By Sara Hameed
UNIVERSITY CITY, SHARJAH – Twenty-six American University of Sharjah students were initiated into Psi Chi, the International Honors Society in Psychology, during the virtual Psi Chi Induction Ceremony on April 29.
Alaa Itani, the first Psi Chi president of the AUS chapter, said these individuals have met the necessary requirements to join the organization. According to her, for the 21 undergraduate students and one alumni, this includes achieving a GPA in the top 35 percent of their class. Four faculty members were also inducted.
Itani said the mission of Psi Chi is to recognize and promote excellence in the science of psychology. She stated psychology is seen as a developing effort to understand human nature.
Meanwhile, Dr. Angela Maitner, associate professor of psychology, emphasized Psi Chi promotes diversity and inclusion, both of which coincide with AUS values.
In an interview on April 30, Maitner said she was “proud” to officially install the new AUS Psi Chi chapter. She explained the honor society first began accepting international charter applications in 2009.
To ensure AUS’ eligibility for membership, the Psychology Club was established through the Office of Student Affairs in Fall 2019, alongside the launch of the psychology program.
