The Psi Chi Honor Society and the Student Psychology Association (SPA) at Illinois State University are two Department of Psychology-sponsored registered student organizations that regularly meet together, and plan activities relevant to students interested in psychology. SPA is open to all interested Illinois State students, while Psi Chi membership is open to psychology majors who meet specific grade criteria and other qualifications.
“Psi Chi and SPA are good ways for psychology majors to see what is available outside of the classroom,” said senior Sarah Caputo. “We discuss various out-of-class experiences that we might not have heard about otherwise.”
Student Psychology Association (SPA)
SPA meetings promote networking with peers and faculty and provide students information on how to become involved within the department. Members are also encouraged to volunteer their time and connect with the community. Some students have chosen to help through PATH Crisis Center, Habitat for Humanity, or Alternative Break.
“I’d say the groups have given me more knowledge and opportunities,” said senior Antonia Calabrese. “I’ve learned about a lot of different ways to get ahead and involved in the department. The information at the meetings makes me feel more prepared.”
Tobi Halladay (skeleton) and Jaime Earl (Pink Freud) dress up for last year’s Psi Chi/SPA Halloween party.
SPA membership is open to any Illinois State student who has an interest in psychology and would like to get involved with both the Department of Psychology and the local community.
Psi Chi Honor Society
The Psi Chi Honor Society is an international society of students devoted to encouraging and maintaining excellence in scholarship while advancing the science of psychology.
There are many benefits to Psi Chi membership. For example, a variety of awards, grants, scholarships, and fellowships are available to both graduate and undergraduate Psi Chi members. These students also have access to certain publications and leadership experiences that would be otherwise unavailable. Finally, membership in an international honor society like Psi Chi looks great on a resume or C.V.
Psi Chi Honor Society membership requirements include:
- Students must have at least three semesters or five quarters of college attendance, including one semester at Illinois State University.
- They must have at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of psychology courses, including two 300-level psychology courses (one 300-level course may be in progress).
- They must have a major or minor in psychology, or be a graduate student in the Department of Psychology.
- Undergraduate students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in courses taken at Illinois State, and a GPA of 3.3 or higher for all Illinois State psychology undergraduate courses, including 300-level courses.
- Graduate students must have an average grade of B+ or better in all graduate courses, including psychology courses.
- Students must maintain high standards of personal behavior.
Psi Chi/SPA meetings at Illinois State University typically take place throughout the academic year on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Moulton 208. Visit the Psi Chi/SPA website to learn more about upcoming meetings and events. To support the Department of Psychology and help enhance its educational mission with advanced teaching methods, guest speakers, and more opportunities for students to learn through research experiences, please consider making a gift to the department through the Illinois State University Foundation.
