Department of Psychology Wins PCEMI Award

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is proud to congratulate its Department of Psychology, which recently received the 2014 President’s Commission on Ethnic Minority Issues (PCEMI) Instructional Unit Achievement Award.

The award recognizes the Department’s outstanding contributions to the University’s equity efforts. Among the many ways that the Department demonstrates its commitment to diversity are the following initiatives and efforts:

·        The Diversity and Climate Committee, which provides input to Department leadership on a broad range of matters related to diversity and inclusion;

·        The Multicultural Association for Psychology Students (MAPS), an undergraduate committee that, in coordination with a faculty advisor, addresses a wide range of issues including career development and preparation for graduate school;

·        Undergraduate and graduate course offerings which promote the consideration of multicultural facets in the field;

·        The Diversity Scholar Research Assistantship in Psychological Science, two 12-month undergraduate stipends that allow students to immerse themselves in research and to assist in the transition into graduate school;

·        Efforts to build diversity within the faculty and staff communities;

·        The Summer Diversity Conference, coordinated by Professor Carl Lejuez, in collaboration with the Psychology Department Diversity Committee and BSOS.

 “This is an incredibly meaningful award that recognizes the efforts of our students, staff and faculty toward creating an environment that welcomes and encourages diversity within the Department of Psychology. Our department is deeply committed to the University’s goal of creating an institution of excellence through diversity,” said Dr. Jack Blanchard, chair of the department.

PCEMI was established in 1973 to address the concerns of ethnic minority groups at UMD. As an advocate for the ethnic minority community, PCEMI has endeavored to ensure that barriers to equal access are identified and addressed, and that ethnic minorities are represented in all aspects of life and study throughout the University.

PCEMI advises the president on issues of concern to students, faculty and staff who are members of minority groups. It serves as an advocate for the ethnic minority community to help create an environment that is supportive and provides a fair opportunity for the enrollment and graduation of ethnic minority students, and for the employment and upward mobility of ethnic minority faculty and staff. The Commission investigates the needs and concerns of ethnic minorities, reviews existing campus policies that may affect these individuals, and make recommendations for change or improvement.

For more information, visit www.president.umd.edu/PCEMI.

Published on Mon, Apr 28, 2014 - 3:56PM