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Student Organizations
- Drs. Kenn Barron and Arnie Kahn
light the candles of students inducted
into Psi Chi, the National Honor Society of
Psychology
Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)
The JMU Chapter of the Student Circle of the Association of Black Psychologists is an organization of like-minded Black scholars dedicated to enhancing the psychological well-being of individuals of African descent. The members of the Student Circle are students of mental health committed to both the liberation of the Black mind and to the development of optimal functioning among people of African descent. The group recognizes the need for unity among Black psychologists and they are preparing to become future leaders. The goals of the Student Circle are (1) to organize student input into The Association, (2) to develop programs which benefit students, (3) to aid students in the process of entering and succeeding in graduate school and (4) to promote psychology as a major and as a profession among both graduate and undergraduate students. For more information about ABPsi see http://www.abpsi.org/.
Psi Chi
Psi Chi is the national honor society in Psychology. Its purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain scholarship in Psychology and to promote scientific advancement in the field. Psi Chi members are very involved with our local chapter's activities. The chapter frequently sponsors guest speakers, and conducts a variety of community service activities. Psi Chi is affiliated with the American Psychological Association and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. Students elected to membership in the JMU Chapter of Psi Chi also become members of the national organization.
Membership is available to students who have completed at least 9 semester hours of Psychology. You must have declared a Psychology Major, and have completed at least 40 total credit hours of college courses with a cumulative grade point averages of at least 3.30 with no less than a 3.50 grade point average in Psychology to be eligible for Psi Chi membership.
During the first month of each semester JMU's Psi Chi chapter sends invitations to join the chapter to all students who meet this GPA requirement. Additional information is available in the Peer Advising Office.
Psychology Club
Membership in the Psychology Club is open to all students with an interest in Psychology. The JMU Psychology Club sponsors a variety of activities for the academic and professional enrichment of its members. Many of these activities are held in cooperation with the JMU Chapter of Psi Chi. The Psychology Club is very active in community service, as well as campus events, such as JMU's annual participation in Relay for Life. Often during weekly meetings, faculty or speakers from the community are invited to discuss career opportunities, research, or professional interests. Other Psychology Club events include bowling and picnics. The Psychology Club provides students with a great opportunity to meet other people with common interests and to get to know faculty members. For more information about Psychology Club activities and membership, contact the Psychology Club Co-Presidents, Jaimie Hensley (hensleja@jmu.edu) and Hannah Shinozaki (shinozhr@jmu.edu).
Peer Advising
Peer Advisors are advanced Psychology students who are trained to provide academic and career information to Psychology Majors and prospective students. They conduct individual sessions with students, group informational sessions, contribute to the Psychology newsletter, and serve as ambassadors of the Department of Psychology at special events. Students train to be peer advisors during their Junior year and serve as advisors, assisting with the training of new students during their senior year. Two credits per semester are earned using these training and service experiences. For more information, contact the Peer Advising Office in Miller 1106, 568-6214.
Psychologists for Sustainability
The purpose of Psychologists for Sustainability (PFS) is to promote education, awareness, and action regarding environmental issues and sustainability within the psychology major and throughout the JMU community. Members of Psychologists for Sustainability will: (1) Inform the student body of threats to student health on campus, (2) Coordinate with other groups on projects, and (3) Organize events to improve the environment at JMU and in Harrisonburg For more information contact organization secretary Sharon Lockaby (lockabsd@jmu.edu) or faculty advisor Dr. Pam Gibson (gibsonpr@jmu.edu) .
Professional Organizations
Many professional organizations in Psychology, such as the American Psychological Association (APA), American Psychological Society (APS) and the Virginia Psychological Association (VPA), offer the opportunity for undergraduates to become student affiliates or student members. Students should contact the Peer Advising office or their faculty advisors to learn more about student affiliation in professional organizations.
The American Psychological Association offers students reduced membership rates as well as several benefits. Student members can subscribe to professional journals for discounted prices and will receive several APA publications automatically as part of the membership package. Being a member of APA is an excellent way of keeping informed about current trends in your field. Applications may be obtained from the Peer Advising Office in Miller 1106.
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Psychology students are strongly encouraged to attend professional conferences. Conferences are a great way to learn about cutting-edge developments in the subfields of Psychology that interest you. By attending conferences, you will meet fellow undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and professionals in the field. From conversations with these individuals you will be better prepared to develop your own career. There are many opportunities for students who participate in research projects or conduct their own research to present their work at state, regional or national conferences. Ask your research advisor about these opportunities. They are often announced in the Psychology E-mail News.
Helpful Links
Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)
American Psychological Association
