Commitment  Areas

Developing and organizing informative events, discussions, and workshops that promote an awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues

Accomplishments:

• Hosted a number of events that aim to foster education and discussion of issues that apply to a wide range of diverse and underrepresented groups. Topics have included: 

  • • Historical trauma in Indigenous communities

    • Barriers to thriving in academia for students who are neurodivergent or who have disabilities

    • Experiences of Black women in graduate school

    • “Why clinical psychology must change or die"

• Hosted celebratory and community-building events including a Pride celebration and a cultural sharing baking event

Hosting events and programs that foster a sense of belonging, both within our area and in the broader department

Standing Goals:

• Hosting 2-3 social events per year (usually fall, winter, and spring)

Accomplishments:

• Hosted highly attended social events which foster community belongingness and connections, particularly across cohorts

• Established a shared library of books relevant to clinical psychology research and practice, now located in the Psychology graduate student lounge (Elliott Hall N249)

Evaluating and enhancing our academic programs to ensure that they reflect the values of diversity and inclusion

Standing Goals:

• Curriculum tracking through conducting an end-of-year student survey which assesses impressions on diversity and equity content for core classes

Past Accomplishments:

• Conducted a survey-based review of course syllabi with the goal of encouraging more classroom time devoted to topics of diversity and equity

Supporting research endeavors that consider and prioritize inclusion, excellence, and equitable practices

Past Accomplishments:

• Created a document with suggestions for equitable research practices (see Resources page) 

• Hosted research excellence events where CSPR members discussed rigorous research practices to advance diversity and equity

• Facilitated a panel discussing ways to build and maintain community partnerships through research processes

Focusing on attracting, supporting, and retaining students from underrepresented backgrounds through mentorship and support systems

Standing Goals:

• Host a discussion on DEI topics for prospective CSPR students during their Welcome Weekend

• Evaluation and consideration of retention factors for current graduate students

Past Accomplishments:

• Increased accessibility to DEI-C materials by creating a website for the DEI-C, updated semesterly

• Communicated the investment of CSPR in diversity and equity goals via statement on our website

Promoting diversity and equity in clinical practice and clinical research, taking into account the needs of diverse populations

Standing Goals:

• Ongoing evaluations of training opportunities provided and training gaps remaining. Continued collaboration with the Associate Director of Practicum & Internship Placements to facilitate partnerships with practicum training sites in the Twin Cities area.

Past Accomplishments:

• In 2020, reviewed existing practicum sites to assess degree of exposure to work with diverse populations and supervisors

  • Added a new practicum site at the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis based on interests of students

• In 2023, re-evaluated training opportunities and needs

  • Added 5 more sites to diversify training opportunities based on interests of students

• Hosted a series of talks by experts in the field regarding working with diverse clinical topics and populations, including:

  • • Sexual and gender minority health

    • Eating disorders

    • Functional neurological disorders