Department of Psychology Statement June 3, 2020

Dear Students and Colleagues,

The last three months have been challenging for all of us. I am grateful for all your hard work and the compassion you have shown toward each other during the COVID-19 pandemic. These unprecedented circumstances coincide with incredible budgetary pressures at the University of Alberta. This has created additional stress and unease for many of us. Over the past week, things have become even more unsettled due to global racial tension and protests. These events likely evoke past trauma and create additional mental anguish for many members of our community. 

Here is a statement from the American Psychological Association and supported by the Canadian Psychological Association about the racism pandemic in society, and its impact on minorities. 

We should all be concerned about the problems associated with inequality that have been magnified by COVID-19. In the Department of Psychology, we respect all differences, value equity, and unequivocally denounce racism. The nature of our scholarly and scientific discipline means that we are poised to make positive contributions. I encourage everyone to remember this, even though there will be no easy solution. I urge everyone to continue to show compassion for each other. Please remember that some members of our community will no doubt be experiencing considerable distress at this time. 

Here is a link to some U of A resources supporting student mental health as well as our employee family assistance program. 

Please see the messages for members of our community from the Dean of Arts and the Dean of Science as well as the message from the President. 

Continue to take care of yourselves and each other, and be in touch if there is anything I can do to support you as your chair. 

Sincerely,

Anthony