Start the weekend off on the right foot by joining your fellow grad students and faculty for Happy Hour each Friday at around 5pm! Fun! Drink Specials! Fabulous cash prizes! (Ok, no cash prizes, but it really is a lot of fun!) Get blackmail to know your fellow grad students a little better! Discuss world domination future collaborative projects! Pick the brains of Get insight into current psychological topics from faculty members!
What more could you really ask for? (No, it's not free. You have to pay your own tab.)
Recognize achievement and immortalize someone's accomplishments in the Graduate News! Toot your own horn! Toot someone else's horn! Stop the madness of forcing the webmonkey to write nonsensical pseudo-news items! Please send all news items to Mike Berry. Deadline for submissions in the next newsletter is the last day of each month.
1. What is your educational background?
Originally I planned on going to law school to become a child's rights advocate so I majored in political science and communication science at the University of Connecticut. When I was a senior I took a class from a professor who had a dual appointment in communication science and psychology. I was so intrigued by the material in this class (motivation and emotion) that I decided to be a grad student of his in communication science. While there he allowed and encouraged me to start studying evolutionary theory. I was very intrigued by this theory but found communication researchers to be opposed to it. As a result I felt that moving on to psychology was a better option. So here I am.
2. What are your research interests?
I would like to say that I am like William James, the founder of functionalism, in that I am ecclectic in my interests. I focus on research relating to undefined or uncommitted sexual relationships, intial attraction, data analytical procedures like confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis, response and cognitive biases in perceptions and self-reports, and I also am attempting to introduce evolutionary psychology as an explanatory framework to the field of communication science.
3. What was your favorite Psychology course and why?
As noted above my favroite psychology course as an undergraduate was motivation and emotion. But I must say that once I got into graduate school that changed. My favorite class to date was a class in regression at the University of Connecticut. I know this sounds nerdy but it was because the professor and I spoke the same language, so to speak, and thus it was not only enjoyable but it was much easier to learn.
4. What is your work background?
I have tad both at the University of Connecticut and here for a number of classes and professors. I have also been instructor for classes such as personality and public speaking. Between my masters and coming to NMSU I adjuncted at a number of universities and colleges in Connecticut, teaching statistics, methods, public speaking, media, social psychology, and persuasion.
5. What are your hobbies, or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I train/teach aikido, a martial art, right here on campus. That takes up three nights perweek. I also lift weights 4 days perweek. I like to go out to bars and nightclubs. It gives me much foder for my research to watch interactions at such places. I also am a fairly good cook and like to collect wine. Other than that, much of my free time is take up by reading and writing: things that I enjoy.
- Announcements
PGSO is officially re-chartered as a student organization for another school year.
Robyn Rehbein resigned her position as secretary on Sept. 29. Is anyone interested in this position? Nobody at today's meeting was interested. Since the previous search for a secretary failed, Robert will be secretary in addition to being president.
Dues were due on Sept. 20. If you haven't paid your dues see Juan (Johnny).
The Graduate Student Council is seeking to fill the treasurer position. Let Robert know if you're interested, or attend the next GSC meeting.
The English GSO will be hosting a social on Oct. 13. They want to meet grads from other departments. Read the email for more details.
- Previous Meeting
Robert summarized what was discussed at the Sept. 29 meeting for those that couldn't attend.
- Purpose of PGSO
In order to avoid any future misunderstandings about our organization, everyone should make sure that they understand the purpose of PGSO. The following is taken directly from our by-laws:
The purpose of the PGSO is: 1) to promote cohesion amongst the diverse graduate student group in the Department of Psychology; 2) to obtain funding for graduate student travel to deliver accepted presentations and posters at professional meetings; 3) to encourage social interaction between graduate students and undergraduate associates in the Psychology major, and with faculty; 4) to present a united position in regard to Departmental and University plans, policies, and regulations that affect PGSO members; and 5) to provide support for any other needs or activities deemed appropriate by the leadership and membership.
- Insurance
Deb Russell wanted to share this story with us as a "word of caution/warning". She attended the insurance workshops and enrolled for the full academic year, but she found out that she wasn't covered during the summer, even though she was supposed to. Check every semester to make sure that you're enrolled. There are some communication problems between the grad school and the insurance provider. Deb will get us the contact info of all the people she talked to while jumping through hoops to solve this issue. Thanks, Deb!
