Psi Chi Online Resources Prepare Future Generations of Psychologists and Leaders!

Founded in 1929, Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, continues to find exciting new ways to support current and future professionals in psychology. Membership is open to psychology undergraduate and graduate students, transfer students, full-time and part-time faculty members, and alumni. Well-known long-time benefits of Psi Chi include awards and grantsopens in new window, publication opportunities in Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Researchopens in new window, educational content in Eye on Psi Chi magazineopens in new window, and international recognition for academic excellence. However, you may not be aware that the organization also regularly releases new content across eight publication platformsopens in new window, disseminates psychology-related job opportunitiesopens in new window, and sells graduation regalia and other merch through an online storeopens in new window. One notable development that I would like to share has been the creation of a plethora of special online resources, all of which are available free online. Which of these would come in handy for you?

The future is bright as Psi Chi continues to prepare an ever-growing number of psychology students and professionals to apply their education in the workplace and advance the science of psychology. To become a member of Psi Chi, see the membership eligibility webpageopens in new window. And if you don’t already have a local Psi Chi chapter at your four-year college or university, learn about starting a new chapteropens in new window.

Committee-Led Resources

During the past decade, Psi Chi has established four committees, each of which maintain special programs featured on their respective online resource pages. These committees include the Research Advisory Committee, Diversity Advisory Committee, Global Initiatives Advisory Committee (previously known as the International Advisory Committee), and the Faculty Support Advisory Committee. Take a peek at their resources below and the unique opportunities provided by each.

Research Resourceopens in new window Those interested in research opportunities and polishing their research-related skills need look no further. Each year, Psi Chi’s Research resource promotes annual crowd-sourced projects, which students and faculty alike can join in order to gain data collection and even research writing experiences. A monthly #PsiChiR contest lets participants compete for sticker prizes as they practice the free R software for data analysis. And you can also explore databases of popular scientific measures and new studies by Psi Chi members that are currently seeking online participants (please take a few surveys to help them out, if you don’t mind!). There is plenty more included in this resource, such as latest news, the mission and purpose for the committee, and articles about research writing, ethics, and mentorship. Take a moment to explore these opportunities!
Diversity Resourceopens in new window Embracing people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives is highly important in order for Psi Chi to advance the field of psychology. This resource includes Diversity Video shorts, diversity-related awards and grants, and suggestions for diversity-related activities that you can host for your local Psi Chi chapter or class. See Psi Chi’s Diversity and Inclusion Statement and experience special diversity-related content, which is broken down into the following categories: social justice/inclusion, race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual identity, first-generation students, physical and other disabilities, refugee and immigrant status, and social class.
Global Initiatives Resourceopens in new window This resource is chiefly concerned with opportunities to increase Psi Chi’s and your international reach. To accomplish this, you’ll find opportunities to become an international ambassador as well as instructions to join Psi Chi’s IPALs (International Partners and Leaders) program. IPALs pairs Psi Chi chapters from around the globe so that they can partner virtually to form collaborations and new friendships. In this resource, you can also see upcoming international conventions, study-abroad opportunities, and instructions for starting a new chapter, whether in the United States or beyond!
Faculty Support Resourceopens in new window The newest of the four committees has already gotten off to a great start by establishing a Professional Development Grant for Teachers of Psychologyopens in new window. Available in both spring and fall, this new grant helps teachers of psychology to develop or purchase educational materials and/or training by covering the costs of books, conference attendance, workshops, licensure preparation, and professional activities, such as teacher training. This resource is also valuable for students looking to become faculty members themselves, as well as for graduate students that may begin to teach courses. The new teaching grant is broadly open to all Psi Chi members who are teaching psychology, including graduate teaching assistants. Go ahead and explore this resource to learn about its mission, committee members, and latest news. Links to educational content to nurture faculty are also featured.

Additional Psi Chi Resources

Over the years, staff at Psi Chi Headquarters have also created and maintained multiple online resources that anyone can access. Goals for these resources include supporting people’s professional development, embracing diversity, and inspiring member/chapter success. Keep these in mind for the next time you wish to enhance your resumé, recognize people of diverse backgrounds in psychology, or make the most of membership in Psi Chi!

About the author

In 2013, Bradley Cannon joined the Psi Chi Headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally an intern, he is now Psi Chi’s full-time writer/managing editor, working closely with Psi Chi’s department of communications and the editorial team of Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research. Bradley received a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.