atlanta is hosting an information session about its School Psychology graduate program and the field of School Psychology in general. This session will be held Tuesday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. The location will be in the College of Education Forum (10th floor), 30 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303.

For directions or more information, please contact Chela Hamilton, Graduate Program Assistant, at Cheham23@yahoo.com or (410)419-8943.