disciplines. This type of socializing is not only useful for professors building interdisciplinary skills, but also strengthening perceived connections with colleagues and establishing a sense of belonging within the college. The event also aided in strengthening connections between faculty and students as well, as several students came up to talk to professors one-on-one after the conclusion of the event about their research. Thus, the event served as a mutually beneficial networking opportunity that provided faculty with the chance to recruit driven students into their labs, as well as students with the chance to get involved with such labs. Students also received information about Psi Chi from a Psi Chi representative, enhancing Psi Chi’s image as well as students’ access to the Psi Chi organization. Reflecting on this event, I can see that these three components of students, faculty, and structured organizations such as Psi Chi amalgamate together to form more than just the psychology department, but ODU’s psychology community.

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Event Planning and Management

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I hope in the future to continue making an impact by applying the skills I learned in planning this event. One important skill I was able to improve on was my ability to seek as well as apply to grants. While I did not originally plan to seek funding for this event, an unexpected cost arose which I could not afford to pay for myself, a $140 fee to compensate for labor necessary to arrange table and chairs within the booked space. I approached the honors college to see if funding opportunities were available and was informed of the Essential Supplies/Equipment (ESE) Grant. I applied, and received $300 to fund my event. This not only covered the unanticipated cost of setting up the room, but also further enhanced the event, as I was able to order more food and hold a raffle for three GRE prep books. In addition to grant writing skills, I also learned collaboration skills through organizing the event, as I had to work with multiple offices and individuals in order to bring the event to fruition. This included the distance learning office, facilities management, classroom central, the education department, the psychology department, and the panelists themselves. Equipped with these organization and event planning skills, I would be eager to help my community in the future by holding more events that address social problems such as this one.