Official School of Psychological Sciences Statement on Systemic Injustice and Antiracism:
The faculty and staff of the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado stand with all of our students, colleagues, community members, and people around the United States who are disproportionately affected by systemic and institutionalized injustice. We denounce the ongoing violence against Black people and oppose all forms of bigotry and racism. The School of Psychological Sciences is committed to promoting justice and advocacy.
As psychologists and behavioral scientists, we recognize the significant impact of racism on the educational, financial, occupational, judicial, and physical and mental health opportunities of Black people. Historical race-based trauma has continued with modern systemic injustice that has directly harmed and continues to harm Black individuals.
We know we have work to do, as we are part of an institutionalized system that has overtly or covertly participated in systemic racism. We are listening, learning, and growing, and we are here to support our students as we all work together to dismantle systemic injustice. We are committed to incorporating justice into our teaching, research, and practice.
Exploring the Mysteries of the Human Mind and Brain
The world around us is constantly changing; civil issues are ever evolving and the pace of technological advancement is increasing. Daily life in the 21st century would have been unrecognizable to the generations alive a century ago. No matter how great our imagination, it is near impossible for the current generation to envision what life will be like a century from now. But one thing is constant. Human beings are at the epi-center of this dynamic world, creating both impediments to change and the impetus for progress itself, as well as the inescapable and lasting impacts of change on society.
Psychological Science—the study of mental life and human behavior in context—is central to understanding individual and collective humanity in today’s society, especially how we are affected by, cope with, and adapt to the complexities of living in a modern world. Perhaps as importantly, the development of use-inspired theories of Psychological Science can help us address numerous societal challenges, by changing how people view, think about and interact with their environment, as well as changing the environment itself, to create a better society for all.
Psychological Science scholars and practitioners can use the principles and methods of our discipline to:
- generate reliable predictions about how individuals might act, for instance, in response to a crisis or natural disaster;
- produce effective interventions, such as better educational training or mental health treatments;
- improve the design of human-centered systems that pervade our daily lives, for example, that reduce human error and save lives; and
- improve public policies that govern the quality of life of our citizens more broadly.
Put simply, progress and positive change depends on our understanding of Psychological Science. At UNC, you will learn how to use the science and practice of Psychology to make a difference, and change the world.
UNC Graduate Student's Coursework Leads to Plan for New K-6 School
Dr. Kevin Pugh requires graduate students in his Educational Psychology course to develop a proposal for a new school and then present to the class as if they're applying for consideration to school districts. For the first time, a former doctoral student, Courtney Luce, is trying to make her concept a reality. Luce hopes to create a new K-6 school in Greeley for students who don't necessarily thrive in a traditional classroom structure.
