AASP Newsletter - September 2019

Courtney Hess	Julia Cawthra

Courtney W. Hess, M.S., University of Massachusetts – Boston
Julia Cawthra, M.A., Indiana University

Happy summer 2019, student members! AASP continues to work diligently to increase the value of student membership and create opportunities for student engagement within the organization. As we enter the beginning stages of the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan, we are excited about the opportunities for growth and motivated by the progress made during the implementation of the previous strategic plan. Below you will find information on some upcoming changes this year, plus important information regarding the Annual Conference in Portland, OR this fall.

Student Initiatives

New this year! Student-Focused Journal. In response to a need within the organization, and with the support of the AASP Foundation, a new student-focused journal has been developed. Dr. Monna Arvinen-Borrow and Dr. Amanda J. Visek have been named Editor and Associate Editor, respectively, and Dr. Stacy Gnacinski has been selected to serve as Managing Editor. Over the coming months, keep your eyes open for exciting opportunities to be a part of the editorial board, and be sure to look for additional information about this journal at the Annual Conference in October. If you have a project or manuscript led by a student author, look out for a call for submissions in 2020 and consider submitting to this new AASP journal!

Also, your Student Delegates have continued to develop content and resources for students about the field of applied sport psychology, including the Best Practices in Research and Best Practices in Consulting initiatives. You can view existing documents and resources created for students, by students, here. 

AASP 2019 Annual Conference

The AASP 2019 Annual Conference, which will be held from October 23-26 in Portland, OR, is a great opportunity to network with others in the field, expand your knowledge of sport psychology and related domains, and engage in various professional development activities.

New this year! Student Webinar. Prior to the Annual Conference this year, the Student Representatives alongside the Student Development Committee will deliver a joint webinar on preparing for conference attendance and engaging in effective networking. Mark your calendars for October, and keep on the lookout for more information and the webinar sign-up in September 2019.

At the conference this year, there will again be two professional development workshops offered specifically for students: Say What? Self-Talk in Sport and The Path to Publishing Your Work: Understanding Academic Publishing Procedures. Also, there will be continued inclusion of internship opportunities, job opportunities, and graduate program information at the Graduate and Information Fair. Be sure to look for more information on these exciting student-focused workshops and initiatives throughout fall 2019.

Resources for Students

One way to get the most out of your AASP student membership is to use the resources especially available to you as an AASP member. Stay up to date on current research in the field by accessing numerous journals published by AASP, including The Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, and Case Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Visit the Membership Benefits page and Students’ Center for more information about available resources.

The Graduate Program Directory (12th edition) remains a top resource for students looking to gain information about graduate training opportunities in the field of applied sport psychology. Students can purchase a physical copy of the book or online access to the directory. Access more information about the Graduate Program Directory here.

Additionally, the AASP Career Center continues to be a helpful space on AASP’s website to learn about new job opportunities. Resources include resume writing tips, interviewing suggestions, guidance on advancing your career, and advice for making the most of digital resources like social media profiles and networking sites. 

Get involved!

There are several ways to get involved and make the most of your AASP membership. Annual and regional conferences are great opportunities to network with other members of the organization. Students can also consider joining Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that align with topics that are significant to them. Also, students can join the virtual conversation on Facebook by requesting access to the AASP Student Facebook Group! This group is a resource for student members only, so if your full name is not visible on Facebook, please send a direct request for access to Courtney or Julia at studentrep@appliedsportpsych.org.

There are important changes happening in the AASP student service! If you are interested in learning more, or have questions about becoming a student delegate, please feel free to send an email to your student representatives. We are happy to answer your questions and tell you about the exciting changes and development opportunities available within the student delegate service role. 

If you would like to get involved as a Student Delegate, applications will be accepted for approximately 6 weeks after the Annual Conference in Portland. Be on the lookout for more information in late October 2019! 

Finally, if you have suggestions about improving student membership, feedback about your experiences within the organization, or interest in becoming more involved in the organization, please contact Courtney or Julia at studentrep@appliedsportpsych.org. We are happy to answer any questions you have and look forward to connecting with many of you in person in Portland this October!