Psychology Learning Community

The Psychology Learning Community (PLC) is a living, learning community in support of personal and academic growth in and out of the classroom. The primary purpose of the PLC is to support the integration of first year psychology majors into the life of the University. Located in residential (Poyda Hall) as well as academic (Science) buildings, the PLC comprises undergraduate mentors, current students (commuter and residential), members of the Psychology Department, and Residence Life. PLC mentors are nominated and selected by faculty, and volunteer time to host mentoring hours for student assistance and create academic and social programs for Rider students interested in psychology. Drs. Law, Isenhower, Golski, and DiYanni serve as advisors. Alexis Pignataro serves as the Graduate Assistant. Its purpose is to foster social and academic activities among the faculty and students of the Psychology Department, and to stimulate interest in psychology among the university community.

Mission Statement
This term, we, The Psychology Learning Community Team, aim to continue our mission to help Psychology Majors find their place in the science and practice of Psychology. Our team consists of members of Residence Life, Housing, and the Psychology Department.

Traditional activities of the Psychology Learning Community

  • Mentor hosted events throughout the year to assist students in coping skills for study habits, stress and academic supports. Social events such as movie nights, pumpkin picking, and PLC outings are held throughout the year to engage first year students with faculty and other psychology students.
  • Speakers are invited from the campus or outside community to talk about contemporary issues pertaining to psychology. Past speakers discussed such topics as substance abuse, eating disorders, career opportunities in social work, serving people with disabilities, basic counseling skills, mentoring adolescents in violence reduction and conflict resolution, hypnosis, and dissociative disorders.
  • Large events the PLC leads: The Goldstein Lecture, The Freshman Dinner, Thanksgiving basket drive, and Co-organizing the Disability Panel.
  • Mentors are able to assist students in registration and course selection.
  • The PLC is a supporter of Relay For Life and has been ranked as a top fundraising supporter for the past five years.

To Learn More: The Living Learning Community
The Psychology Learning Community, PLC is located in Poyda! Perspective students may select Poyda to be apart of the Psychology Living Learning Community. To receive more information please attend the Admitted Students Day or contact housing.

To check out some of our past and future events, follow us on Instagram @rideru_plc and BroncNation.

Psi Chi

Psi Chi is the national honorary society in psychology.

Dr. Tromp and Dr. Costello serve as the faculty advisors for the Rider chapter. The purpose of the organization is to advance the science of psychology and to encourage and stimulate scholarship of its members throughout their careers. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and are eligible for research awards and conference benefits. Psi Chi also publishes a journal for undergraduate research projects. You can learn more about the organization at psichi.org.

In order to fulfill the society's obligation to provide academic prestige to its members, and to provide a climate congenial to the development of its member's creative abilities, minimum qualification standards have been established. To be considered for induction you must (a) have a GPA in the upper 35% of your class, (b) have completed 64 total credit hours, and (c) completed 15 psychology credit hours, including PSY100, PSY105, PSY201, and at least one upper-level psychology course. The Rider chapter requirements are more stringent than the minimum prerequisites. Only approximately 30 new members are inducted each spring from among those meeting the minimum requirements. All student records are reviewed each spring to identify those who are eligible. If you are selected for induction you will be notified via e-mail in early March.

Psychology Ambassadors

Psychology Mentors and Ambassadors are nominated by faculty and are invited based on their personal qualities of leadership and involvement on campus.