The Carroll Community College chapter of Psi Beta has been selected as one of ten chapters in the nation to achieve Chapter Excellence recognition for 2015-2016.

Psi Beta is the community college national honor society in psychology. In addition, Psi Beta is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association.

The Carroll chapter is composed of students from diverse areas of academic interests who value the organization’s mission.

“Psi Beta deserves a resounding congratulations for their national award,” said College President Dr. James D. Ball. “They have a long-standing reputation as a high-achieving honor society. I am pleased to support Psi Beta in their efforts to educate the community, and to assist those who are vulnerable and in need.”

“The award is open to all chapters that meet or exceed the standards of excellence criteria on the application form,” said Associate Professor Laura Bittner, who is also the Psi Beta faculty advisor. “Student members strive to complete activities that reflect each component of Psi Beta’s mission—leadership, scholarship, community service and research.”

Student members demonstrate leadership by making decisions about chapter business, budgets, elections of officers, and by organizing activities that include the chapter’s annual induction ceremony for new members each spring.

Members of the honor society demonstrate scholarship through hosting academic events that promote the advancement of the field of psychology. Students help to fund member travel to psychology conferences and offer the opportunity for students to apply for the Psi Beta Transfer Scholarship.

Students perform community service through events such as clothing and food drives that benefit local charities. They visit community centers to serve food and deliver holiday gifts to underprivileged members of the community. Each year, members participate in a fundraising walk to benefit the Carroll County chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

The chapter supports research by inviting speakers to campus who discuss their findings on significant topics in psychology such as depression, suicide, and substance abuse. Members who attend conferences can view and discuss research poster presentations, some presented by Carroll Psi Beta alumni members.

“Psi Beta is a wonderful organization and I am proud of our chapter,” said Bittner. “Our member students have received recognition in various forms every year since 2007. This award exemplifies the students’ dedication to the mission of Psi Beta. I am honored to be the advisor and mentor for such a great group of students over the past 18 years. It has been a privilege to help nurture their enthusiasm and dedication, and to help them recognize their strengths and encourage their passions.”

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