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Unfolding Opportunities for Psi Chi's Growth and Change
by
Martha S. Zlokovich, PhD
-
Psi Chi Executive Director,
Associate Editor
Category: Executive Director's Message
Changes to the Constitution: International Society and Leadership Training
Last spring, two amendments to the Psi Chi Constitution were passed by chapter vote (see the Winter and Spring 2009 issues of the Eye on Psi Chi if you are interested in details). One amendment changed Psi Chi's name to reflect its move from a national organization to an international organization. This means that the National Office is now the Central Office, national dues and activities are now Society dues and activities, and the National Council is now the Board of Directors. It also means that Psi Chi hopes to soon welcome more international chapters and members, in addition to those we already have in Canada and Ireland.
The second amendment removed the National Leadership Conference from the Psi Chi Constitution. The Board of Directors proposed this change in order to make leadership training available to all Psi Chi members more often, not just the chapter presidents and faculty advisors every 2 years. Look for a wide variety of leadership training opportunities to be developed in the coming years, starting with leadership sessions in the Psi Chi programs at some of the regional conferences this spring.
Psi Chi Turned 80
Psi Chi turned 80 on September 4, 2009 and celebrations of this milestone will continue into the 2009Ã10 academic year. If you plan to attend SEPA in particular, look for Psi Chi's 80th anniversary events in Chattanooga, TN. The vibrant city of Chattanooga is home to the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Choo-Choo, historic Lookout Mountain, fabulous restaurants, beautiful walking and biking trails, a thriving art district—and the Psi Chi Central Office!
Journal Editor
Since January of 2009, I have been serving as the Interim Editor of the Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research until a replacement editor could be selected. The Psi Chi Board of Directors recently selected Dr. Randolph Smith as the incoming Interim Editor of the Journal, and we are thrilled to have him on board. Dr. Smith recently retired from the editorship of APA's prestigious Teaching of Psychology journal after serving a 12-year term at the helm. With Dr. Smith's expertise in journal editing, Psi Chi will look for ways to expand the Journal's exposure and online presence. As I wind down my duties, Dr. Smith is already managing all new submissions to the Journal.
Students and faculty interested in the journal submission process may have the opportunity to meet Dr. Smith at a regional conference. Look for sessions advising students on submitting their undergraduate research papers, and faculty on supporting their students' research submissions, listed in the Psi Chi programs at the regional conferences. Dr. Smith, Susan Iles (managing editor of the Journal) and/or I will be presenting and answering questions about the Journal at most regional conferences this spring.
Board Members and Leaders
Every year, chapters vote on three regional Vice-Presidents who will serve on the Board of Directors (alternating three regions each year; vice-presidents may serve two, 2-year terms) and a new Society President. The Executive Committee consists of the President, the President-Elect, and the Past-President, as well as the Executive Director and Executive Officer. This past spring, Drs. Jason Young and Ngoc Bui were re-elected to serve the Eastern and Western regions, respectively, and Dr. Eric R. Landrum was elected to serve the Rocky Mountain region. Dr. Alvin Wang is the current President with Dr. Scott VanderStoep serving as Past-President, and Dr. Michael Hall serving as President-Elect.
The Future
I hope you find these opportunities and changes as exciting as I do. We certainly hope that as Psi Chi members, each of you will contribute to the success of Psi Chi's next 80 years.