Graduate Multicultural, Mentoring and Support (G-MMS) Program

G-MMSA core value of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology and the University is a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. The Graduate Multicultural Mentoring & Support Program supports this commitment in the following ways:

I. Faculty-Student Mentoring Program:

The mentoring program is geared to support first-year doctoral students’ integration into graduate life. Students and Faculty will meet either in-person or virtually during a mutually agreed upon date and time. Graduate students will be paired with mentors from diverse departments and will be notified about their mentors by the Clinical Psychology Graduate Admissions Coordinator or Dr. Bruce J. Diamond, diamondb@wpunj.edu.

II. Doctoral Study in Clinical Psychology:

Consistent with the goal of providing mentoring and support to diverse students, the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program will sponsor mini-workshops and information sessions that address a variety of topics: gaining admission to doctoral programs, financing doctoral study, coping with clinical externships and internships, and the unique opportunities that graduate students have to serve underserved communities. The program supports the goal of increasing diversity within the field of clinical psychology. Graduate students help staff these events and information on upcoming events will be provided on the Clinical Psychology website, in University Announcements and distributed in various university offices.

III. Competency Enrichment Workshops:

Students are provided with a bi-annual workshop entitled “Challenged Communities.” The Workshop focuses on 1) cultural implications related to low income, rural and urban residence; 2) culturally responsive family therapy, and 3) supporting immigrant and LGBTQIA populations. In fall 2021, in collaboration with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, a one-hour workshop entitled, The Impact of Unconscious Bias in the Workplace, was provided to PsyD students. For the videoconferencing link, please contact Dr. Diamond.

IV. Safe Space Workshops:

Workshops to learn about LGBTQIA identities, gender, sexuality, and examine intersectionality related to prejudice, assumptions, and privilege are provided by the Women’s Center and the Center for Diversity & Inclusion. Graduate students can register on William Paterson’s Pioneer Life. Download the CORQ App to stay connected.

V. Courageous Conversations Intergroup Dialogue:

Intergroup Dialogue is coordinated by the Center for Diversity & Inclusion designed to share our perspectives and experiences with one another about difficult issues we tend to just debate about or avoid entirely. Graduate students are invited to join the discussion on current event issues and hot topics. Dates and times will be posted on WPUNJ Pioneer Life calendar of events.

VI. Advocacy and Communal Space:

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion located in the John Victor Machuga Student Center, room 214 serves as one point of contact for all students that seek support and information for resources related to bias related incidents, equity, and general student rights. Both the Center for Diversity & Inclusion and the Black Cultural Center provide communal space for all students to gather, relax and connect informally. Graduate Students can utilize these centers during the day and after hours while the building remains open. Remote printer and computers are available in the Black Cultural Center located in the John Victor Machuga Student Center, room 208.

VII. Undergraduate Engagement Opportunities:

Graduate students provide a wealth of knowledge and experience in the workforce. The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology will provide opportunities for undergraduates to interact with and support graduate student clinical research which benefits undergraduate students by offering valuable mentoring experiences. Please contact: Dr. Bruce J. Diamond regarding the program, diamondb@wpunj.edu.