The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
March 2014 Table of Contents NSF Grant for OURS NCE Results Irvine Expansion NCADE Update B.A. Program Alumni Profile Student Affairs Honor Preparing Future Faculty Transcripts On Demand TobacNO! Summit Career Development L.A. Student Honored IOOB Conference Pediatric Obesity Event Community Dialogue TCSPP Supports: The Latina Researchers Conference 2014 Increasing the Pipeline for Future Scholars
Message from the National President In my recent Huffington Post blog, I celebrated the achievements of women leaders during Women's History Month. Iconic women leaders who have helped shape the profession include Christine Ladd-Franklin, Mary Whiton Calkins, Melanie Klein, Karen Horney, Leta Hollingsworth, Anna Freud, Mary Ainsworth, Mamie Phipps Clark and Sandra Bem, among others. Like so many other women leaders, I am often asked to speak about leadership, and to explain why I have chosen a career path over other options such as being a stay-at-home mom, for example. I am not alone. Too often, women leaders are asked to justify their career decisions, and when they deviate from an anticipated norm, they are described as those who are pioneers, came before their time, followed their dreams, challenged the status quo, made sacrifices, and so on. At TCSPP, 80 percent of our students are women. I celebrate them every day, and know already the impact they will have in leading our profession and our communities in the years ahead. Instead of remaining focused on what makes us all different as leaders or which model of leadership is best, let's remain focused on what our institutions and communities need from each of us, what strengths we each bring to the table, and how we can work collectively to lead positively toward the future. Warm regards, Michele Nealon-Woods, Psy.D.
April 3-5, 2014 New York Register Here
Supplemental NSF Grant Awarded to Expand Leadership Certificate Program
Student Scholarships Available! Paper & Poster Presentations submission deadline extended to May 1! The Industrial Organizational & Organizational Behavior (IOOB) Conference, July 18-19, 2014, Los Angeles Campus. Register Now
At the Southern California, Chicago and Washington, D.C., Campuses and Online, June 16-20
TCSPP has been awarded an additional National Science Foundation (NSF) grant of $372,000 to expand the Opportunities for UnderRepresented Scholars (OURS) Program, a Post-Graduate Academic Leadership Certificate Program, to women participants from Tribal Colleges and Universities. With this supplemental grant, the total award for the OURS Program is nearly $2.25 million. Previously, TCSPP received $1.8 million in seed funding in 2012 to launch the OURS Program at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Chicago Campus M.A. Students Score 100 Percent on NCE Exam for Second Time For the second consecutive year, 100 percent of the 18 M.A. Counseling Psychology students at the Chicago Campus, who chose to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for Licensure in April, have passed. The NCE is a national standardized examination developed by the National Board of Certified Counselors to assess key areas of knowledge for prospective professional counselors. In addition to Illinois, many states also use the NCE for state credentialing. The exam is given twice each year.
Irvine Branch Campus & Counseling Center Celebrates Expansion With Community
Presentation Proposals due April 1! More information Faculty Scholarship Did you know that during 2012-2013, TCSPP faculty produced 257 works of scholarship, and as of January 2014, had 93 presentations and 19 publications to their credit, as well as an additional 16 presentations and two publications
Members of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, and California state and local government representatives join (L-R) Matt Nehmer, Dean of Operations, Southern California Campuses; National President Dr. Nealon-Woods; and Dr. Melody Bacon, Director, Irvine Branch Campus; in a ribboncutting ceremony.
Faculty, staff, students, along with the Irvine Chamber of Commerce and friends of the institution, were in attendance as the Irvine Branch Campus and Counseling Center celebrated its expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours, and luncheon. More than 200 individuals attended a week-long series of workshops and other free events for students and the wider community showcasing the facility and Counseling Center.
accepted for use during spring 2014?
