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Psychology Department |
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Many psychology students wish to put their growing knowledge of the discipline to work in some immediate, practical way. Many such opportunities are available, both on and off campus, in paid positions or as volunteers, to gain valuable experience. The following list is not exhaustive, but has been selected because the activities have proven beneficial and satisfying to students in the past. In your search for experience, do not restrict yourself to the list-consider as many options as possible in filling out your college experience.
Off Campus On CampusThe Service-Learning Center is a program created by Calvin students for the purpose of providing Christian service to the larger population of Grand Rapids. Volunteers give three hours per week for one semester or one academic year at a time. Several psychology courses include a Service-Learning component. Service-Learning experience may be cited on a resume when you are seeking employment. The different divisions of Service-Learning can be investigated further by referring to the S-LC opportunities booklet. Volunteer application forms are available in the S-LC office located in the Commons extension. For more information, call X66455. Student Academic Services (SAS) Student Academic Services aids Calvin students in becoming more capable and productive in work. Tutoring positions are available for psychology majors whose minimum GPA is 3.0, and who are recommended by Psychology Department professors. SAS seeks upper-class students who are concerned with the wellbeing of others and who have strong social skills. Previous tutoring experience is not required. For more information, call X66113. Resident Assistants are appointed to the dormitories and the Knollcrest East Residence Center. It is their responsibility to maintain open communication with residents in their unit, and to promote spiritual, academic, and social growth. Student considering these positions should discuss the responsibilities with currently functioning RAs and should attend the informational meeting held in the spring semester. RA candidates must complete an application form, obtain recommendations from fellow students, and meet with RAs and the Resident Director of their building. An interview with Dean of Resident Life concludes the selection process. RAs receive financial benefits for living expenses. For additional information, talk to your RA or RD or call the Dean of Residence Life at X66116. Professors in the Psychology Department and in other departments on campus frequently conduct research. They sometimes seek students to assist them in various ways with their research projects. If you are interested in becoming a research assistant, contact a professor in the department who can then provide you with information about the availability of positions, current projects, and future possibilities. It is often helpful to contact a professor whose area of study is compatible with your interests. Research assistant positions provide valuable opportunities for students considering graduate study in psychology and related fields. The Broene Counseling Center, located in the Spoelhof College Center across from the business office, provides career and personal counseling and offers various self-help and life enrichment programs. Paid student workers score various tests and assist in sending out newsletters and other informational literature. For more information, call X66123. Off CampusPsychology 380 provides internship experiences in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, and business organizations. In October and March of each year, the opportunities for the following semester are posted on the Psychology Department bulletin board. Psychology majors, who have demonstrated ability in their psychology courses, are encouraged to apply for an internship placement during their junior or senior year. Psychology 380 provides a four-semester hour credit internship experience in one of a variety of areas of professional psychological practice and/or research. These experiences can provide important background for bachelor's degree level employment or graduate education in psychology. Students may also apply for an eight-week summer internship experience in neuropsychology at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medial Center in Chicago. Although students may earn more than 4 semester hours of internship credits, only 4 semester hours can be applied toward the major. Selections are announced prior to advising and registration. Ten to twelve placements are made each semester. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Pine Rest Christian Hospital provides high quality care with a Christian emphasis to those who suffer from mental and emotional difficulties. Pine Rest hires many students in positions such as mental health worker, activity therapy assistant, and driver. The only requirement is that students must have completed at least two full years of college and should be majoring in psychology or sociology. Pine Rest does not accept applications unless there are positions open. In addition to regular employment, volunteer opportunities are available at Pine Rest. Positions involve working with adolescents, the developmentally disabled population, and adult or geriatric patients as teacher aides, activity therapy assistants, or one-to-one "adopt a friend." Call the volunteer office at 281-6308 for more information. Psychologists employed with outside agencies sometimes appreciate the opportunity to use "top-notch" students as assistants in various research projects, when such opportunities become available, they may contact member of our department. Our department will either (1) suggest several students to them as possible assistant, or (2) inform selected students about such opportunities so they may interview for these positions. This has the potential to be a very valuable experience. Wedgwood Christian Services is a private, nonprofit children's agency which offers foster care, residential treatment, preparation for independent living, and other services for boys and girls between the ages of twelve and seventeen. Wedgwood's program is concerned with the total person, promoting religious, physical, social, and emotional growth. Positions as a paid child care worker or youth worker are available and are often posted at the campus job service office. Internships are also available. Wedgwood requires the applicant to be twenty-one years of age but requires no previous experience in this area. For more information, call 942-2110. Bethany Christian Services provides Christian love and understanding to people with many different needs. This multi-service agency seeks workers who possess a sincere commit-ment to help. Bethany carefully screens applicants and requires twenty hours of training prior to paid or volunteer work. Positions are available in tutoring, "special friends," residential treatment, and the day-care center. Students do not need previous work experience and should call 224-7405 if they are interested in a position at Bethany. The Off-Campus Programs office has information on the Chicago Semester and other internship programs which offer students academic credit for their supervised experience in research or in applied setting. Valuable experience can also be gained as a Social Services volunteer or by volunteer work on an emergency switchboard. Hospitals, clinics, mental health centers, nursing homes, churches, and recreational programs are all possible settings for volunteer work. An organized volunteer program with a clear job description and adequate supervision provides the most valuable experiences.
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