September 14, 2005

Dear Psi Chi Members, Officers, and Advisors,

It is my hope that this letter finds you in the midst of an exciting and productive semester. Taking advantage of all that Psi Chi has to offer can greatly enhance the academic experiences of all involved. Here is some information to consider as you continue laying out plans for the coming year:

Research:

• The annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA) will be held in Park City, Utah, April 20-22, 2006 (www.rockymountainpsych.org). Now is the perfect time to think about projects for submission as paper or poster presentations. Participation at RMPA enhances students’ professional development through research presentations. There are also six cash awards given for outstanding work. The deadline for submissions is January 13, 2006.
• In addition to active involvement in the regional conference, students and advisors alike are encouraged to review Psi Chi’s Research Awards & Grants program (www.psichi.org/awards/). There are many grant mechanisms students can tap into to help fund their research as well as enhance their CVs. Awards and grants are available for faculty advisors as well.
• For those students who are looking for an outlet for their research, please consider submitting your work to the Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research (see www.psichi.org/pubs/journal/submissions.asp).

Service:

• Psi Chi National President Robert Youth initiated a national food drive service project. Please consider joining Dr. Youth and the many chapters who have already pledged their support. Be sure to keep track of your efforts (e.g., pounds of food) and report your success to Dr. Youth (youthr@dowling.edu).
• Please consider fundraising efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Chapters can collect cash donations and make a contribution to a charity of their choice (related to Hurricane Relief). Chapters should have received a letter from Dr. Youth outlining this effort.

Academic Opportunities:

• There are two new internship grants, one with the FBI National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime and another at the APA Science Directorate. Read more about these prestigious internships at www.psichi.org/awards/.
• The National Council encourages each chapter's participation in APA's Exploring Behavior Week. The purpose of this initiative is expose middle and high school students to the science of psychology. APA has prepared a resource book, and information on the program is found at www.apa.org/science/ebw.html.

These are a few of the many exciting activities and opportunities through Psi Chi. Should you have any questions about these or have ideas for other activities or opportunities, please contact me via email at mdr88@cc.usu.edu.

I hope to see you all at RMPA in the spring!

Melanie Domenech Rodríguez, Ph.D.
Psi Chi Rocky Mountain Region Vice-President