Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society Club
Aloha UH Hilo Psychology Majors!
Did you know that UH Hilo has a Psychology Honors Club? It is the UH Hilo chapter of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology.
On this page:
Overview
What is Psi Chi?
Psi Chi is a long-standing International honor society in Psychology whose mission is to promote “excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology.” Founded in 1929, Psi Chi has more than 700,000 lifetime members including such notables as Albert Bandura, Elizabeth Loftus, Neal Miller, and B.F. Skinner.
What is Psi Chi at UH Hilo?
The UH Hilo Chapter of Psi Chi was established April 21, 2006, and this year is celebrating its 11 th anniversary. Under the mentorship of a faculty member in Psychology (currently Professor Nagurney, primary and Professor Pack, secondary), the UH Hilo chapter of Psi Chi is student run and includes an elected student board of directors. Each year, Psi Chi at UH Hilo carries out a variety of activities to promote the Society’s mission, and at commencement, graduates who are Psi Chi members in good standing are recognized in the printed program with their Psi Chi affiliation. Psi Chi at UH Hilo has historically been very active, and in 2014 was recognized with the UHH Student Leadership Recognition “Kuleana” Award.
What are some Reasons to Join Psi Chi?
Psi Chi is our own UH Hilo Psychology Department’s Student Honors Club. As a member of this club, you help design, promote and participate in Psi Chi service, research and educational activities. You receive international recognition for excellence in psychology, an honor that you may wish to include in employment applications and resumes. You have unique opportunities to apply for awards and grants to support research and travel to psychology conventions. You receive free access to Psi Chi publications of original research, articles on careers and graduate schools in psychology, and news about Psi Chi. Your Psi Chi affiliation will be listed with your name in the UH Hilo graduation brochure.
What are the requirements to be able to join UH Hilo’s Psi Chi Chapter?
Psi Chi is open to qualified undergraduate students. Requirements for undergraduate membership are: - You must be enrolled as a major or minor in Psychology (Currently at UH Hilo we only have PSY Major) - You must have completed at least 3 semesters or equivalent of full-time college coursework - You must have completed at least 9 semester credit hours or equivalent of psychology courses - You must have earned a cumulative GPA that is in the top 35% of your class (sophomore ≥ 3.23, junior ≥ 3.29, or senior ≥ 3.39) compared to their classmates across the entire university - You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA average for courses in Psychology - You pay a one-time membership fee of $65.00 ($55 goes to Psi Chi & $10 goes to our chapter). Once you have applied and your eligibility is verified by the Psi Chi Faculty Advisors (see below), they will contact you about the membership fee which may be paid in cash or a check made out to “University of Hawaii at Hilo Psi Chi”
How do I apply for membership in the UH Hilo Chapter of Psi Chi?
Applying for membership in Psi Chi is simple. Just follow this link for the instructions and application materials.
To Whom can I direct questions to about the UH Hilo Chapter of Psi Chi?
You can learn more information about Psi Chi from its current student President Makani Walker – email: mewalker@hawaii.edu.
Note, membership is only granted to students who fulfill the academic requirements and must be verified by the Chapter Psi Chi faculty advisors Drs. Nagurney - email: nagurney@hawaii.edu or Pack - email: pack@hawaii.edu.
Officers and Faculty Advisors
Faculty Advisors
2022-2023 Officers
Makani Walker, Psi-Chi President [2022-2023]
President – Makani Walker
Aloha! My name is Makani. I am a double major Psychology and Hawaiian Studies student. My free time is spent entirely in the ocean, surfing in particular has been my life since I was very young. I grew up surfing competitively, competing in California with the Kamehameha and Kahuku Surf Teams. I also love coaching and mentoring the next generation, I coach both surfing and rugby on a national level. After graduating, I plan to pursue medical school in hopes of becoming a Psychiatrist, helping support the native Hawaiian population through mental health services. I chose Psi Chi because of the many different opportunities on offer within the organization. I also value being surrounded by peers who share a common passion for all things psychology.
Mekaila Pasco, Psi-Chi Vice-President [2022-2023]
Vice President - Mekaila Pasco
Aloha Kākou! My name is Mekaila and I am proud to be serving as Vice President for the Psi Chi International Honor Society UH Hilo Chapter. I was born and raised in Kohala, here on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. I am currently a Senior at UH Hilo, majoring in Psychology with a certificate in Multidisciplinary Hawaiian Studies. After graduation, I hope to pursue a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. My biggest goal is to return to my hometown community with hopes of becoming a school counselor/community therapist. As Vice President, I strive to create, implement, and execute events for the school community at UH Hilo. These events include social, cultural, recreational, educational, and wellness activities. When I am not planning events, I am also monitoring records, running elections, and publicizing meetings as well as overseeing the chapter committees. A fun fact about myself is that I can ride a horse bareback with no hands.
News and Events
Contact
Please contact Alexander “Alex” Nagurney for more information.