Diversity
The Psychology Department takes responsibility to engender a climate of inclusiveness, mutual respect, acceptance and open-mindedness among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
Diversity is an educational benefit that enhances the academic experience and fosters a free exchange of ideas from multiple perspectives. We understand that these experiences promote not only the growth of individuals and our community, but also of the field of psychological science.
Diversity, as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), includes, but is not limited to race, sex, age, national origin (including ethnicity), language, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, neurodiversity, veteran’s status, socio-economic status, and history of overcoming adversity.
Diversity in Our Department
The department's approach to diversity is guided by the mission and values of both UNCW and APA. UNCW's mission seeks to provide unparalled opportunities and prepare graduates to serve the needs of local, state, and global communities. The APA tasks psychologists with producing and applying the best available psychological science to "improve lives" and benefit society as a whole.
To align with these missions, we offer several specific classes related to diversity science. We further integrate diversity issues into courses and training including, but not limited to:
- culturally competent clinical practice
- ethical considerations for research methods
- specific research programs that address issues such as discrimination
- developing inclusive classroom practices
- community outreach and practicum placement
Faculty Statement: As faculty members of the UNCW Psychology Department, we are united by our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice. We commit to combating racism and sexism by fostering inclusivity within our community, offering care and support to our students and colleagues, and strengthening our resolve to advocate for change on both individual and systemic levels. We stand in solidarity with marginalized and targeted members in our community, including our campus community. As faculty, we commit to working even harder to root out oppression, bias, and bigotry on our campus, in our communities and within ourselves.
Read more about APA's position on equity, diversity, and inclusion
What We Do
Diversity Research
Several research programs in our department focus on and incorporate our diversity principles. To learn more about the faculty members conducting research in this area, visit our summary of Diversity Research page.
Diversity Education & Training
Each concentration within the Psychology Department has established a policy and plan for providing topic-relevant diversity education and training. To learn more about these plans, you can explore our program concentration pages.
For example, you can view information about diversity in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program's policy on working with diverse clients or for doctoral training in Applied Behavior Analysis.
The following diversity-related courses are part of the graduate and undergraduate curricula:
- PSY 247 Psychopathology
- PSY 265 HumanSexuality
- PSY 270 CrossCultural Psychology
- PSY 271 Psychology of Human Diversity
- PSY 318 Developmental Disabilities and Applied Behavior Analysis
- PSY 360 The Psychology of Race & Racism NEW!
- PSY 324 Psychology of Aging
- PSY 416 Adult Development & Life Transitions
- PSY 524 Psychology of Aging
- PSY 552 Ethical, Cultural and Legal Issues in Clinical Psychology
- PSY 553 Ethical, Cultural and Legal Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis
- PSY 671 Psychology of Diversity
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Interest Group
The Psychology Department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Interest Group aims to enhance student success by initiating and coordinating departmental events and initiatives that promote social justice, equity and inclusiveness.
Comprised of faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students, the committee identifies targets for improvement, coordinates review of the department's climate, and offers guidance in the development of curricula and other academic and research experiences for students, faculty, and the UNCW community.
Summary of Programs, Initiatives, and Activities
The DEI Interest Group is currently comprised of 8 faculty and 5 students and all interested faculty and students are welcomed. Read below for recent initiatives, activities, and programs.
Faculty Workshop: The Interest Group conducted a workshop with faculty to identify and discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion issues related to our curricular, research, and other activities.
Student Perceptions of Climate: Data is gathered annually from PhD General Clinical Students anonymously via student-only “Town Halls” and online survey; Wider assessment of undergraduate Psychology majors is planned for 2023.
Inclusive Physical Environment:
- Partnered with local school to commission art installation for the first floor of the Teaching Lab that celebrates diverse voices. Serves as bridge to communities of color to welcome them to our Department and to share our resources and work.
- We are proud to announce that our commissioned mural has been completed. Starting Summer 2023, this mural can be viewed in the Teaching Lab lobby. It celebrates accomplishments and contributions of diverse psychologists. Stay tuned for more information!