Student Organizations

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. View more information about ABPsi. For more information please contact the group’s faculty advisor Pamela Gibson (gibsonpr@jmu.edu).

Psi Chi

Drs. Kenn Barron and Arnie Kahn light the candles of students inducted into Psi Chi, the National Honor Society of Psychology 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. For more information please contact the group’s faculty advisor Michael Hall (hallmd@jmu.edu).

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 faculty advisor Craig Abrahamson (abrahace@jmu.edu).

Psychology Service Organization

The Psychology Service Organization exists to make a positive difference as we aim to meet the needs of the JMU community, Harrisonburg community, and the world. They participate in and sponsor various service projects throughout the year including nursing home visits, Habitat for Humanity, Day with the Dukes (Special Olympics Day at JMU), and the annual Food Fight against Hunger. Their core values are Service, Attitude, Leadership, Teamwork, and Excellence. For information on membership and activities please contact Bill Evans (evanswf@jmu.edu).

Active Minds

Interested in promoting positive mental health? Join the JMU chapter of Active Minds, a national organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Active Minds at JMU partners with the Counseling and Student Development Center located in Varner House in order to change the conversation about mental health. To learn what Active Minds is doing, join the mailing list by sending an e-mail to their President (activemindsjmu@gmail.com). More information.

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.

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.

National and Regional Organizations

Announcements

Psychology Peer Advisors Assist Special Olympics

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, sixty Special Olympic athletes from all across the state of Virginia were welcomed to JMU for the 5th annual Day with the Dukes. Read Story >

Department of Psychology