- Faculty Appreciation Ceremony
Last year, PGSO hosted a dinner at Johnny Carino's to commend faculty who contributed to our organization. Malisa suggested that this be an annual event. Kyle suggested
we invite a faculty member out to dinner every so often to discuss PGSO and socialize. Deb suggested that we could do both so that it could promote faculty interest, especially our mentors. What do you think about this? Any ideas?
- Community Service
We have 8 members that will volunteer at the KRWG-FM pledge drive on Oct. 19 from 11-1. This project will take care of our 2-hour on-campus community service. Robert said we should try to participate in many community service projects, not just satisfy the minimum requirements of 2-hours on campus and 2-hours off-campus.
Other upcoming projects:
Prize Cup - Oct. 20-21 (educational/general duties)
KSA Homecoming Korean Festival - Oct. 20
Columbia Elementary School Halloween Festival - Oct. 28 from 4:30-7:00
SNAP Photos w/Santa Claus - Sometime in November?
Suggested projects:
Work with local schools (e.g., judging science fairs, tutoring, etc.)
- Mentoring Program
Malisa said we currently have 3 undergraduate students signed up. Students who were mentored by Gary did not return to the program. What's the mentoring program? It is a program set up by PGSO to 1) help undergrads apply to grad school, 2) help undergrads with their courses, and 3) provide undergrads with research opportunities. However, the mentoring is not designed to recruit undergrads to be our "research slaves".
- PGSO Funding
Deb Russell asked if she could get funding from PGSO to attend a conference next week. She already received funding from ASNMSU and the GSC, so she qualifies for a PGSO appropriation. However, the bylaws state that PGSO funding requests need to be submitted at least one month prior to the conference. This seems unreasonable in a way because "requestors must first attempt to receive all monies possible from the GSC and ASNMSU before making a request from PGSO". In some cases it seems impossible for a requestor to submit their request to PGSO one month prior to the conference, unless the person requests for funds from the GSC and ASNMSU two or more months prior to the conference...and this rarely happens. What do you think? Should Deb get funding from PGSO?
Present: Krisstal, Robyn, Malisa, Mike, Juan, Josh, Jeremy, Kyle, Robert, Jake, Bryan, and Laura
Robert called meeting to order at 12:34
- Announcements
There are three ASNMSU Graduate Senator seats available. If you’re interested, pick up a packet at the ASNMSU office, Corbett Center 2nd floor. The deadline is Nov. 3rd at 5PM.
The Graduate Student Council will hold elections for three VP positions next week. If you’re interested, attend the meeting or see Robert.
The 2007 Graduate Research and Arts Symposium (GRAS) will be held near the end of April. The date is not scheduled yet; more information will be posted when it becomes available.
Sen. Krisstal Clayton needs 25 grad students to sign a petition to support her in the upcoming senate election. Krisstal’s term is not up till December, and she can still write bills for us.
- Funding Committee (Report from Malisa Hipshur).
This is what the Funding Committee decided regarding PGSO fund requests:
1. Each semester after dues are collected we will set aside half (50%) of the PGSO
funds for conferences and half (50%) for PGSO operations.
2. Each person that meets PGSO funding requirements and requests funds during
that specific semester will get the same amount, which will be 10% of the total
money PGSO has, NOT 10% of the money available for conferences. Note: This
amount will NEVER be less than $50.
3. Funding for conferences will be appropriated only up to the amount set aside for
conferences.
4. If a member requests extra funding, or funding after the conference money has
been depleted, they may appeal to PGSO as a whole.
5. Whatever conference funds are not used will revert to the general PGSO account
to be recalculated the following semester.
EXAMPLE:
1. PGSO account has $700 (700/2 = $350 set aside for conferences)
2. 10% of $700 is $70 per requestor
3. These numbers will change next semester because the PGSO account total will
change.
So, this means that Deb Russell, and whoever requests funds this semester, will get
$70 as long as they meet the PGSO funding requirements.
What about setting money aside for other things (e.g., social events, mentoring program, fundraiser fees, etc.)? This will come from the 50% of funds for PGSO operations.
Where else does PGSO money come from, besides dues? PGSO can ask ASNMSU and the GSC for an appropriation once community service requirements are met.
What if the conference is during the summer? For summer conferences you need to ask for funding in the spring; PGSO does not operate over the summer.
What’s the limit to the number of conferences you can get funding for? According to the by-laws, “Requestors are not limited in the number of requests for funding during their membership in PGSO, as long as the guidelines in Article IX. Section 4 are followed each time funding is requested.” However, due to the relatively small amount available for conferences, we should probably limit this to 1 conference per requestor.
