“I'm a firm believer in getting students out of the classroom and into experiences in nature. If students get out of their element, in a new place that stimulates their senses, that's where the best learning happens.”
Natural Sciences Assistant Professor Nick Baer
Description: The Colby-Sawyer College chapter of Psi Chi was installed on May 4, 1999. The installing officer was Dr. Paul Finn of St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. During the installation ceremony, the newly elected officers of Psi Chi reminded the assembled group of new members, families, faculty, alumni, Dr. Judy Muyskens, Academic Vice President/Dean of Faculty and Dr. Anne Ponder, President of the College, of the aims and values of the society in the following way, as prescribed in the Psi Chi rituals:
"Before assuming membership in Psi Chi, we invite you to know the history and purposes of the organization, its standards and ideals. The purpose of Psi Chi is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship and to advance the science of psychology. These aims are admirably summarized in the two Greek words, "Psyche" and "Cheires". "Psyche" may suggest "mind." "Psyche" may also suggest scholarship and enrichment of the mind. That this purpose shall be fulfilled, we have chosen as members those whose academic records are outstanding. If you are true to this ideal, you will strive to bring credit to Psi Chi in your academic work. Yet, scholarship means more than the attainment of an honorable record. It demands that you not be content with merely adequate performance of the tasks required of you, but that you strive for real mastery of the subject to which you are devoting your mind. The test of this is within yourself. Be satisfied only with work well done, and finally, remember that true scholarship requires integrity. "Cheires", meaning "hands," stands for fellowship and research. Herein lies the real test of your interest in this field. The word has its origin in fruitful fellowship; it is the culmination of careful scholarship. It does not require expensive apparatus and elaborate techniques, although these are sometimes of value, but rather it demands observation, logical thinking, and critical-yet tolerant-open-mindedness. If you follow these standards wherever you are and whatever your position, you will contribute your share to human progress. Our motto, "Psyche Cheires," may be expressed in these words: cooperation in the investigation and cultivation of the mind. As future psychologists, you should acquire an attitude of tolerance toward those whose opinion or behaviors differ from your own. One of the most fundamental teachings of psychology is the fact that individuals differ. This means that they have varying interests and motives, and that they strive for different goals. You may look upon your science as a developing effort to understand human nature. As you grow in perspective, you will become more dissatisfied with the incompleteness of your science. This will be an indication of maturity.
Many years ago, Plato said to his students, "Bewilderment is the lot of us all. Often we perceive only models of the truth. But we must go yet farther and find the very source of things with which we are dealing. We strive to free ourselves from the shackles of imperfect knowledge and attempt to come closer to a clear understanding of human thought and activity." Psi Chi invites you to share these strivings with those who share your interests."