TCSPP in The Media Dr. Alicia Clark Glo Magazine Online March 25 Dr. Michele NealonWoods Chief Learning Officer The Huffington Post FOX Chicago Various Dates Dr. Melody Bacon Psych 1 on 1 February 26 Dr. Patrick O'Connor The Daily Beast February 17 Darryl Lycett Fountain Valley Patch L.A. Business Journal Various Dates Dr. Kristin Kenefick Medill Reports February 4
TCSPP Students & Alumni in the Media Student Shannon Y. Smith Assemblyman Ian Calderon March 21
Successful Start for National Center for Academic & Dissertation Excellence The new National Center for Academic & Dissertation Excellence (NCADE), launched in November 2013, is now fully staffed with seven Dissertation Writing Experts (DWEs), two full-time Methodology Experts (MEs) and one part-time ME, who are already making a strong and meaningful impression on students. Since implementation, the number of inquiries received have more than doubled. DWEs are providing APA/writing assistance on dissertation chapters, and MEs are providing consultations to dissertating students at every TCSPP campus. In addition, NCADE staffs a total of nine peer Writing Coaches, 11 Applied Research Project (ARP) Instructors and four E-tutors across all campuses. Dr. Belinda McFeeters heads up the Center. Among the many positive NCADE testimonials, a third-year Clinical Psy.D. student from the Chicago Campus, writes: "Thank you so much for your comments and feedback. I appreciate you taking the time to review my dissertation proposal and feel like I've gained a lot through this process. It is so nice to have this extra resource available and I look forward to more reviews!"
B.A. Completion Program Launches in Fall The Chicago School is offering for the first time an online Bachelor of Arts Completion Program in Psychology, starting fall 2014. The program has already gained great interest from prospective students. Applications are now being accepted for this program that provides working adults with the opportunity to complete their education in psychology via a flexible program that does not interfere with employment or family commitments. The Chicago School's Online program is unique in that it also provides students with a direct pathway to graduate education opportunities, allowing them to further their professional growth in the field of psychology.
Meet Alumnae Dr. Michelle Grigorian Garcia
Alumnae Kimberly Hopkins Living Lake Country February 24 Student Gordon Demery The Daily Northwestern February 19 Alumnae Dr. Linda Rice Moorpark Acorn January 24
With a Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology awarded in August of 2013, Los Angeles Campus graduate, and new alumnae Dr. Michelle Grigorian Garcia is putting her education and training to work in the community. At the Children's Center of the Antelope Valley (CA), she is providing family therapy and preservation services to families referred by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. These clients are undergoing reunification or are caregivers that are at risk of losing paternal rights of their children.
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"My experience at TCSPP has helped me to empathize with those with mental health disturbances, particularly those involved with the legal system. I understand factors that result in maladaptive behaviors, which keeps me from judging individuals--allowing me to see them for who they are, not what they have done," says Dr. Grigorian Garcia. "Through this I have become a more effective clinician and advanced my work with diverse individuals."
TCSPP Named a '30+ Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs' Institution
The Chicago School has been selected as a "30+ Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs 2014" (PPWSA) institution of higher learning. A collaborative project between the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, the PPWSA national study was conducted in fall 2013 by the Center for Inclusion, Diversity & Academic Success (iDEAS) in the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. Over 100 institutions of higher education participated in this inaugural study. Read press release.
Preparing Future Faculty Leaders Program Builds Upon Success Bolstered by the success of the initial launch of the Preparing Future Faculty Program in 2012, and the subsequent graduation of 20 students in 2013, the National Center for Teaching and Learning (NCTL) is sponsoring the second annual running of the program with support from the APA's Office of Minority Affairs. This year’s enrollment includes 78 doctoral students, and more than double the 2012 enrollment of 30 students. Aimed at preparing TCSPP’s minority doctoral students for potential careers as future professors in the fields of psychology and behavioral sciences, students will engage in a series of seminars, attend campuswide lectures on contemporary and future faculty issues in higher education, and shadow faculty to get a sense of the varied roles and responsibilities in academia. The project is led by Dr. Orlando Taylor, founding president of TCSPP’s Washington D.C. Campus and Chief Advancement Officer; and Dr. Ted Scholz, NCTL Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.
New Transcripts E-Ordering System for Students and Alumni
The Office of the Registrar has launched Transcripts on Demand by Scrip Safe, a new e-ordering system for official transcripts. Students, former students and alumni will now have access to their transcripts via a secure web-based system, available 24/7 from anywhere in the world. "We are excited for this new system and believe it's easy- to-use layout will be very helpful in accommodating students and alumni," said Daniel Esquivel,
TCSPP's new Sdent Success Specialist.
The Chicago School Sponsors Surgeon General's Tobacco Report Summit
To mark the 50th anniversary of the first Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health, which concluded that smoking cigarettes is harmful for your health and led to the Surgeon General's warning label on cigarette packages, a Summit was organized by former Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, and hosted by Xavier University of Louisiana and the Louisiana Cancer Research Center in New Orleans. The Chicago School was a sponsor. The conference focused on how prevention can lead to a tobacco-free generation. Panelists included all former U.S. Surgeons General (pictured above), tobacco control history-makers, youth activists, advocacy groups, foundations, public health officials, and national and local community leaders. Dr. Nealon-Woods was part of a panel discussion about media and the tobacco-free generation, while Dr. Lavonda Mickens Braham, Marriage and Family Therapy, Los Angeles Campus, moderated a discussion on successful efforts in increasing awareness about tobacco's harm.