- Psychology Department Travel Award
The department decided to give some money for grad student travel and created this travel award. The department’s goal is to have more students present at conferences; therefore, this award is for students who will be presenting at a conference. Students are eligible to receive up to $500 for either hotel or travel. The Graduate Committee (i.e., Laura Madson, Dom Simon, and Melissa Guynn) will make the decisions, funding allocations, and will implement the deadlines. Students must fill out the form (will be available on the PGSO website) and attach conference confirmation to it.
What if hotel is real cheap, can the award be used to cover travel. This is to the discretion of the Graduate Committee, but Laura wants to make the award flexible.
What if you don’t get any funding from any other source (e.g., ASNMSU, the GSC, PGSO)? You can apply for the travel award since it is not contingent on other funding. Laura also specified that you don’t need community service or be part of PGSO to have access to the award.
The Graduate Committee picked the deadlines (on the form) according to conferences going on during the year, so there will be kinks but the deadlines can be tweaked.
The award is for a first author poster or presentation only. What if the first author is not going? You can still apply, the Graduate Committee will figure it out.
Do pre-conferences count? If all else fails apply and the Graduate Committee will figure it out.
Why transportation or lodging? According to Laura, this was in terms of limits to money available and flexibility (e.g., in case the conference is overseas). The faculty only wanted to award $200, but foreign travel was taken into consideration. The travel award is active as of now. Note: the award is based on reimbursement so you need to pay for your conference and travel upfront. You will get reimbursed once you return, so keep your receipts.
- Revision to by-laws
Time frame for submitting PGSO fund requests should be changed. It was suggested that instead of submitting a request at least one month prior to the conference, we should change it to either a) once you find out if you’re getting funding from ASNMSU and the GSC, or b) within 5 days of returning from your trip to be reimbursed.
- Faculty appreciation ceremony
We should try to make this annual event, probably better in the Spring. Should make it less formal so that everyone is invited, including mentees, but still give out awards. Kyle’s idea works too. We can invite a faculty member out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (they decide). This can be formal or informal. Those PGSO members that attend the breakfast, lunch, or dinner can pitch in to cover the faculty member’s meal. PGSO funds will not pay for this.
- Mentoring program
Looking to make a contract for mentors/mentees, to define/avoid confusion of the roles so that we are covered in the even something happens. This will hopefully eliminate the chance of any problems such as, fraternization, dating, and also to avoid exploitation of the mentees. The contract would state what the mentor/mentee should expect from each other.
One student needs a mentor, Malisa will send out an email.
- Community Service
Eight PGSO members volunteered at the KRWG-FM pledge drive on Thurs., Oct. 19 from 11-1. The event was a success; the $100,000 goal was reached.
Some members helped at the KSA Homecoming Festival on Oct. 20.
Upcoming opportunities:
Renaissance Faire – November 4-5. Volunteers needed to work the gates (2-hr shifts starting at 9am, trash patrol (2-hr shifts starting at 11am, and parking (2 ½-hr shifts
starting at 9:30am). Volunteers: Kyle, Mike , Jeremy, Bryan, Josh, Malisa, and Robert.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraiser at the Renaissance Faire from 9-1 both days. Some slots are available for Saturday from 1-5. Involves selling Pepsi products under a tent. Contact person will get back to Robert on Monday.
Thanksgiving can food drive
Christmas angels or something along those lines. Idea: PGSO can chip in some money to buy some gifts, members can buy more gifts on their own if they wish.
SNAP Photos w/Santa Claus – Sometime in November
FYI tutoring program
- Reports/New Business:
Mike (PGSO webmaster) already emailed Hamid with the updated website, but he’s taking time to reply. Who’s doing the dept. website? Megan Townsend (Math Cog) is currently working on revisions. Robert will check with Hamid from CRL to see if he’s still doing our website.
Who do the resource documents on the PGSO website belong to? These documents have no names for protection of the individuals who provided these to us. It was suggested that these be removed from the website. If you have a question about vita, teaching statement, etc. see your advisor.
If you have a news item (e.g., defense, publication, or any other accomplishment) that you would like on the PGSO website, contact Mike.
Jake suggested PGSO be involved with prospective student visits. Jake volunteered to be in charge of this. Laura said the Graduate Committee could use the help organizing visits, and will forward the info to Jake.
