EOU Psychology Honor Society Recognized as Model Chapter

EOU Psychology Honor Society Recognized as Model Chapter

EOU Psychology Honor Society Recognized as Model Chapter

LA GRANDE, Ore. - Eastern Oregon University's Psi Chi chapter has been honored as a 2025-26 Model Chapter by Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, in recognition of the chapter's commitment to academic excellence, student leadership, service, research, and active engagement in the field.

The Model Chapter designation recognizes Psi Chi chapters that demonstrate strong communication, cooperation, teamwork, and engagement with their campus communities and the national organization. EOU's chapter was one of 45 chapters, out of more than 1,150 Psi Chi chapters, to earn Model Chapter status this year.

"We completed a number of steps to be considered for the award, including demonstrating how our leadership engages in teamwork, engaging in community service projects, and special topic workshops," said Felicia Kademian-Saini, assistant professor of psychology at EOU and advisor of the Psi Chi chapter. "Working with the officers of the Chapter, we focused on our numerous accomplishments this past year."

EOU's Psi Chi chapter earned the recognition after completing several milestones: The chapter created its first bylaws, set standards higher than national membership requirements, elected its first officers, hosted induction ceremonies for in-person and remote participants, and partnered with EOU's Psychology Club on events, speakers, and campus outreach to increase mental health awareness.

The chapter's service and awareness work included a suicide awareness campaign, stress-reduction activities, a month-long sexual assault awareness campaign in partnership with Shelter from the Storm, and a May mental health awareness event, "A Day in the Life Of…," where student panelists spoke openly about their experiences with mental health.

Psi Chi members at EOU were also active in research and presentation opportunities. EOU psychology students presented at the university's Spring Symposium and capstone symposium, and Psi Chi members delivered five presentations at the Western Psychological Association conference.

For students, Psi Chi membership provides national recognition for academic excellence in psychology. It also provides opportunities to connect with others in the discipline, learn about educational and career pathways, develop leadership skills, participate in service, and pursue research and presentation opportunities.

"Our graduates have the opportunities to take their experiences at EOU and be successful in many different professional areas," said Kademian-Saini. "Our alumni work in behavioral health, family therapy, school psychology, neuroscience research, and law enforcement."

Students are invited to join Psi Chi after completing the psychology core and meeting academic requirements, including a minimum GPA of 3.3 and a psychology GPA of 3.5. Members are recognized at two induction ceremonies held during the academic year.

EOU's Psi Chi chapter is also marking its 45th year, adding national longevity recognition to a year of renewed chapter activity and the chapter's first known Model Chapter designation.

For more information about the Psi Chi Honor Society at Eastern Oregon University, visit eou.edu/psych/psi-chi/.