PsyDAC Projects
Learn more about our initiatives below:
Campus Education & Outreach Subcommittee:
The Campus Education & Outreach Subcommittee promotes learning and dialogue around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through educational programming and community engagement.
Recent Projects & Initiatives
- Hosts the Difficult Dialogues Workshop Series, which involves:
- Facilitate conversations on navigating challenging topics with curiosity and respect utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills.
- Create opportunities for students to engage in meaningful discussions around diversity, inclusion, and social issues.
- Partners with students, faculty, and campus organizations to promote ongoing learning and awareness.
- Educational efforts including collaboration with The THRIVE Center to advertise campus events to psychology graduate students
- Attendance at campus and community educational, artistic, and cultural events.
- PsyDAC faculty hosted a Diversity Speaker Series to educate faculty about best practices for the mentorship and training of students with diverse identities including race/culture, LGBTQIA+, and religion.
- Development of a mechanism for students to report concerns and to work collaboratively with faculty to address these concerns.
Program Belongingness & Inclusion Subcommittee:
The Program Belongingness & Inclusion Subcommittee fosters community and well-being within the School of Psychology through social events, wellness programming, and initiatives that promote psychological safety.
Recent Projects & Initiatives- Facilitates an annual Climate Survey to assess student perceptions of climate, specifically related to diversity and inclusion, within the School of Psychology. The data is shared with faculty to help inform ongoing program improvements.
- Involved in recruitment of Psy.D. students by calling applicants prior to interview day, and participating in programming throughout interview and accepted students days (e.g., facilitating presentations about PsyDAC, sharing information in break out rooms).
- Organizes end-of-year Celebrations, including a program-wide kickball tournament in 2026.
- Hosted Wellness Week activities designed to support student well-being and encourage self-care throughout the academic year. Activities included therapy dog visits, a mindful walk through Ault Park, and cooking demonstrations.
Advocacy & Community Outreach Subcommittee:
The Advocacy & Community Outreach Subcommittee connects Xavier PsyD students with opportunities for service, advocacy, and community engagement throughout the greater Cincinnati area.
Recent Projects & Initiatives- Coordinates ongoing volunteer opportunities at Bethany House, connecting students with opportunities to support families experiencing housing instability.
- Hosts Advocacy Hours encouraging students to contact elected officials on issues related to mental health, equity, and social justice.
Past Projects
- Facilitated student participation in Ohio House Bill 68 (HB68) advocacy training.
- Organized a letter-writing campaign supporting immigrants in the Cincinnati community.
- Volunteered at the annual St. Joseph Home Carnival, supporting individuals with complex disabilities and their families.
- Participated in and volunteered at the St. Joseph Home 5K, helping raise awareness and support for the organization's mission.
- In 2021, raised $500 dollars for residents of St. Joseph’s home. Past fundraisers have benefited local schools, local agencies working with individuals with disabilities, and victims of Hurricane Katrina.
- Advocacy efforts have included: A 2022 statement on the crisis in Ukraine, a 2021 statement denouncing anti-Black racism and affirming our commitment to foster a just and racially equitable campus community, and a 2017 letter to the faculty requesting that extra emphasis be placed on attempting to recruit a candidate with a strong record of experience and scholarship related to diversity to fill a faculty vacancy.