Submission Deadline: April 2nd, 2021 The Department of Psychology is seeking candidates for undergraduate awards for this academic year. The Scott Torgesen Award. Offered to the outstanding junior major in psychology. Criteria for selection are grades and other evidence of scholarship and interest in psychology such as research reports, research proposals, term papers, community service related to psychology, or other evidence of promise in the field. The award carries with it a cash prize of $500.* Other things equal, preference will be given to residents of White or Habersham counties in Georgia. The William T. James Award. Offered to the outstanding senior major in psychology. Criteria for selection are grades and other evidence of scholarship and interest in psychology such as research reports, research proposals, term papers, community service related to psychology, or other evidence of promise in the field. Names of award recipients will be inscribed on the William T. James plaque. The winner will also receive a certificate acknowledging the accomplishment, and a cash prize of $100. The student’s submissions should include (A) cover letter, (B) resume or vita showing evidence of scholarship and community service, (C) transcript of courses and grades, (D) two supporting letters from faculty or other appropriate individuals, and (E) a research or term paper. The awards committee anticipates all nominees to have high GPAs and generally strong academic records. Therefore, evidence of scholarship beyond normal classroom demands would be useful components of a successful application. Such evidence would usually take the form of a paper, for example, a description of research projects one has engaged in as a psychology 3000, 4000, or Honors student, any research reports or manuscripts resulting from these projects, or an elaboration of a conceptual paper originally presented as a course requirement. Similarly, documentation of community service or leadership, particularly as they relate to psychology, will be helpful in presenting a competitive application. The David R. Shaffer Excellence in Undergraduate Psychology Research Award. Offered to the most outstanding undergraduate Psychology students who have shown extraordinary success in completion of an independent research project within the field of Psychology. Winners will have presented their research at either the University of Georgia’s Center for Undergraduate Opportunities (CURO) Research Conference or the University of Georgia’s annual Psi Chi Convention of the Behavioral Sciences. The award shall consist of a cash award for first ($600) and, when appropriate, second place ($400) out of the pool of nominees. Additionally, the 1st place awardee will receive a plaque commemorating the award and have their names entered on a permanent public record within the Psychology Department. Criteria for selection are: (A) research project, (B) transcript of grades, (C) cover letter, and (D) resume or vita showing community service related to psychology, and other evidence of promise in the field of psychology. Judge Horace B. Russell Prize. Offered to a major in psychology for the best written work in psychology. The manuscript may be either empirical or theoretical. A $200 prize will be awarded to the winner. Student should submit (A) their written work, (B) their resume or vita, and (C) a cover letter. FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS FOR AWARD APPLICATIONS Students may nominate themselves for these awards. Faculty may also nominate students. Cover letters should be addressed to the Undergraduate Studies Committee, Psychology Department, UGA. Briefly describe yourself and your interests, including your particular interest in either the project you are submitting or reasons why your application should be strongly considered. Application for any of these awards entails developing a resume/vita. The resume should include your name, address, year in school, overall GPA, and GPA within psychology. You should also include sub-sections in your resume which describe your interests and accomplishments. Previous applicants, for example, have had sections featuring work experience, clubs and campus activities, community service, awards and honors (both academic and non-academic), career plans/goals, and research experience. Simply remember to include any evidence that would support your application. How Do I Apply? Send a short email addressed to Dr. Cyterski at cyterski@uga.edu simply expressing an interest in applying. You will be added to an ELC page entitled Psychology Undergraduate Awards, 2021 within a few days of receipt. From here, go to Assignments and find the assignment for the award to which you’d like to apply. Upload your supporting materials formatted either as .pdf or .docx documents. Winners will be notified by email and award recipients will be announced at the Psychology Department Awards Ceremony, date TBD. Deadline for receipt of materials is April 2nd, 2021. When submitting letters of rec, the recommenders can send those separately (and directly to cyterski@uga.edu) making sure to have the Applicant’s name in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed and winners will be decided by the consensus of the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Winners will be notified by email prior to the Awards Ceremony. This information may be downloaded here: Awards information.
