Interested in psychology and looking for ways to get involved on campus? Join Psi Chi!
The International Honor Society in Psychology, or Psi Chi, was founded in 1929 with the goal of helping to advance the — then relatively young and evolving — science of psychology. The organization boasts almost a million lifetime members, including well-known psychologists B.F. Skinner, Albert Bandura and Phillip Zimbardo. Membership within the organization provides exciting benefits, including more than $400,000 in annual awards, grants and scholarships and access to leadership and research opportunities across the world.
TU is home to one of more than 1,000 Psi Chi Chapters worldwide. The chapter, established in 1946, has brought psychology students together through academic, professional and social opportunities for decades. Today, it has over 25 active members who meet about once a month on Wednesdays at noon in Lorton Hall 207. Led by faculty advisor and former Psi Chi president Dr. Madison Myers-Burg, the club welcomes psychology enthusiasts with and without membership to join meetings and attend events. It allows anyone with an interest in the subject to help shape future plans and get involved, including underclassmen and those without psychology majors and minors. From her experiences as a student, Dr. Myers-Burg noted that Psi Chi exposed her to the many career opportunities within psychology and helped her gain insight into the path that was best for her. As an advisor, she stated that it is “nice getting to know the community and fellow psych majors,” while creating an avenue for students and professors to connect within the department.
Last semester, Psi Chi hosted a study session with free pizza and Redbulls during midterms, a Valentine’s bake sale and an induction ceremony for new members. This year, they are looking to host volunteer events, study sessions and lunch and learn events with psychology professors. Additionally, they hope to bring in its graduate school members to speak on their experiences after undergrad and give their advice to those considering their next steps after college.
Although it is an honors society, the club’s feel is rather laid back, and focuses on comradery and building a community within the psychology department. Current vice president of the club Kanyinsola Ogundele remarked that it is “much more fun than you would think an honors society would be.” She initially joined the organization for the volunteer work offered along with it being a “good opportunity to get involved in an honors society tailored to my career path.”
In light of the club’s return, the new board is looking to rebuild the organization and increase student involvement. For those who are interested in psychology, Psi Chi is a good opportunity to get involved and connect with fellow students and build a professional network. In order to join, students must have earned a cumulative grade point average that is in the top 35% of their class within the psychology department, and must have completed three semesters or equivalent of full-time college coursework. Even if you do not meet these requirements, you are still more than welcome to join club meetings and events! To learn more about how to become a member, email Dr. Myers-Burg at mam2059@utulsa.edu and follow the Instagram account @psichi_utulsa.
