About the Psychology Learning Community (PLC)

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. Students may choose to live together with other Psychology majors in Poyda Hall, where the PLC is housed, with a Community Assistant who is an upper-class Psychology major. Or they may live outside of Poyda, but still attend any PLC-sponsored events.

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.

Through the PLC, students and faculty partner together to participate in a variety of fun, informative, and hands-on activities that help students to feel integrated and establish a sense of belonging in the major and at Rider. The PLC prepares students for success from first-year through graduation. PLC-sponsored activities provide a vehicle for students to get to know the faculty on a more personal basis.

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 PLC

  • 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.

Some activities from previous years

To learn more

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.