High Impact Educational Practices: A Review of Best Practices with Illustrative Examples

News
Administration of a Student Friendly Psychology Conference: Challenges and Opportunities

Description

According to the American Psychological Association, “The annual meetings of the regional psychological associations provide an opportunity for psychologists and students to share knowledge, to take advantage of professional development and continuing education opportunities, and to develop professional networks” (APA, 2008, para. 2). These regional conferences are of increasing importance to the professional development of future psychologists and provide them with an initial introduction to the professional scientific community. Over the years, the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Regional Psi Chi organization, has become a model of a student-friendly conference. This ebook is designed to help others who may want to create a student-friendly conference or improve on their existing procedures to become more student oriented.

ISBN: 978-1-941804-60-5

Download e-book PDF (1.82 Mb)

Administration of a Student Friendly Psychology Conference: Challenges and Opportunities	7
Introduction	7
Benefits to Students or Why Bother?	7
Organization of the Book	7
References	10
Chapter 1	13
The Nature of Student-Focused Regional Psychology Conferences:	13
Characteristics and Continuing Challenges	13
Abstract	13
Introduction	13
References	16
Chapter 2	19
Mentoring High Quality Student Research for Conference Presentation…and Publication	19
Abstract	19
Introduction	19
Mentoring Publishable Research	20
Models for Mentoring Undergraduate Research	20
One-on-One Mentor Model for Individuals and Teams.	20
Integrating Undergraduate Research into Programs of Study.	21
Best Practices in Mentoring Student Research	22
Obstacles to Mentoring High Quality Research	23
Conclusion	23
References	24
Chapter 3	27
Introducing Students to the Psychology Convention and Research Culture	27
Abstract	27
Introduction	27
For Faculty	27
To Students	29
Posters.	30
Oral Presentations.	31
Other considerations.	31
Conference Protocol.	32
Additional Resources.	33
References	34
Chapter 4	35
Maintaining Records with Consistency While Facing Change. Ways that Technology and Students Can Help Facilitate Record Keeping	35
Abstract	35
Introduction	35
The Role of Secretary	35
Technology and Information Sharing: Leave it to the Millennials	38
Newsletters	38
Email.	39
Online file sharing.	40
RMPA webpage.	40
Social Media.	40
Convention Poster.	41
Concluding Thoughts	41
References	41
Chapter 5	43
Managing the Money	43
Abstract	43
Introduction	43
Fall
Approaching the Convention	45
During the Convention	45
After the Convention	46
Conclusion	46
Suggestions for Further Reading	47
References	47
Chapter 6	49
Convention Coordinator: What Graduate School Did Not Teach Me	49
Abstract	49
Introduction	49
Position Requirements: Prior to the Convention	49
Signing a contract.	49
Line of Credit.	51
Banquet event orders and finalizing of events.	51
Convention breaks and sponsors.	52
Hotel room block needs.	52
Convention insurance.	53
Convention and Visitor’s Bureau support.	53
Purchasing of awards and convention materials.	53
Position Requirements: During the Convention	53
Position Requirements: Post-convention	54
Conclusion	54
References	54
Chapter 7	55
Serving as Program Chair for a Student-Centered Conference	55
Abstract	55
Introduction	55
The Program Chair Role	55
A Different Type of Attendee	57
Opportunities for Students within Programming	58
Programming Challenges	59
Conclusions	60
References	60
Chapter 8	63
The Boots on the Ground: Convention Manager	63
Abstract	63
Introduction	63
Nine to Twelve Months Prior to Conference	63
Coordination with Executive Committee.	63
Consider Finding a Partner.	64
On-Site Orientation to Venue.	64
Multimedia Needs.	64
Room and Space Requirements.	64
Physical Space and Display Needs.	64
Local Restaurants, Entertainment Establishments, and Special Activities/Events.	65
Petition for Local School Support.	65
Contact Publishing Companies.	65
Contact Local Schools or Other Enterprises for Table Space.	65
Mark the Event in Your Calendar.	65
Six to Nine Months Prior to Conference	66
Recruiting Student Volunteers.	66
Ongoing Dialogue with Executive Committee.	66
Coordinate with the Program Chair.	66
Include Local Schools/Programs.	66
Prepare a travel guide.	66
Three Months Prior to Conference	67
Select and Train Student Volunteers.	67
Schedule Student Volunteers.	67
Re-Contact Local Merchants.	68
Construct a Supplies List.	68
One Month Prior to Conference	68
Arrange for and/or Purchase Needed Supplies.	68
Check in with Student Volunteers.	68
Test Equipment.	68
One Week Prior to Conference	68
Assemble Name Badges.	68
Review Registration Processes.	69
Collect and Label all Registration Desk Supplies.	69
Registration Table Office Supplies.	69
Breakout Room Multimedia Supplies.	69
The Conference Weekend	69
On-Site Arrangements.	69
Poster Boards	70
Multimedia Check.	70
On-Site Registration.	70
Monitor Front Desk Student Volunteer Conduct.	70
Maintain the Image.	70
Registration and Event Glitches.	70
After the Conference	70
Make a Report to Executive Committee.	70
Build a Plan for Returning All Equipment.	70
Manage Reimbursements.	71
Review Attendee Survey.	71
Follow up with Thanks.	71
Coordinate with Next Year's Convention Managers.	71
Serve as a Resource for Future Meetings.	71
Conclusion	71
References	71
Chapter 9	73
Ensuring Diversity is at the Forefront of a Student-Centered Regional Conference	73
Abstract	73
Introduction	73
The Development of the Diversity Council	73
The Expansive Role of the Diversity Council Chair	74
RMPA Student Awards	74
Ensuring Diversity is Present on RMPA’s Website	75
Promoting Diversity at a Broad Level for the Conference	75
Convention Programming.	76
Collaboration is Key to Success	77
Challenges faced by a Diversity Council Chair	78
Conclusion	79
References	79
Chapter 10	81
Facilitating Student Awards for a Student-Focused Regional Conference	81
Abstract	81
Introduction	81
Rationale for Student Awards	81
Student Awards at RMPA	81
Developing a Submission Process	82
The Judging (Reviewing) Process	83
Co-Ordination across Responsible Parties	84
Challenges	84
Conclusion	85
References	85
Chapter 11	87
Running a Teaching Conference at a Student-Centered Convention: The Role of the Teaching Conference Coordinator	87
Abstract	87
Introduction	87
Goals of the Teaching Conference	87
Values	88
Audience	89
Overview of a Typical Schedule	89
Psi Chi coordination.	90
Community Planning	90
Reviews	91
Administrative Supports	91
Funding	92
Assessment	92
Conclusions	92
References	92
Chapter 12	93
Better Together: Partnering with Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology	93
Abstract	93
Introduction	93
About Psi Chi	93
Psi Chi Support	95
Programming/Psi Chi Track	95
Diversity & Leadership Programming	96
Evaluating Student Submissions	97
Awards & Grants	98
Financial Impact	98
Conclusion	99
References	99
Chapter 13	101
View from the Trenches: A Compilation of Student-Friendly Conferences	101
Abstract	101
Introduction	101
Undergraduate Psychology Research Conferences	102
Undergraduate Multi-disciplinary Conferences	104
Professional Psychology Conferences that Accept Undergraduate Student Presentations	106
Professional Multi-disciplinary Conferences that accept Undergraduate Psychology Students’ Presentations	107
Why Students Should Attend a Conference	107
Summary	108
References	109
Suggestions for Further Reading	109

