West Windsor, N.J. - Psi Beta, the national honor society in psychology for community and junior colleges, is back in action at Mercer County Community College. Fifty-eight MCCC students were recently installed as members of the reactivated Mercer chapter.

Associate Psychology Professor Karen Bearce, who serves as the chapter's advisor, began efforts to re-establish the group last spring. (The chapter was last active at Mercer in 1999 under Professor Emeritus Angela McGlynn.) As the word spread on campus, Bearce says it was clear that there was great interest among students. Mercer's new inductees join more than 32,500 active members nationwide. With the mission of promoting the professional development of psychology students and other students interested in the field, the national organization celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011.

At the induction ceremony Nov. 10, Bearce addressed the students. "It is an honor to have you as the first group to bring Psi Beta back to life at Mercer. You come from various academic disciplines and recognize that the field of psychology impacts every field of study. I congratulate you on your achievements. I am excited that you wish to incorporate psychology coursework into your studies or to pursue it as a career."

Mercer students took the pledge collectively and each came forward to receive a certificate and share their future goals. Liberal Arts student Katie Soto looks forward to Psi Beta's networking opportunities. "This is a great way to meet others with the same professional interests," said Soto, who aspires to become a therapist. She plans to transfer next fall to major in psychology.

Biology student Carol Baillie, a member of the Coast Guard member stationed at Fort Dix, plans to transfer to Rutgers University this spring to study biochemistry. Fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of the psychology field, she sees its day-to-day relevance as she trains fellow unit members in office operations. "Being a part of this honor society is a wonderful feeling," Baillie said. "It motivates me to worker harder to be successful in all that I do."

Psi Beta members automatically become student affiliates of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Psychological Science (APS) while pursuing their associate degrees, four-year degrees and beyond. Membership also entitles eligibility for national scholarship awards and participation in local, national and regional programs.

Applicants must complete at least 12 credits and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in course work and in college psychology courses. For more information on Psi Beta is available here.