By Tia Keys
Writing competitions on campus through Psi Beta are encouraging students to do original research and write on topics in psychology in hopes to highlight talented students at College of Southern Nevada.
Psi Beta, a national honor society for psychology that has a chapter at CSN, recently sponsored two writing competitions for students to enter.
The CSN Student Research Paper Competition and Psi Beta National Research Paper provided opportunities for students to submit 12-page essays on psychology-related topics such as positive and abnormal psychology anchoring it in statistical methods and research.
Two students submitted for the competition, which closed on April 15, according to Ky Wimpfheimer, faculty organizer.
Each winner will receive a certificate, will be invited to a special ceremony and will win cash awards up to $600. They will also see their works published.
“We just started these new competitions this year,” Wimpfheimer said. “It’s a great opportunity for students to bring their creative-writing strategies to the table. Students that participate in student competition and perform well will have a chance to come face to face with the Psi Beta National Competitors, which holds over 1,000 writers worldwide.”
“We have some great academically high-performing students here at CSN,” Wimpfheimer said. “I know we have students who can write, so I want to be able to highlight the great students at CSN and honor them.”
Faculty including Wimpfheimer, Danielle Richards, Melodye Lenner and Jerry Hodges were involved in processing and judging the submitted works. Student writers’ personal information was kept confidential to allow the critique process to be fair.
Dr. Jerry Rudmann, Psi Beta executive director, helped initiate the writing competitions at CSN.
“I love the program,” Rudmann said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for students to participate in programs and share their findings. I’m encouraged to see a number of applicants each year from students.”
Gabriela Loucel, a CSN student, said, “I think it’s a good idea. It’s cool that you get money if you win.”
Nancy Chaidez, a CSN student, mentioned how this opportunity was great for students who like to write.
“I was unaware of both new writing competitions here at CSN but it’s definitely something I want to look into,” said Amari Jackson, CSN student.
The competition is held once a year so there will be other opportunities for students to get involved next year.
Coyote Student News at the College of Southern Nevada 