Starting a new Psi Beta chapter takes some effort, but this guide will help you complete the application process as quickly as possible!
First, every chapter must have a “primary advisor,” and can have up to three additional co-advisors. Chapter advisors must possess a Masters’s or higher in Psychology or a closely related field (e.g., counseling or educational psychology). The “primary advisor” must submit the application forms and submit them to the Psi Beta National Office.
After submission, National Council will review the application papers. Once approved, the new primary advisor account is activated so they can access the Advisor Portal within the Psi Beta website.
Only the primary advisor is able to invite students to induction. Most chapters hold two inductions a year, in the fall and spring, where qualified students receive their certificates and honor their official Psi Beta membership. There are additional instructions within the Advisor Portal.
To start the process, please print and prepare the following. The documents include further instructions.
Chapter Application Form
This one-page form asks basic chapter information and includes a helpful checklist outlining everything that must be submitted to make your application complete. The form requires signatures of support from your college president and your dean or vice-president of instruction.
Download Chapter Application Form
Download Chapter Application Completion Guide
Letter Stating the GPA Standard for Membership
- Have a cumulative GPA that is within the top 35% GPA at the college
- Be a fulltime student enrolled in 12 or more units
- Have earned at least 12 units of college credit
- Have completed at least one psychology course with a grade of “B” or higher.
If this information is difficult to acquire from the registrar, dean, or research office, the advisor can instead submit a letter (on college letterhead) affirming that each student applying for charter membership has completed the above requirements.
Note that these figures represent minimum qualifications; chapters can choose to raise the minimum GPA higher than the top 35% of fulltime students or above the 3.0 overall GPA.
Advisor Responsibilities
Responsibilities expected of all Psi Beta advisors are outlined in the application form.
Chapter Bylaws
Each chapter must have bylaws. You are invited to use the sample bylaws (provided on the chapter application form) and revise them as your own. Be sure, however, that your bylaws reflect the minimum eligibility requirements (3.25 GPA, etc.) for membership in Psi Beta. (Your chapter can raise the membership standards beyond the minimum, but cannot lower them.)
List Psychology Courses
On a single page, list the psychology courses offered at your college. Provide the name of the course, and the number of credits/units that students can earn for each course. Don’t bother to list courses that your department rarely offers. Course descriptions are not needed. For example:
- Introduction to Psychology – 3.0 units
- Developmental Psychology – 3.0 units
- Abnormal Behavior – 3.0 units
List of Psychology Faculty
On a single page, list the names of the psychology faculty who teach in your department. For each instructor, please provide their name, degrees, specialization, and where obtained. For example:
- Sandra Billings, BA Sociology, CSU Long Beach; MA Psychology, CSU Chico State
- Fred Adams, BA Psychology, University of Michigan; Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, University of Michigan
- Marla Kowalski, BA Psychology, Cal Poly Pomona; MA Counseling, Florida State University
Charter Fee Invoice
Psi Beta Charter Fee Invoice_2024
