Community and DEI

The psychology department is a community that values justice, diversity, free inquiry and equal opportunity. We uphold the importance of civility and mutual understanding, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, sex, gender, disability, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other protected class. 

Learn more about our community, and the ways in which we strive to strengthen it, by exploring the below. 

Student Representatives

The psychology department proudly involves student input through the “Major Representatives” (“Major Reps”) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Representatives (“DEI Reps”). 

DEI Reps promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the department. Their roles may include

  • Meeting with the faculty DEI Liaison to generate and carry out DEI-centered actions
  • Discussing student concerns or feedback regarding DEI with the faculty DEI Liaison 
  • Coordinating the Psychology Department Partner Program with the faculty DEI Liaison 
  • Contributing to monthly newsletters that help bring the community together

Meet your 2023-2024 DEI reps, Doudou Tshiyena, Ashlyn Darling, and Sankeerthna Vedamtam

Major Reps liaise between students and faculty, helping to build community in the department. Their roles may include:

  • Talking with current or interested majors/minors about coursework and research in the department
  • Planning gatherings or events that bring the department together
  • Serving as a bridge to liaise between students and faculty
  • Providing input on faculty searches (i.e., possible new hires) and soliciting feedback from students on candidates 

Meet Your 2024-2025 Major Reps: Mackenzie Keesor, Miracle Liu, and Sofia Vinci

Psychology Department Newsletters

Each month, the department sends a newsletter to psychology majors, minors and faculty. The goals of our newsletters are to build a sense of community and connection in the department, highlight our ongoing commitment to DEI work, and consolidate and share information about upcoming events that students may be interested in. 

You can explore our previous newsletters at the links below:

Psychology Partner Program

The Psychology Partner Program is a peer-to-peer program designed to connect students with the goal of fostering inclusion and belonging within the psychology department. It is currently open to psychology minors and majors. 

Students interested in joining the program can indicate that they are looking for guidance navigating the psychology major/minor and/or finding research opportunities (i.e., a ‘mentor-mentee’ relationship); or express a more general interest in connecting with another student who may (or may not) have a similar background or interests. Partnerships can evolve naturally—meeting as often as students would like throughout the year.

If you are interested in joining, please contact the DEI faculty liaison: Prof Laura Grafe (lgrafe@brynmawr.edu).