By: Jordan Davis

The Psychology Graduate Students for Inclusivity (PGSI) is a group that aims to promote diversity and inclusivity within the Temple University's Psychology Department and the field as a whole. PGSI takes a broad approach to diversity, focusing on the inclusion of individuals of various races, nationalities, sexual and gender identities, religions, educational backgrounds, health statuses, and socioeconomic statuses. PGSI is comprised of four arms.

The Process Arm allocates time and space for graduate students to discuss national and departmental issues with the goal of continually improving cultural competency. The Admissions Arm works to ensure that the graduate admissions process reaches out to and supports applicants from diverse backgrounds. The External Resources Arm organizes and promotes networking and connections to external organizations (e.g., similar groups at other universities, cultural competency training programs). Finally, the Undergraduate Arm supports the recruitment of students from diverse backgrounds to the field of Psychology.

A major goal of the Undergraduate Arm is to ensure that Temple undergraduates: 1) know about the career possibilities within the field of Psychology and 2) know what steps to take to successfully pursue those careers. The Undergraduate Arm has hosted 8 events targeted at increasing the preparedness of Temple undergraduates for graduate school and future careers in Psychology. These events have included workshops providing techniques to help students find research and clinical positions both during and after college: workshops providing tips for CVs, resumes, cover letters, and interviews; workshops providing tips and tricks for those taking the GRE; and a free GRE practice test.

The Undergraduate Arm has also set up a mentoring program that matches current undergraduates with graduate students who can provide one-on-one advice and guidance. Going forward, PGSI is also interested in organizing an informational summer program for undergraduates who are interested in learning more about graduate school and careers in Psychology.

Interested in getting involved with PGSI? Have ideas for ways PGSI can better reach out to and support undergraduate and/or graduate students in the Psychology Department? Contact Amber (amber.graham@temple.edu), Martha (martha.fahlgren@temple.edu), or Jordan (jordan.davis@temple.edu)!