Mission, Vision, and Values

StFX Psychology Department Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Mission

The mission of the StFX Psychology Department is to improve our understanding of human thoughts, feelings, and actions. By sharing our knowledge through our research, teaching, and service, we move the discipline of Psychology forward. Offering Psychology students at StFX hands-on experiences and community-minded learning (e.g. service learning, work-integrated learning, and other high-impact teaching practices), as well as varied research opportunities, we enrich their educational experience and help them build a transferable skill set (e.g. critical thinking, relationship building, teamwork, communication, data analysis, technology and information literacy, creativity, and leadership). Further, by teaching StFX Psychology students about a wide range of topics, research methods and technologies, they will be prepared to think critically and effectively navigate challenges when they arise. Together, we can apply this knowledge and experience to better our own lives, our communities, and society.

Our Vision

By choosing to study Psychology at StFX, students will come to appreciate the complexity of human nature including the evolutionary, social, cultural, developmental, and brain-based forces that underlie our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Our graduates will be prepared for diverse career paths and will be confident, motivated, and empowered to make their world/society/environment better than they found it.

Our Values

The Department of Psychology's values provide a foundation for how we work, how we connect with another, how we make decisions, and where we put our energy and focus. We value:

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Social Justice
• Teamwork, and Adopting solutions-oriented approaches
• Expertise, Rigor, Readiness to adapt to a changing world
• Compassion, Mindfulness, and Collaborative spirit
• Open/transparent Communication, Compromise, Respect, Understanding/active listening, and Empathy
• Community-mindedness
• Evidence-based practices
• Recognizing the merits of basic science, applied science, and interdisciplinary