NYU PSI CHI

The International Honor Society in Psychology

 

  1. Interested Student (Pre-Membership): Psychology students at NYU first encounter Psi Chi through outreach events and digital channels. They may meet chapter representatives at club fairs or information sessions (e.g., NYU’s Club Fest) and can join the Psi Chi mailing list or follow the chapter on social media to learn more. Many chapter events are open to all psychology students; for instance, social mixers and study breaks welcome prospective members alongside current members. Interested students are encouraged to engage early by attending these events and by signing up for one-on-one “coffee chat” mentorships with Psi Chi officers, during which an upperclassman officer shares advice about internships, coursework, and getting involved. These early interactions help students understand Psi Chi’s mission and prepare to apply once they meet eligibility requirements.
  2. New Member (Inductee): Eligible students may apply for Psi Chi membership during the chapter’s recruitment drives, which are held at least once per semester in accordance with national guidelines. Membership eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance (Psi Chi requires members to be approximately in the top 35% of their class and to have a minimum 3.0 GPA in psychology courses, among other criteria). The NYU chapter notifies qualified students and opens applications at the beginning of each fall or spring term. Upon acceptance, students pay a one-time fee and become lifetime members of Psi Chi. The chapter hosts an Induction Ceremony each semester to formally induct new members and celebrate their achievements. For example, the chapter announces Fall induction events with specific dates, times, and locations to recognize new members. New inductees receive certificates and officially join the NYU Psi Chi community, gaining access to member benefits and opportunities.
  3. Active Participant (Chapter Member): After induction, members are encouraged to remain actively involved rather than participating “in name only.” Active members attend general meetings and take advantage of the many events and programs Psi Chi offers. At NYU, the chapter hosts guest lectures, career workshops, community service initiatives, and social events that foster academic and professional growth. Members can network with peers who share their interest in psychology and access resources related to research and career development. The 2025–2026 chapter plan, for example, introduced a robust lineup of programs—including workshops, speaker series, research spotlights, graduate school preparation sessions, and a mentorship initiative—designed to “grow your skills and your community.” Active participation may also include volunteering at events (e.g., assisting with panels or fundraisers) and regularly engaging with chapter communications (reading newsletters, responding to event RSVPs, etc.). This level of involvement helps members strengthen their résumés and deepen their connection to the field.
  4. Committee Member / Project Lead: Many active members assume more formal roles through committees or special projects. The NYU Psi Chi chapter regularly forms committees to organize key initiatives. For example, when the chapter launched a student-run peer-reviewed psychology publication, it issued a call for article proposals—likely involving an editorial committee responsible for reviewing submissions and managing the publication process. Members may also serve as event coordinators or join a mentorship committee to pair mentors and mentees within the chapter. Notably, NYU Psi Chi introduced “upper-year representatives” (upperclass student liaisons) to provide guidance to newer members, a mentorship-oriented leadership role. Serving on a committee or leading a project allows members to contribute ideas (e.g., planning a “Psychology Networking Gala” or a community service day) and develop leadership experience prior to holding an official officer position. These mid-level roles often serve as stepping stones to executive leadership and align with Psi Chi’s national guidance emphasizing broad member involvement in chapter operations.
  5. Chapter Officer (Executive Board): The chapter’s Executive Board (E-Board) consists of officers who oversee all chapter operations. Typical positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other roles tailored to chapter needs (for example, NYU’s board includes a Membership and Alumni Coordinator focused on recruitment and alumni relations). Officers are usually experienced members—often juniors or seniors—who are elected or selected at the end of the academic year to serve during the following year. NYU Psi Chi opens applications for E-Board positions annually and publicly announces newly selected officers. Incoming officers undergo training with outgoing board members to ensure continuity. In their roles, officers plan the event calendar, manage finances and records, oversee induction ceremonies, and coordinate committees and volunteers. They also handle chapter communications, ensuring that meetings and programs are publicized via email, social media, and flyers. Serving as an officer represents the highest level of student involvement in Psi Chi and provides substantial leadership experience. Officers frequently collaborate with the faculty advisor to submit chapter reports and apply for national Psi Chi awards. By the end of their term, officers assist in training their successors before graduating.
  6. Alumni Member: Upon graduation, Psi Chi members retain lifetime membership in the honor society. NYU Psi Chi alumni transition from student leaders to engaged alumni who continue to benefit from—and contribute to—the Psi Chi network. The chapter actively maintains alumni engagement; for instance, the Executive Board includes a Membership and Alumni Coordinator who keeps in contact with recent graduates and alumni. Alumni are often invited back as guest speakers or panelists to share professional and academic experiences with current members. Some alumni also volunteer informally as mentors, offering guidance on graduate school or career pathways. More broadly, the chapter’s presence on LinkedIn facilitates professional connections between alumni and current members within the international Psi Chi network. Alumni may also receive chapter newsletters or follow social media accounts to stay informed about chapter achievements and opportunities to give back. In this way, the involvement pathway comes full circle: alumni remain part of the extended Psi Chi community and often support the next generation of students, just as they were supported earlier in their academic journeys.

(Throughout this progression, the chapter implements formal programs to support each stage—from mentorship pairings for new members to committee participation and leadership training for officers—ensuring a continuous development pipeline.)