Whether students are psychology majors or simply fascinated by the workings of the human mind, Parkland College offers a unique opportunity for psychology enthusiasts with the combined groups of Psi Beta and Psychology Club. Through their collaboration, the Psi Beta Psychology Club integrates the academic excellence and leadership of Psi Beta with the inclusive nature of the Psychology Club.
While both organizations engage in many of the same activities together, they offer distinct experiences and benefits.
Psychology Club
The Psychology Club is open to all students who are interested in psychology and there are no GPA or course requirements to join. It provides a space for students to explore various aspects of psychology through events and activities.
“The Psychology Club is like, hey, psych is interesting. It’s kind of cool, I want to hang out with other people who like psych-y things,” says Sarah Grison, the advisor of the combined Psi Beta Psychology Club. “No commitments, no requirements, no fee to join, come and go as you please.”
Grison goes on to explain how the Psychology Club offers many of the same opportunities that they offer for Psi Beta. The purpose in doing so is to get them on the transitional track if they decide that they want to further pursue psychology and move up to Psi Beta.
Psi Beta: National Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Beta is the national honor society in psychology for community colleges. It aims to promote excellence in scholarships, leadership, research and community service among psychology students. To be invited to Psi Beta, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25, have completed 12 credit hours and have earned an A or B in a psychology course. There is also a one-time membership fee of $50.
Students in Psi Beta also need to have an enduring interest in psychology. “It does not need to be their major, but they need to be interested [in psychology] either personally or for a future profession or something like that,” says Grison.
How the Two Clubs “Merge”
Psi Beta and Psychology Club are two organizations in one. By combining Psi Beta and Psychology Club, there are opportunities for all students who are interested in psychology. This allows students to benefit from the professional opportunities of the honor society while enjoying the inclusivity and engagement of Psychology Club.
If you are interested in finding out more information about Psi Beta Psychology Club, contact advisor Sarah Grison at sgrison@parkland.edu.