Feedback
Feedback regarding the editorial content of this book or any of its essays should be directed toward the individual authors or the book’s editors. They (authors and editors) are solely responsible for the substance of the text. Feedback regarding technical matters of formatting or accessibility of this text via the online environment of the Internet should be directed to the Internet Editor. If you have any complaints or difficulties in accessing these materials, be sure to provide as detailed a description of your problem(s) as you can; you should include information about the browser you are using and the type of computer you are using.

Copyright and Other Legal Notices
The individual essays and chapters contained within this collection are Copyright © 2020 by their respective authors. This collection of essays and chapters as a compendium is Copyright © 2020 Society for the Teaching of Psychology. You may print multiple copies of these materials for your own personal use, including use in your classes and/or sharing with individual colleagues as long as the author’s name and institution, and a notice that the materials were obtained from the website of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP) appear on the copied document. For research and archival purposes, public libraries and libraries at schools, colleges, universities and similar educational institutions may print and store in their research or lending collections multiple copies of this compendium as a whole without seeking further permission of STP (the editors would appreciate receiving a pro forma notice of any such library use). No other permission is granted to you to print, copy, reproduce, or distribute additional copies of these materials. Anyone who wishes to print, copy, reproduce, or distribute copies for other purposes must obtain the permission of the individual copyright owners. Particular care should be taken to seek permission from the respective copyright holder(s) for any commercial or "for profit" use of these materials. ISBN: 978-1-941804-60-5

Suggested Reference Format

We suggest that the overall text be referenced in this fashion:

Woody, W. D. & Miller, R. L. (Eds.). (2020). Administration of a Student Friendly Psychology Conference: Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology web site: http://teachpsych.org/ebooks/studentfc

Individual chapters may be referenced in this fashion:

Landrum, R. E. (2020). The nature of student-focused regional psychology conferences: Characteristics and continuing changes. In Woody, W. D. & Miller, R. L. (Eds.). Administration of a Student Friendly Psychology Conference: Challenges and Opportunities. (pp. 13-16). Retrieved from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology web site: http://teachpsych.org/ebooks/studentfc