Dear STP ECP Committee,
I’ll be attending STP ACT for the first time this year. Since it is now virtual, my usual conference strategies won’t work! Any advice on what to expect or what an ECP should look out for?
Thanks!
E-Conference Rookie

Dear E-Conference Rookie,

As you know, the Society for the Teaching of Psychology 20th Annual Conference on Teaching (ACT) is almost here! As an STP member, registration is only $25 — you just need to register on the website. If you’re not already a member of STP (or need to renew), registration is $50 - and comes with one year of membership to STP!

As with ACT 2020, ACT 2021 will once again be virtual. Based on how awesome last year’s meeting was, and how hard our current conference director has been working to switch from the in-person plans, this is shaping up to be an excellent meeting. Synchronous sessions will take place on Thursday October 14 and Friday, October 15, and asynchronous presentations as well as posters will also be available through the STP website.

If you are new to the conference or curious about the line-up of events, make sure you explore the full schedule. However, here are a few activities that we would recommend for a first-time ECP attendee (or any ECP attendee, really!). They will provide you with many opportunities for professional development and networking.

Important to note as you pencil these into your agenda: ALL TIMES BELOW ARE EASTERN TIME.

Take part in the ECP Speed Mentoring Event

• We are excited to announce that our 3rd annual Speed Mentoring session kicks off the start of ACT! This is completely FREE to those who have registered for the event.

• It will take place on Sunday, October 10 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. 

• Speed Mentoring is a one-time event (the mentors are not signing on for a longer-term mentoring relationship) with minimal prep necessary, and more details will be sent to registrants when the time gets closer. Mentees will be able to meet with more than one mentor.

• Registration is now closed for this event, but please keep an eye out for it next year - it’s always lots of fun!

Attend the Keynotes and other synchronous events (including symposia, idea exchanges, and teaching demos) on Thursday and Friday

• In addition to presentations and workshops, there’s also time to socialize! Thursday at 5:45pm and Friday at 4:30pm will be excellent chances for some less structured games and socializing.

• Make sure you explore the full schedule! 

Participate in the Professional Development Workshop presented by your ECP Committee

• We welcome all ECPs to our synchronous session, The Holistic ECP: Centering Values, Boundaries, and Equity as Cornerstones of Career Decisions

• It will take place on Friday, October 15 from 2-3 pm.

As a final tip, please do ask questions, reach out to meet folks, and share your thoughts during the events - we may be biased, but we think STP can be a fabulously welcoming place! We look forward to seeing you at these activities and around other scheduled events. Please feel free to reach out to any of us at any time during the conference. We’d love to meet you!

Do you have any other ideas or questions for your ECP Committee? Fill out this simple form https://goo.gl/forms/LiPmPmgyq2VNyKGy1 and your question may be featured in an upcoming column. 

Sincerely,

Your STP Early Career Psychologists Committee

Courtney Gosnell, Ph.D.

Karenna Malavanti, Ph.D.

Albee Mendoza, Ph.D.

Molly Metz, Ph.D.

Janet Peters, Ph.D.

Daniel Storage, Ph.D.