Diversity Initiatives, Conferences and Surveys

Diversity Initiatives in the Department of Psychological Science

The Department of Psychological Science at the University of Arkansas is actively engaged in activities to promote diversity and inclusivity within the department.  Specific initiatives the department has taken include:

  1. Establishing a Diversity Committee comprised of faculty and graduate students in both Experimental and Clinical programs whose task is to promote a climate of inclusivity across all domains of work in the Department of Psychological Science, including research, teaching, training and mentoring, engaging with colleagues, service and outreach activities, and clinical work;
  2. Conducting a diversity climate survey (conducted Spring 2022) with undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff to determine departmental strengths and identify areas for growth;
  3. Maintaining web-based resources for promoting inclusivity in recruitment and retention of students and faculty, teaching, and clinical work;
  4. Inviting eminent scholars to campus to give departmental colloquia on diversity related topics; and
  5. Coordinating conferences (held in Spring 2018 and Spring 2020) on diversity excellence in teaching and research.

 

Dr. Donte Bernard The Department of Psychological Science is proud to host Dr. Dante Bernard, Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri, for a talk on reconceptualizing trauma with attention to Black youth. Talk sponsored by the Graduate Psychology Education (GPE grant).

DrBernard

Climate Survey (2016)

Strengths

Overwhelmingly, respondents saw the department as very respectful, open, and inclusive.  Members were proud to be affiliated with the department.  Department members are interested in issues of diversity.  Recruitment of more diverse students, especially at the graduate level, has been largely successful.

Areas of Growth

Greater infusion of diversity topics and courses in both undergraduate and graduate curricula; continued efforts to enhance recruitment of diverse students, faculty, and staff; additional training opportunities in teaching about diversity in an inclusive and respectful manner and incorporating diversity into clinical practice.