Psychology learning community hosts reunion during homecoming

By: Sara Banton
Creative Services Student Writer

Enjoy some photos from the event - http://bit.ly/PLCreunionphotos 

Established in 2002 by psychology professor Kenn Barron, the Psychology Learning Community (PLC) was created to develop innovative and engaged learning opportunities while providing a unique introduction to the field of psychology. Paul Pohto (’14) was part of the PLC during his time at JMU and came up with the idea to host a PLC Reunion during Homecoming weekend. After reaching out to Kevin Apple, psychology department head, and a few people in the Office of Alumni Relations, the idea became a reality.

“I am excited about the PLC alumni reconnecting with each other,” Apple said. “Our alumni have had such varied experiences, and it will be great for them to learn about each other’s journeys.”

The event will be hosted in the lobby of Miller Hall. It will serve as an opportunity to foster conversations between alumni at different stages in their careers, as well as current students, promoting a positive networking experience.

“The goal is for the event to be an informal opportunity to see familiar faces, make new connections and share experiences and journeys from the PLC and beyond,” Pohto said. “I also don’t think the benefits and resources from the PLC have to end on graduation day, so having the foundation for more meaningful connections is important to me.”

Each cohort of the PLC is made up of about 18-20 students, who share residence in Hoffman Hall. Through the PLC, students are given the opportunity to attend guest speakers, professional development events and enroll in courses exclusively open to the PLC. Students are able to complete higher level or prerequisite courses, an advantage over other psychology majors not in the PLC. They also have immediate social support during their transition to college and individualized mentorship. Participation in the PLC has resulted in stronger academic performance, seen through improvements in writing and researching. “Students can gain a great deal from participating in a learning community,” Pohto said.

Since graduating from JMU, Pohto has completed a two-year master’s program and is currently in the final year of a four-year doctoral program in counseling psychology. He recognizes the PLC as a foundational experience. “To this day, I consider my PLC experience at JMU as the most influential and positive educational experience I have ever had,” he said. “The PLC provided a framework and resources that I attribute to making me a life-long learner and someone who sees education as a developmental and meaningful process.”

Pohto and Apple are both optimistic about the future of the PLC reunion and the networking opportunities it can bring.

“Perhaps in the future we can connect PLC alumni with current PLC students,” Apple said. “Our alumni can be powerful role models.”