Faculty Leaders Share Their Career Strategies During Career Development Week
(Standing L-R): TCSPP panelists featured Dr. Janet DeFeo, Interim Department Chair, Marriage and Family Therapy; Dr. Claudia Shields, Department Chair, Clinical Psy.D. Program, and Dr. NealonWoods. Seated (L-R): Dr. Daun Baker, Director, Counseling Centers; and Dr. Anissa Jones, National Director of Student Development.
Hundreds of students attended 25 sessions across all three campuses, and virtually, during Career Development Week in February. Topics and lectures ranged from “How to Break into Consulting“ and “Job Search Strategies” to a "Women in Leadership" panel on the Los Angeles Campus that featured five prominent leaders at The Chicago School, each discussing their journey through the field of psychology and higher education. Students and alumni can search Career Hub for job listings. If you know of an employer hiring, please forward job listings to Career Services.
Los Angeles Campus Student Named 'Distinguished Woman of the Year'
In honor of Women's History Month, California State Assemblymember Ian Calderon named Los Angeles Campus student Shannon Y. Smith, M.S., a "Distinguished Woman of The Year" for "serving as a role model in her community through her leadership, courage and tenacity." Shannon is pursuing her Psy.D. in Business Psychology (Consulting Track). Shannon has been the Director of Operations at the East Valley Boys and Girls Club, La Puente (CA) Unit for the past five years. She began her career there as a receptionist in 1995, after recognizing her passion for working with youth and helping them to achieve their goals. Raised in Compton (CA), Shannon's goal is to return to her community to start a much-needed afterschool program for youth. "I have always kept in the back of my mind--find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. I live by that motto every day," she says.
34th Annual IOOB Conference: Student Scholarships Available
The 34th Annual Industrial and Organization & Organizational Behavior (IOOB) Conference, presented by the students of TCSPP, will take place at the Los Angeles Campus on Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19. The conference is an opportunity to bring together students, professionals and academics to analyze pertinent issue in the IO & OB field. Dr. Jay Finkelman, (pictured) Department Chair, IndustrialOrganization and Business Psychology, will be the keynote speaker. This year, a limited number of student scholarships of $10 are available--a savings of $25 off the regular student admission price of $35. In addition, the submission deadline for paper and poster presentations has been extended to May 1. The IOOB Conference website has more information.
Upcoming Event to Focus on Childhood Obesity Factors, Stigma and Solutions "Let's Weigh In: A Discussion About Pediatric Obesity," a panel discussion focusing on contributing factors, stigma reduction and possible solutions to childhood obesity will be held on Thursday, April 17 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Los Angeles Campus, Room 915. Planned panelists include a health psychologist, body
acceptance specialist, nutritionist, and a pediatric obesity physician. The event is part of a pediatric behavioral health seminar taught by Dr. Mekel Harris, who received funding for this event through a TCSPP Service Learning Grant. Click here to RSVP. For additional information, call (213) 615-7257.
A Community Dialogue: Jordan Davis
In February, the Black Student Union at the Los Angeles Campus, in conjunction with the National President's Office, presented "A Community Dialogue on Jordan Davis." Moderated by Dr. Claudia Shields, Department Chair, Clinical Psy.D. Program, and with opening remarks by Dr. Nealon-Woods, the event provided a forum for expression about the tragic death of Jordan Davis, and the recent trial of Michael Dunn. Panelists (pictured with L.A. Campus students above) were (L-R) Student Jarvis Sams, M.A.; Dr. Shields, Dr. Debra Warner, Associate Director, Forensic Psychology; Dr. Loren Hill, Assistant Professor, Clinical Forensic Psychology; Dr. Lavonda Mickens Braham, Marriage and Family Therapy; and Dr. Clive Kennedy, Associate Professor, Forensic Psychology.
Mission Statement Integrating theory, professional practice, and innovation, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides an excellent education for careers in psychology and related behavioral and health sciences. The school is committed to service and embraces the diverse communities of our society. Our logo symbolizes: Education • Innovation • Service • Community