This conference is the first meeting of counseling psychology and counseling professionals and students in the Southeast. The conference is sponsored by the Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17 of the American Psychological Association), the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Georgia, and the Counseling Center of the Georgia Institute of Technology. The conference tri-chairs are Dr. Ed Delgado-Romero (UGA), Dr. Ruperto Perez (Georgia Tech), and Dr. Barry Chung (Northeastern University, SCP Vice President for Education and Training). This conference is directed at faculty, practitioners, and especially students. We aim to make this conference one where students, faculty, and practitioners can interact and get to know each other across the SE region.

To kick off our first conference we are bringing in two prominent keynoters Dr. Janet Helms and Dr. Larry Gerstein. Please join us in Athens for this event. For more information please contact either Dr. Delgado-Romero (edelgado@uga.edu) or the student co-chairs Jenny Wu (yicwu@uga.edu) or Birma Gainor (birma@uga.edu).

To view up-to-date Schedule Overview information click here.

Keynote Speakers

Janet E. Helms is the Augustus Long Professor in the Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology and Director of the Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture at Boston College. She is President of the Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17 of the American Psychological Association [APA]). Dr. Helms is a Fellow in Division 17 (Counseling Psychology) and Division 45 (Ethnic Diversity) of APA. In addition, she is a member of the Association of Black Psychologists. She has written over sixty empirical and theoretical articles and four books on the topics of racial identity and cultural influences on assessment and counseling practice.

Her Books include A Race Is a Nice Thing to Have (Microtraining Associates) and (with Donelda Cook) Using Race and Culture in Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theory and Process (MA: Allyn & Bacon). Among her many awards: the recipient of the 2002 Leona Tyler Award, awarded by Division 17 in recognition of an outstanding research career, the American Psychological Association's Awards for "Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in Psychology" (2006), and the Award for "Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy" (2008). She was a recipient of the Association of Black Psychologists' 2007 Award for Distinguished Psychologist.

Lawrence H. Gerstein, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center of Peace and Conflict Studies at Ball State University. He is co-editor of the Handbook for Social Justice in Counseling Psychology: Leadership, Vision, and Action. Gerstein has published over 75 scholarly articles and chapters, and serves on numerous editorial boards and professional committees. His expertise is in community, peace, and family psychology, consultation, and research methodology. He is a Fellow of the Counseling Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association.

Gerstein earned his doctorate in counseling and social psychology from the University of Georgia in 1983. He is President of the International Tibet Independence Movement (www.rangzen.org); an organization he co-founded with His Holiness The Dalai Lama's oldest brother, Taktser Rinpoche.

About Your Event

The Georgia Center
The Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center & Hotel, located on the beautiful, historic campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, provides educational conferences, courses, and programs for lifelong learners. A total living and learning environment, the Georgia Center includes a 200-room hotel, restaurants, banquet areas, conference rooms, auditoriums, a fitness center, and a computer lab — all under one roof. As a unit of UGA's Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, the Center brings the University's teaching, research, and service expertise to the people of Georgia and beyond! For more information, visit www.georgiacenter.uga.edu.

Special Needs
If you require special services or have dietary restrictions, contact Holly Blancharcd at 706.542.3395 or holly.blanchard@georgiacenter.com@georgiacenter.uga.edu prior to April 17, 2009.

Lodging at the Georgia Center Hotel
For your convenience, a block of rooms is being held for your event until 5:00 p.m. ET, March 26, 2009. Policies: (1) Tax Exemption — The State of Georgia only allows tax-exempt charges for a payment by a state-issued credit card or check or by a direct bill to a state agency (with a Georgia State Tax Exemption Certificate). (2) Lodging Cancellation — Cancel your reservation by 4:00 p.m. ET the day prior to your scheduled arrival to avoid being charged one night's room and tax. (3) Check-in is 4:00 p.m. ET; checkout is 11:00 a.m. ET. (4) At check-in, you must present your method of payment or a completed credit card authorization form (call 800-884-1381 for a copy, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET).

Travel Information
Athens, Georgia, is located about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta. For directions and airport shuttle information, see www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/directions. A parking deck is located adjacent to the Center ($10 per night; vehicle height limit, 7 feet). Athens is served by Athens-Ben Epps Airport as well as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is located about 90 minutes southwest of Athens. Scheduled ground shuttle service and rental car services are available between Hartsfield-Jackson and the Georgia Center.

Event Cancellation Policies
(1) A cancellation received by 5:00 p.m. ET on or before April 15, 2009, will be refunded, minus a $35 processing fee. No refunds will be issued thereafter; substitutions will be allowed. (2) To change or cancel your registration, call 800-884-1381, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. (3) If an event is cancelled for any reason, the Georgia Center will not be responsible for any charges related to travel.

Registration