School Psychology Student Organization

(SPSO)

The University of Montana School Psychology Student Organization is made up of graduate students in the School Psychology Program. Started in 2007, it aims to increase awareness of school psychology as a discipline. For example, members of the group undertake various outreach activities to teach the campus and wider community about the field of school psychology. The SPSO also serves as a liaison between student and faculty regarding programmatic issues. Further, the SPSO provides a forum in which students can join together to plan and carry out services events.

Activities/Events

Relay for Life
On Friday April 25th the School Psychology Student Organization participated in American Cancer Society Relay for Life event. Despite the cold temperatures, our team came out ready to walk. The SPSO raised over $1,300 and placed fourth, of forty one teams, for money raised. Brice Cordier raised $645 and placed second out of 370 participants. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success.

Pictures from the event:

Constitution

I. Title
The University of Montana’s student run school psychology organization will be known as the School Psychology Student Organization of The University of Montana (SPSO).

II. Purpose
The organization purports to:

• Increase communication between members of the school psychology community at the University of Montana
• Increase awareness in the greater Missoula community about school psychology
• Invite speakers and professionals in the field to present their research and areas of expertise
• Reach out to the Missoula community through increased community involvement

III. Membership
All students of the University of Montana may join the School Psychology Association. Members of the school psychology program at the university will be encouraged to join. Interested students can join at any time during the school year. All members may terminate membership at any time and for any undisclosed reason.

IV. Dues
Members will be asked to give an optional donation to the group. Any member who chooses not to give will not be excluded from the group of any of the activities sponsored by SPSO.

V. Executive Board
Members of the School Psychology Association will elect members by majority vote:
                   President
                   Vice President
                   Secretary
                   Treasurer

Members will vote annually for the three positions. When an officer abdicates his or her position, an election will be held to fill the position.

Officers will fulfill the following responsibilities.

President:
Structure the meetings
Oversee the events planned by the organization

Vice-President:
Assist president with his/her responsibilities
Promote membership

 Secretary:
Record and disseminate information about the meeting
Prepare arrangements for holding meeting (reserve and set up room, post information about meeting times and places)
Update member list and contact information for all members

Treasurer:
Annual budget
Oversee request for funds from members

VI. Meetings
The SPSO will meet regularly (3 times per semester) to discuss any current issues within the school psychology program, to plan events sponsored by the organization, and to create a forum for new ideas for the program and organization.

VII. Hazing
Hazing will not be tolerated. There will be no initiation into the program that includes any involuntary activity or harm to new members. Membership is voluntary.

VIII. Rules and Responsibilities
The School Psychology Association will follow the rules put forth by the Student Handbook for the School Psychology Program.

IX. Advisor
A faculty member from the school psychology department will serve as the School Psychology Student Organization advisor. This faculty member will obtain a copy of the ASUM recognition form, oversee all SPSO activities and receives a copy of the minutes from all meetings.