Psychology Strategic Plan.wav [00:00:00] Ever feel like peeking into the future? Well, get this. We got our hands on the psych department's strategic plan. Their vision for 2030. [00:00:06] Oh, wow. The 2030 plan. [00:00:09] The one and only. And let me tell you, it's not your average, dusty old document. These folks are thinking big. [00:00:16] That's great to hear so often. You know, these plans are very reactive. Just trying to catch up. What's the big headline here? [00:00:23] Relationships. And I don't just mean faculty grabbing coffee together, though I'm sure there's some of that. They're talking about this deep dive into student faculty relationships. [00:00:33] Interesting. I'm all for a good faculty mentorship moment, but what does that actually look like in practice? [00:00:39] So get this. They're actually using data from drumroll please. The assistant VP of student Well-Being data in academia. [00:00:47] Color me impressed. They did their homework, right. [00:00:49] And it's all about understanding what students need, not just to pass their classes, but to really thrive. You know? Absolutely. [00:00:55] It's about that sense of belonging, feeling supported, especially in those pressure cooker programs that can make or break you, and. [00:01:02] They're putting their money where their mouth is. Talking about more informal events for grads and faculty to connect. Really break down those walls. [00:01:09] Love that. I remember those days feeling like you were on one side of this giant chasm. Bridging that gap can be huge. [00:01:16] Totally. And for undergrads, you know how easy it is to feel lost in the shuffle, especially with over 500 of them in the program? [00:01:24] Oh, tell me about it. Undergrad can feel like this overwhelming sea of faces sometimes. [00:01:29] Exactly. So they're piloting group advising sessions. [00:01:32] Smart move. That feeling of being seen, of having your individual needs met. That's huge. [00:01:38] And for the counseling psych students, they're going all in on orientation to build those bonds from day one. [00:01:43] Oh, especially in a field like counseling, where collaboration is everything, starting with a strong cohort can make all the difference. [00:01:50] It's all about laying that foundation, right. And speaking of building something strong diversity. You know how some places treat it like an afterthought, right? [00:01:58] Just checking a box. [00:01:59] Not these folks. they are weaving it into the very DNA of the department. Expanded courses. Think psychology of neurodiversity, disability studies. [00:02:10] Wow. It's like they're actually acknowledging the breadth of human experience, not just sticking to the tried and true. [00:02:16] And get this, they're even tying in with the university's sustainability goals. Yeah. Just like psychology meeting the real world head on. [00:02:24] That's fantastic. Connecting those dots. It's not just about what's taught, but how it's taught. Right. Creating a space where those conversations can flourish. [00:02:32] And here's something that really piqued my curiosity. They're aiming for more diversity justice designated courses at the undergrad level. [00:02:40] The diversity justice. That's a new one. It really makes you wonder what they have up their sleeve, right? [00:02:44] Diversity, justice. It's like they're taking it a step further. Yeah. Not just hey, let's have diverse faces in the classroom, but, like, how do we bake that into the actual, I don't know, the curriculum, the principles. It's like they're saying we're not shying away from the tough conversations. And speaking of tough, This next part really got my attention. Experiential learning. They are not messing around. [00:03:06] Okay, finally, it's one thing to read about, I don't know, like attachment theory or something in a textbook, but to actually see it play out. [00:03:14] Totally. It's about connecting those dots, right? And for these folks, it's not just about observation. They're talking hands on, real world skills stuff that makes your resume sing. [00:03:24] And let's be real, in a field like psychology experiences everything. It's one thing to be able to, you know, like recite Piaget's stages of development, but to actually work with kids to navigate those complexities, that's invaluable. [00:03:36] Absolutely. And you're ready for this. They're even piloting a program where students attend conferences with faculty mentors. [00:03:44] Whoa, talk about a leg up. I mean, we all know how important networking is, but to be a fly on the wall for those conversations. [00:03:51] To learn from the best in the field firsthand? Yeah, that's a game changer. But they haven't forgotten about good old fashioned coursework either. There's a big emphasis on keeping things fresh, constantly refining what they teach. [00:04:03] Which makes sense, right? Psychology is not static. It's always evolving. To ignore that would be doing a disservice to everyone. [00:04:10] Exactly. So for the doctoral students, that means more autonomy, especially with dissertations. Less hand-holding, more go out there and make your mark. [00:04:20] It's about empowering them to become those thought leaders, to push the boundaries of the field. And you know what? Undergrads aren't left behind in all of this either. [00:04:29] Oh no, they get some love, too. Big emphasis on professional development, which in this job market is essential. [00:04:35] No kidding. It's not enough to just have the degree anymore, right? You need those skills, those connections to stand out. So the fact that they're prioritizing that. Big kudos. [00:04:44] So after all of this, I mean, what's your big takeaway? What feels like the most significant shift they're proposing. [00:04:50] Ooh that's a tough one. There's so much good stuff in here. [00:04:53] But I'd have to say the emphasis on student driven initiatives is huge. [00:04:59] Yeah. You know, it's funny you should say that because it really does feel like it's woven throughout the entire plan. Like they're saying, we trust our students. Yeah, I trust them to be partners in this whole process. Exactly. [00:05:12] And that right there, that's where the magic happens. Moving away from this, where the experts. You're the students? Yeah. Dynamic. That's where real growth and innovation come from. [00:05:22] And when you think about the potential ripple effects, right? I mean, we're not just talking about changing a department here, but maybe even influencing the field as a whole. [00:05:30] Absolutely. We're talking about sending these graduates out into the world, not just with the degree, but with the skills and the mindset to challenge the status quo to really make a difference. [00:05:39] It's like we said, this isn't just about the next few years. This is about shaping the future of psychology itself. [00:05:44] And who knows, maybe some of those future game changers are listening right now. [00:05:48] Maybe they are. So to all you aspiring psychologists out there, we want to hear from you. What are your burning questions? What kind of mark are you hoping to make on this field? Let us know because this deep dive may be over, but the conversation is far from finished.