The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has reinstated its club – Psi Chi: The International Honor Society in Psychology. As the name implies, Psi Chi is an internationally recognized organization, not to be confused with the University Honors Program, that provides many benefits to club members, including lifelong membership, scholarships, research opportunities, funding, and career resources. As an international organization, Psi Chi has chapters established at over 1,000 universities, including La Sierra. The first Psi Chi chapter was established at La Sierra University in 2000 and has since inducted more than 100 students, solidifying its place as an important student club. This year, the officers of Psi Chi, led by Honors students, have worked hard to expand the La Sierra chapter and share the benefits of the club with psychology and neuroscience students.
President Shaiana Taylor, Vice President Abigail Foldenaur,
and Secretary Uloma Nwosu.
My name is Shaiana Taylor. I am an Honors student, and I am the President of the La Sierra University 2025-2026 Psi Chi chapter. Alongside my fellow club officers (Vice President Abigail Foldenaur, Secretary Uloma Nwosu, and Public Relations Officer Shani Taylor), we have begun working on initiatives to help increase community in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department. Through surveys and discussions with students who came by our booth at the H.U.B. Fair, we have begun planning events to engage students for the coming school year.
One of the things that students can look forward to this year is study sessions. Students will be able to hang out in the department study lounge and help each other study and prepare for classes that their peers may have taken. This event will specifically aim to support students in the Methods and Statistics class to learn and practice the complex course materials with the support of the students who have been in their shoes, creating a comfortable peer-led environment. A Kahoot made by the course TA will also provide a fun way to memorize the material for the midterms. All Psychology and Neuroscience students will be welcome to these sessions to get help with any classwork outside of course time and office hours. And, of course, snacks and flashcards will be provided to assist in creating the most efficient study period!
In December, a movie night will bring a creative element as well. Students can watch an old holiday film while writing cards for local community members in the hospital or other care facilities. Snacks and fun times will allow students a moment to destress from studying for upcoming final papers, exams, or projects. The outreach of writing encouraging and uplifting cards for those in need will be our first effort to move beyond the La Sierra University campus.
Our officers are additionally planning a Psychology and Neuroscience colloquium for Spring Quarter. We will have a panel of graduate students, medical school students, and career professionals who can engage in discussions with our students. The event will also have small groups so that undergraduate students feel comfortable asking questions and discussing with professionals.
Beyond this school year, I hope Psi Chi continues to embrace the campus community and keep students at the forefront of event planning once I have graduated. In casual discussions with my peers, they have told me about their desire to know and make connections with other students in the department. As membership increases, events will range from these on-campus departmental communities to off-campus activities, which may include joining other Psi Chi chapters in their events, community service projects and opportunities, and more talks with career professionals and higher education students.
Overall, the La Sierra University 2025-2026 Psi Chi chapter is committed to our department’s students. Look out for our Psi Chi club at campus events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting (Fall Quarter) and Festival of Nations (Spring Quarter), or by following us on Instagram!
– Shaiana Taylor, Class of 2026: Psychology