Student Committee

Division 33 Student Committee

Mission: To enhance the academic and professional development of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postbaccalaureate trainees in Division 33 by providing opportunities for advocacy, leadership, networking, research, and training within the division.

 Values: We value engaging student and postbac members of Division 33. We value the visibility and accessibility of opportunities for research and leadership in Division 33. We seek to foster an environment where student voices are heard and elevated within Division 33. We are committed to diversity and seek to foster a culture of inclusion, including (but not limited to) students and postbacs with lived experience through ASD/IDD identities and representation of students and postbacs from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. 

 Goals: The Division 33 Student and Postbaccalaureate Committee aims to serve the following functions: 

  • Provide a communication network for undergraduate/graduate students and Postbacs to connect with psychologists, professionals, and self-advocates in the field of ASD/IDD.

  • Facilitate professional support and development through peer mentorship programs, workshops, and panels.

  • Provide and share resources related to training and professional development in the field of ASD/IDD.

  • Provide a space for students to voice their academic, training, and professional needs and goals.

  • Serve as a liaison between Division 33 student and postbac members and Division 33 Executive Committee members.

  • Foster student leadership.

  • Collaborate with Committee Leaders and Division 33 Executive Committee members to develop a long-term strategic plan for the committee. 

 Benefits to Students and Trainees of Division 33 Membership:

- A newsletter, Psychology in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorder, with a column focused on issues of relevance to Students and Trainees

- Annual APA convention programming focusing on issues relevant to students and professionals in the IDD/ASD field and participation in the Division program at the APA annual convention

- Networking with others interested in psychology and IDD/ASD

- Access to information and resources relevant to students and trainees

- Representation on the APA Division 33 Executive Committee

 For membership information: http://www.division33.org/membership

 Interested in joining the Division 33 Student Committee?

We accept student and postbac members on a rolling basis. If you are interested in joining, please fill out our interest form: https://forms.gle/umkAATASyv35UTMT6

 If you have any questions, please email Committee Co-Chairs Laurel (labenjamin@health.ucsd.edu) and Jackie (jmoffitt@miami.edu). 

 Current Division 33 Student Committee Leaders:

- Laurel Benjamin (Co-Chair), San Diego State University/University of California San Diego

- Jacquelyn Moffitt (Co-Chair), University of Miami

- Ben VanHook, George Mason University

- Samantha Harker, Arizona State University