Minutes Section for Students in Psychology (SOSIP), OPA Date: Tuesday, September 08, 1999 Time: 7:00 - 8:30 Location: OISE Chair: Steve Biggs Secretary: Kim Watson Present: Allan Eng, Kim Gordon, and Sandra Jackson Regrets: Karen Fergus, Alberta Pos, and Pavla Reznicek 1) MENTORSHIP 1.1 We discussed Kim Gordon's draft letter to send out to past mentors, and it was approved with one minor change -- that she add a sentence inviting mentors from diverse backgrounds. Steve mounted a web version of it on the SOSIP web page. Steve suggested that we send out an email to any former members who have email addresses and ask that they check the web page and answer the questionnaire there (thus saving time, paper, and postage). Kim W will send an email to Carla requesting the email addresses. We will send letters out to all the former mentors who do not have email addresses. 1.2 We discussed the possibility of soliciting the opinions of former student-mentorees, but decided that the list was too out of date (from 1996-97) and that many of the students will have moved and/or graduated. Instead, Kim W will amend Kim G's letter to suit students, and Steve will post it on the web page. We will then send a message out via the SOSIP listserv asking students to visit the web page and answer the questionnaire from there. 1.3 We discussed Steve's article regarding mentorship, to be submitted to the next issue of P.O. It was improved with two minor amendments: (a) to the wording of a sentence that contained an invitation to people of diverse backgrounds to participate in the program; (b) we need to add a telephone contact name and number. Sandra offered to be the contact name, and she will ask Hugh Haley if he's willing to donate a voicemail number. Once the voicemail number is confirmed, Steve will forward the amended article to the editor of the P.O. 2) ORIENTATION VISITS 2.1 Steve reported that we were unable to book a space at York's orientation, but he is arranging a talk at York sometime in late September or early October. 2.2 Allan reported that we are booked for both OISE orientations: the Adult Education (AECDCP) department on Wednesday September 15th and the Human Development/Applied Psychology (HDAP) department on Thursday September 16th. Ruth Berman is scheduled to speak about OPA at the AECDCP orientation, and Allan will ask her if she is willing to bring some SOSIP brochures and answer any questions regarding our section. We are not slotted for a speaking time for the HDAP orientation, but have been given a table for that afternoon. Steve and Sandra will be at the table to answer questions. Allan suggested that we not only have brochures, but that we also have on hand examples of information we receive as SOSIP members, for example P.O., Horizons, the Internship Handbook, an OPA Conference Programme. The main purpose of these orientation visits is to inform students about the role of OPA and to recruit new SOSIP members. 2.3 We still need to discuss the schedule of talks at other schools. This was tabled for the next meeting. 3) SOSIP BROCHURE 3.1 Ruth approved the brochure Allan designed. 500 copies are being printed, and they will be ready Friday September 9th. Allan and Steve will share the responsibility of folding the brochures. These will be ready by next week for the orientation talks. Steve suggested that at the next printing of the brochure, we add the web page address to the brochure. 3.2 We discussed Sandra's idea about doing a complementary brochure that outlines the recent contributions and achievements of OPA. Kim G said that she has a back issue of P.O. that lists just such items, and she will get this for Sandra. 4) THESIS CONTEST 4.1 Kim G offered to coordinate the thesis contest. Steve outlined the work involved last year when he did the contest. The primary duties are to arrange for volunteer psychologists to rate the submissions, and to ensure that a call for submissions gets out to Ontario students via their university departments. OPA is responsible for the prize monies. 5) PRESIDENT-ELECT 5.1 The thesis contest conversation led to questions about the President-Elect position. This renewed an earlier conversation about the possibility of Steve taking on a second term as SOSIP president (see minutes for June 22/99). We agreed that this was possible without changing the official structure of SOSIP. Steve encouraged the "newer" members of the executive to consider whether they will be interested in taking a term as President, either during 2000-2001, or if not he would be willing to take that as his second term, but someone else will have to take the position for 2001-2002. He suggested we should give this some thought and come to a decision soon. 6) BUDGET 6.1 Allan reported that the treasury report was forwarded to Ruth. Steve requested a copy for his files, and to post a copy on our web page. Steve mentioned that minutes are also posted to the web. Allan reported that our current balance is $4,961. 7) OTHER BUSINESS 7.1 Steve raised several items that need to be considered, but time was limited so they were tabled for the next meeting (see item#8). 8) NEXT MEETING 8.1 The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday October 12th at 7pm, at the OPA office. Allan will confirm with Carla that the office is available, and if not will contact the executive. 8.2 Several items were tabled for discussion at the next meeting: a) We need to set dates for our visits at other universities. We should complete our talks before December. b) We need to discuss the complementary accomplishments brochure. c) Allan suggested that we solicit sponsorship from corporations for SOSIP (e.g., discounts at Caversham, etc.) d) We need to update the Internship booklet. e) We need to arrange billeting for students coming to the OPA conference in February.