The Noteworthy Notebook

Each issue of the Observer summarizes activities, achievements, and plans of the APS Student Caucus (APSSC) in “The Student Notebook” section. Although the main purpose of the Notebook is to keep APSSC members informed of student activities and opportunities, it also serves another important purpose: It reminds us all that student members contribute significantly to the functioning of APS and are, of course, essential for the future of APS.

As those of us who read the Notebook know, the APSSC is an organization of the student affiliates of APS. It was founded by a small group of graduate and undergraduate students who met at the first APS convention in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1989. The first two APSSC presidents, Kathie Chwalisz and Kenn White, and the APSSC Executive Council, have provided highly effective and efficient leadership. In less than two years they have established 28 chapters and have developed a very active set of programs aimed at enhancing students’ opportunities in education and research in psychological science and providing information and experiences that aid students’ career development. The APSSC works to recruit student members of APS, it stimulates the chapters to develop active programs, it encourages students to participate in the annual APS convention, including the special program organized by the APSSC, it promotes communication among the chapters, and it keeps the APS Board well informed of its activities, plans, and aspirations (not to mention its financial needs and concerns!).

When APS first metamorphosed out of ASAP in the late Summer of 1988, the first (as well as at least the second and third) priority was to recruit members. As we all know, the recruiting efforts were highly successful: A strong membership base was quickly established and the membership continues to grow. In retrospect, I doubt that many of the founders of APS anticipated the rapid emergence of strong student interest in and commitment to APS. Although it is fair to say that the APS Board and the APS Office have encouraged student involvement, the student members deserve the credit for providing the enthusiasm and energy as well as the organizational skills that have resulted in the strong and continually increasing student membership.

In supporting the efforts of the APSSC, the APS is investing in its own future. After all, if the programs of the APSSC continue to be successful, and there is every reason to believe that they will, APS is the beneficiary. The next generation of APS members will have the benefit of knowing, first hand, the critical importance of the APSSC. In the meantime, the present generation would do well to acknowledge the APSSC’s role and thank the APSSC Executive Council and the chapters for their contribution to the development of APS. Simply put — thanks.