Student Affiliates in School Psychology

The student who is informed of and involved in professional issues today forms the nexus to a strong discipline in the future. The Student Affiliates in School Psychology (SASP) is an organization formed under the auspices of the Division 16 Executive Committee. Currently, it is the only student affiliation of its kind within this discipline. This organization is designed to keep graduate students apprised of issues pertaining to school psychology as well as participating in activities that will further strengthen the discipline in the future.

Message From the 2014 President

Greetings SASP Members, 

As your 2014 SASP president, I must first thank the 2013 SASP executive board. The cohesion and drive of the board has exemplified student leadership at its finest.  I was truly privileged to have the opportunity to work with such an outstanding group of individuals. Without your tireless work throughout the year, our current board would not be continuing into such a robust student organization. I would like to especially thank Jennifer Cooper, 2013 president, for her leadership and mentorship throughout the year. I’d like to thank the entire SASP board for their contributions, as what were once merely ideas, have now become successes for SASP and Div. 16.  We wish you the best in your future endeavors and know all of you will continue to flourish as professionals and leaders in the field of school psychology.

I would also like to thank everyone who participated in the 2014 SASP executive board elections this year. Thanks especially to all those who ran for an elected position.   The 2014 elections were an excellent turnout for both nominations and votes, and one of the reasons for this was the number of exceptional candidates at each position. SASP is glad to see that so many individuals have an interest in leadership and hope that this demand continues in years to come. 

Last but not least, to our SASP members. Please feel free to contact me throughout the year with your input regarding how we can better serve our members and make lasting student contributions to the field of school psychology. 

David Cheng, 2014 SASP President

The Purpose of SASP

The purpose of SASP is highly coordinated with the objectives of Division 16 of APA in that they seek to adhere to following:

  • To promote and maintain high standards of professional education and training within the specialty, and to expand appropriate scientific and scholarly knowledge and the pursuit of scientific affairs;

  • To increase effective and efficient conduct of professional affairs, including the practice of psychology within the schools and across other settings;

  • To support the ethical and social responsibilities of the specialty, to encourage opportunities for ethnic minority participation in the specialty, and to provide opportunities for professional fellowship;

  • To encourage and support publications, communications, and conferences regarding the activities, interests, and concerns within the specialty on a regional, national, and international basis.

  • To collaborate/cooperate with individuals, groups, and organizations in the shared realization of the Division objectives

In addition to these goals, SASP seeks to represent the graduate students within the field of school psychology through the following:

  • To facilitate and collaborate with Division 16 to promote the training and professional development of graduate students within the field;

  • To serve as an information resource that will disperse school psychology-related information to its members;

  • To promote graduate student leadership development in order to communicate with and advocate for the concerns of school psychology graduate students;

  • To maintain and disseminate current happenings within the field in order to keep graduate students aware of the issues that are ongoing within the discipline at a global level (ie. legislation, professional and ethical issues, internship and employment opportunities);

  • To serve as a means of advocacy for graduate students within APA and Division 16 Governance.