Northwest Missouri State University’s chapter of the Psi Chi international honor society of psychology has been designated a Psi Chi Model Chapter for 2020-21, marking the third designation in four years for the chapter.

“It is such an honor to be one of the 32 chapters who were named a model chapter, especially in such a strange year where we weren’t even able to meet face-to-face,” said Hannah McCain, a senior psychology major from Oak Grove, Missouri, and the president of Northwest’s Psi Chi chapter, referring to the challenges chapters navigated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psi Chi annually recognizes just 3 percent of its chapters as Model Chapters, a designation of healthy and active chapters working within the communities they serve. This year, Model Chapters were recognized by meeting nine objectives that include inducting new members and keeping their officers updated and trained. The Northwest chapter also was recognized as a Model Chapter during 2017-18 and 2019-20.

The Northwest chapter stays active by hosting events such as a research showcase featuring poster presentations as well as study sessions and movie nights.

Psi Chi’s mission is to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship, to advance the science of psychology. Undergraduate and graduate students must major or minor in a behavioral sciences program and be in the top 35 percent of their class based on GPA to be accepted into Psi Chi.

McCain said the impact of Psi Chi membership goes beyond students’ time at Northwest.

“One of the biggest things Psi Chi does for students is it gives them a place to connect with like-minded peers that genuinely care for them and are there to support them in their scholarship,” McCain said. “It’s so nice to be a part of a group where we’re all taking similar classes and can reach out for help understanding concepts or just general tips for surviving particularly challenging classes.”

Students interested in joining Psi Chi can apply by clicking this link. Applications are open until Oct. 1.

For more information, contact advisors Dr. Keely Cline at kcline@nwmissouri.edu or Dr. Bradlee Gamblin at bgamblin@nwmissouri.edu.