Student Organizations
psychological Sciences & Counseling department
Student Organizations
Undergraduate Student Organizations
Psi Chi is an international honor society for outstanding students of psychology. Psi Chi offers benefits, including the opportunity to apply for research funding, opportunities to present research, leadership development, and association with a national network of psychologists and other excellent students in the discipline. Professors Blake Bent and Ellen Ratajack sponsor the Valpo chapter of Psi Chi.
The PsychClub is a network of students who gather to share ideas and experiences related to the field of psychology. The club is open to majors, minors, and anyone else interested in psychology. The club offers an opportunity for members to participate in a variety of activities including social events, volunteer projects, and professional events as well as taking an active role in welcoming incoming psychology students. For information regarding the PsychClub, please contact Professor Abbie Thompson.
Graduate Student Organizations
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) is an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling. CSI promotes a strong professional identity through members who contribute to the realization of a healthy society by fostering wellness and human dignity. Its mission is to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership, advocacy, and excellence in counseling and to recognize high attainment in the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling. The CSI chapter at Valparaiso University (Zeta Sigma Chi) was established in 2012 and is dedicated to upholding these values through volunteer activities, such as working with Habitat for Humanity and local food pantries, developing and presenting research related to professional issues in the field, and hosting special training and workshops for students and counseling faculty.
The mission of Valparaiso University’s chapter of Counselors for Social Justice (a division of the American Counseling Association) is to promote social justice in our society through confronting oppressive systems of power and privilege that affect professional counselors and our clients, and to assist in the positive change in our society through the professional development of counselors. Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ) has been a consistent voice for counselors involved in social justice work where members have successfully advocated on a number of issues including: healthcare for women, equal access for individuals with disabilities, issues of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, racism, classism, and immigration. Following the lead of the national organization, the Valpo chapter of CSJ is very energized and engaged – we regularly host events focused on advocacy and inclusion, and building new knowledge through film, discussion, and guest speakers, as well as monthly member meetings.
First-year students take ownership of the chapter leadership, and we are continually open to new members from the whole program. Email for more information!