Student Group: School Psychology at UNO (SPUNO)

 

Nebraska School Psychology Association UNO Fall 2007 Newsletter

Nebraska School Psychology Association UNO Spring 2008 Update
SPUNO Newsletter April 2008
SPUNO April Minutes

3rd Year Students

Left to right, top to bottom row: Michael Downes, Joe Woracek, Ben King, Melanie Lempke, Jen Feyerherm, Kristen Phillips, & Lori Kruger.

 

2nd Year Students

Trina Uvaas, Megan Fair, Jacyln Ternus, Jen Stober, Abbey Modica, Sameena Noetzel, Jessica Mallory, & Sarah Engelhardt.

 

1st Year Students

Alicia Zobel, Diana Renes, Anne Marie Robbins, Laurie Seaborne, Julie Soukup, Adam Sempek & Julie Hart.

 

What is SPUNO?

SPUNO stands for School Psychology at UNO and is the student organization of the school psychology graduate program. This organization was originally developed by two graduate students who believed that it was important for the students to obtain more information on topics outside of the classroom that related to the field of school psychology. Today, SPUNO serves as a resource where students can learn about various community organizations, develop and strengthen their leadership skills, and discuss current issues in the field. The organization functions to promote cohesion among students and faculty, and offers opportunities for professional development beyond the classroom. Each student group meeting consists of discussions about volunteer and employment opportunities, individual class issues, research ideas and opportunities for involvement, practical issues needed for academic success, guest speakers, and participation at local and national conferences.

Each year, the members of SPUNO elect officers who take on leadership roles within the school psychology program. There are various ways in which students can become involved in these roles. Each class is represented by one student who takes on the responsible for being the voice of that class. These include President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer. Other officers include represenatives to state and national school psychology organizations, as well as social chairs. The represenatives role is to update our program on any news from the state (NSPA) and national levels (NASP). Students who are elected as social chairs organize community volunteer opportunities for SPUNO members to participate in, as well as plan fun activities for the group outside of school. Needless to say, there are numerous opportunities for students to be actively involved within the program.

 

2007-2008 Officers:

President: Michael Downes

Vice-President: Abbey Modica

Secretary/Treasurer: Julie Soukup

Social Co-Chairs: Jennifer Feyerherm & Megan Fair

Social Committee: Ben King & Jen Stober

NASP Representative: Lori Kruger

NSPA Representative: Sarah Engelhardt

Faculty Sponsors: Lisa Kelly-Vance & Brian McKevitt

 

Social/Philanthropic Involvement:

'07 Race for the Cure, School Psychology Students and Faculty

 

Within SPUNO, there is currently one social chair to organize the social and community activities for the 2006-2007 year. We also have two social committee members from the first and second year classes. The purpose is to get input from all three classes regarding activities and scheduling. It has been working great so far this year. We have had a high level of involvement.

Throughout the school year, the social chairs typically plan one social outing per month. The activities range from getting together at a local restaurant for food and drinks to walking as a group to support important causes, such as fighting breast cancer in the Race for the Cure. This year we have many exciting activities planned, such as adopting a family for Christmas gifts.. As a student group, we can offer a lot to our community; our social chairs, along with the input of our fellow colleagues, work to put those plans into actions. We also value each other's company and enjoy just getting together for good food and conversation.