Picnic welcomes psychology students

Kathi Walker / The Bulletin

Leah Mease, junior psychology major, and Rubaica Fidvi, graduate student in mental health counseling, line up with other students to load their plates with food at the Psychology Picnic in Visser Hall on. The Psychology Picnic gave students the opportunity to learn about upcoming events.

The psychology department hosted their annual picnic Aug. 28 in the Visser Hall atrium. The picnic is held at the beginning of each year as a way to welcome back returning students and greet incoming freshmen or new psychology majors.

“The picnic is to welcome back students, but especially to welcome brand new majors,” said Cathy Grover, associate professor of psychology and coordinator of the picnic.

The idea for a department gathering was established long ago. Before 1990, the department held an activities fair and an ice cream social to welcome students and allow them to meet others. Although the activity eventually stopped occurring, the psychology department felt as though it was vital in bringing together psychology students early on in the school year. The goal of reestablishing it became a large priority to the department.

“In the mid-90s for years, the faculty wanted to renew the sense of community for students and faculty in the department and started the department picnic to accomplish this,” said Brian Schrader, associate professor of psychology and coordinator of the event.

A large number of students attended and each had their own reasons for attending the event.

“This event is really great for meeting people in your own department, I came for that reason,” said Jennifer Shaw, junior psychology major.

While some students attended to socialize with other psychology students, some attendees came for academic benefits.

“It’s great because I get points for psychology club as well as Psi-Chi,” said Megan Troxel, junior psychology major.

Students could also enter their names in a drawing for prizes including Maurice’s gift cards, white boards and an assortment of other prizes. After signing in at the welcome table, students talked among themselves while waiting for food.

Two large tables were placed at the front of the atrium filled with food. After getting their food, students were invited to take a seat at one of the six tables provided.

While students ate, they were introduced to the various programs that the psychology department has to offer. Each of the seven campus organizations that deal with psychology were discussed. Group members encouraged student participation and hope that by putting their name out there early in the year, a large number of students will take the initiative to become more involved within their major.

In addition to introducing each of the psychology department’s organizations, the leaders of these groups discussed upcoming events and conferences. The prize winners were announced as students finished eating.

The picnic served as a way to bring the psychology department together early in the year in a fun and relaxing manner.

“This picnic allows students to enjoy good food and fellowship,” Schrader said. “And start the semester off on a positive, welcoming, relaxing note.”