Psychology of Diversity Specialty Group

Participants include faculty members and students who are involved in coursework or research projects bearing on diverse communities or are interested in developing such work. The primary activities of the group include holding brown bag seminars, maintaining lists of pertinent coursework and research projects available in the department, and sponsoring lectures for visiting scholars addressing diversity-related topics.

The mission of the group is primarily intellectual. Our main objectives are to promote the application of psychological science to articulating and understanding: (1) the differing perspectives of diverse groups and how these perspectives intersect; (2) the synergistic gains associated with increased recognition and embracing of diversity; (3) the historical, current, and future detrimental consequences associated with resistance to embracing diversity; and (4) how the applications of psychological theories and services to diverse groups can be applied in ways that usefully and positively impact diverse communities. Other objectives include (5) fostering an intellectual environment within the department that stimulates scholarly exchanges among faculty and students involved in courses and research projects bearing on diverse communities and (6) working in conjunction with MECA (Multi-Ethnic Cultural Association) to establish and maintain a social climate in the department that celebrates diversity and fosters mentorship of students from diverse backgrounds and students interested in diversity studies.

A student wishing to pursue a concentration in the Psychology of Diversity should contact the faculty listed below for advice on incorporating appropriate courses into his/her program.


Psychology of Diversity Faculty: