Student Organizations at
Palo Alto University
Find Your Community at PAU
Getting involved in a student organization is a great way to connect with peers, explore your interests, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the Palo Alto University (PAU) community! Whether you are interested in professional development, cultural connection, advocacy, research, or building friendships, PAU student organizations offer opportunities to connect with others who share your interests and passions.
Explore the organizations below to learn more about their purpose and ways to get involved!
If you have any questions on how to get involved, or starting a new organization please contact StudentSuccess@paloaltou.edu.
PAU-Affiliated Student Organizations
Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training (ANST)
ANST supports students interested in neuropsychology by providing information on training opportunities, professional development, and issues relevant to the field. The organization serves as a liaison between graduate students, ANST, and the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (SCN/APA Division 40), facilitating communication and advocating for student needs and concerns. ANST also provides resources and updates on legislative and professional issues affecting neuropsychology and the broader field of psychology.
Faculty Advisor: Rayna Hirst, PhD rhirst@paloaltou.edu
Contact: anst@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @pauanst
Linktree: ANST Linktree
Asian Pacific American Student Association (APASA)
The Asian Pacific American Student Association (APASA) fosters cultural awareness, community connection, and professional development through educational programming, mentorship, and discussions centered on Asian and Pacific Islander mental health and experiences.
To join APASA’s email list for information on upcoming programs and events, please email apasa@paloaltou.edu with your name, program, and a brief description of your own vision for APASA events!
Faculty Advisor: TBD
Contact: APASA@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @pau_apasa
Association of Traumatic Stress Studies (ATSS)
The Association of Traumatic Stress Studies (ATSS) aims to foster professional development for students interested in trauma psychology. ATSS seeks to facilitate opportunities to learn about new developments in the field of trauma psychology, network with students and professionals with similar interests, help student members become more competitive for top-tier training and career positions, and promote awareness about trauma to the greater university community.
Faculty Advisor: Kayleigh Watters, PhD kwatters@paloaltou.edu
Contact: trauma@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @atss.pau
Linktree: ATSS Linktree
Biracial Immigrant Transracial Adoptee Solidarity (BITS)
Biracial Immigrant Transracial Adoptee Solidarity (BITS) fosters an inclusive and supportive community for individuals of diverse and intersecting cultural identities, including biracial individuals, immigrants, and transracial adoptees. The organization promotes multicultural awareness, cultural humility, and meaningful connections through workshops, cultural events, community engagement, and mindfulness practices. BITS provides a space for students to explore and celebrate their identities, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging.
Faculty Advisor: Susan Branco, PhD sbranco@paloaltou.edu
Contact: bitspau@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @bits.pau
Bridge PAU
Bridge PAU is the PAU chapter of BridgeUSA, which promotes constructive dialogue and understanding across diverse political, social, and cultural perspectives within the PAU community. The chapter provides a welcoming space for students to engage in thoughtful discussions about contemporary social and psychological issues, fostering respectful communication, open-mindedness, and cultural responsiveness. Through virtual and on-campus discussions, the PAU chapter supports future mental health professionals in developing skills to navigate differing viewpoints and engage with diverse communities.
Faculty Advisor: Sara Al-Khedairy, PhD sal-khedairy@paloaltou.edu
Contact: bridgepau@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @bridge.pau
Diaspora - PAU Organization for Black Mental Health
Diaspora fosters community, connection, and restorative healing among Black students and alumni across PAU's academic programs. The organization celebrates Black excellence and embraces the diverse identities and experiences of individuals of African descent, including African, African American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, and biracial communities. Through scholarly dialogue, cultural education, research, and community engagement, Diaspora promotes awareness of the African diaspora, strengthens connections, and supports meaningful advocacy and collective empowerment.
Faculty Advisor: LaToya Smith, PhD lsmith@paloaltou.edu
Contact: diaspora@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @diasporapau
Group Me: Diaspora Chat
Psychological Association for Gender Expression and Sexuality (PAGES)
The Psychological Association for Gender Expression and Sexuality (PAGES) promotes an inclusive and affirming environment for individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations within the PAU community. The organization fosters community connection, advocacy, education, and research focused on LGBTQ+ experiences and the intersections of marginalized identities. Through community-building events, support groups, and collaborative initiatives, PAGES works to advance equity, visibility, and belonging.
Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Balsam, PhD kbalsam@paloaltou.edu
Contact: PAGES@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @pagespaloalto
Promoting Equity and Advocating for Community Empowerment (PEACE)
Promoting Equity and Advocating for Community Empowerment (PEACE) promotes and protects human rights through service, education, outreach, advocacy, and community building. The organization provides opportunities for PAU students to engage in meaningful initiatives that advance equity, social justice, and community well-being beyond traditional clinical and research practice. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, PEACE empowers students to contribute to positive social change and strengthen connections within and beyond the PAU community.
Faculty Advisor: Nat Bricker, PhD nbricker@paloaltou.edu
Contact: pages@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @peaceatpau
Student Association for Gerontological Enrichment (SAGE)
The Student Association of Gerontological Enrichment (SAGE) fosters a community of students dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of older adults through advocacy, service, research, and clinical practice. The organization promotes awareness of aging-related issues through educational presentations, interactive discussions, and community engagement. SAGE also provides opportunities for students to explore gerontology research, access professional resources, and enhance their knowledge and skills in working with older adult populations.
Faculty Advisor: Rowena Gomez, PhD rgomez@paloaltou.edu
Contact: sage@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @pau_sage
Student Veteran Organization (SVO)
The Student Veteran Organization (SVO) supports PAU student veterans and their families through resources, advocacy, and community engagement. The organization promotes awareness of veteran-related issues, including mental health and military culture, while connecting veteran and non-veteran students with the broader veteran community through educational events and volunteer opportunities.
Faculty Advisor: TBD
Contact: svo@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @pau.svo
Website: SVO Website
Social Work Advocacy Network (SWAN)
The Social Work Advocacy Network (SWAN) fosters community, collaboration, and professional development among students in Palo Alto University’s Master of Social Work program. The organization connects students across cohorts and learning modalities while promoting student engagement, leadership, advocacy, and networking. Through collaborative activities and opportunities for student feedback, SWAN supports academic growth and involvement in the broader social work community.
Faculty Advisor: Marcos Apolonio, DSW, MSW, LCSW mapolonio@paloaltou.edu
Contact: swan@paloaltou.edu
Instagram: @swan.pau
Union of International Students (UNITS)
The Union of International Students (UNITS) creates a welcoming and supportive community for international students at Palo Alto University. The organization connects students from diverse cultural backgrounds and provides mentorship, resources, and peer support to help international students navigate academic and professional challenges, build meaningful connections, and succeed at PAU.
Faculty Advisor: Darlene Chen, PhD dchen@paloaltou.edu
Contact: units@paloaltou.edu
Honor Societies
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI)
The Phi Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), an international counseling honor society, promotes scholarship, research, professionalism, advocacy, and excellence in counseling. The organization recognizes outstanding academic and clinical achievement while supporting professional growth and leadership within the counseling field.
Faculty Advisor: Regina Moro, PhD rmoro@paloaltou.edu
Contact: csi@paloaltou.edu
Psi Chi - Psychology Honor Society (PHS)
The Palo Alto University chapter of Psi Chi, an international honor society in psychology, recognizes and promotes academic excellence, scholarship, and the advancement of psychological science. The chapter supports students' academic and professional growth while emphasizing research, mentorship, diversity, and inclusion within the field of psychology.
Faculty Advisor: Amie Haas, PhD ahaas@paloaltou.edu
Contact: psichi@paloaltou.edu
Linktree: PAU Psi Chi Linktree
Inactive Student Organizations
Below is a list of inactive student groups at PAU. If there is any interest in bringing a group back online, please contact the Associate Dean of Student Success at studentsuccess@paloaltou.edu.
Animal Assisted Therapy Club (AATC)
Animal Assisted Therapy Club (AATC) explores the therapeutic benefits of human-animal interactions and the integration of animal-assisted interventions into mental health practice.
Contact: aatc@paloaltou.edu
Behavioral Intervention Technologies (BITs)
Behavioral Intervention Technologies (BITs) explores the intersection of technology and behavioral health, with an emphasis on innovative approaches to psychological research, assessment, and intervention.
Contact: bits@paloaltou.edu
Coalition for Disability Advocacy and Education (CDAE)
The Coalition for Disability Advocacy and Education (CDAE) aims to create a campus culture rooted in disability justice, equity, and accessibility. CDAE creates space for connection, care, and leadership among students with a wide range of disabilities and support needs.
Contact: cdae@paloaltou.edu
Forensic Mental Health Student Group (FMHSG)
The Forensic Mental Health Student Group (FMHSG) brings together students interested in the intersection of psychology, mental health, and the legal system.
Contact: pauforensic@paloaltou.edu
Geek Culture Club (GCC)
The Geek Culture Club (GCC) brings together students with shared interests in gaming, technology, science fiction, fantasy, and popular culture.
Contact: geekculturestudentgroup@paloaltou.edu
Graduate Student Association for Psychedelic Studies (GSAPS)
The Graduate Student Association for Psychedelic Studies (GSAPS) promotes education, research, and discussion surrounding psychedelic science and its potential applications in mental health treatment.
Contact: gsaps@paloaltou.edu
Health and Wellness Club
The Health and Wellness Club promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being through health education, self-care, and wellness initiatives.
Contact: wellnessclub@paloaltou.edu
Meditation and Mindfulness Student Organization (MMSO)
The Meditation and Mindfulness Student Organization (MMSO) fosters a supportive community for students interested in exploring mindfulness and meditation to enhance personal well-being and clinical practice.
Contact: meditation@paloaltou.edu
Men's Wellness Group (MWG)
Men's Wellness Group (MWG) provides a supportive space for discussing men's mental health, emotional well-being, and personal development while encouraging connection and wellness.
Contact: mwg@paloaltou.edu
Organization of Child and Adolescent Psychology (OCAP)
The Organization of Child and Adolescent Psychology (OCAP) supports students to explore meditation and mindfulness practices that support personal well-being, stress management, and clinical development.
Contact: ocap@paloaltou.edu
PAU Art Club (PASS)
PASS provides opportunities for students to explore creative expression, connect through art, and engage in artistic activities that support personal well-being and community building.
Contact: pass@paloaltou.edu
Society for Middle Eastern and North African Students (SoMENA)
Society for Middle Eastern and North African Students (SoMENA) promotes cultural awareness, community connection, and representation of Middle Eastern and North African identities and experiences within the PAU community.
Contact: somena@paloaltou.edu
Sports Psychology Club (SPC)
Sports Psychology Club (SPC explores the intersection of psychology and athletic performance, promoting awareness of mental skills, motivation, and psychological well-being in sports.
Contact: sportspsychologyclub@paloaltou.edu
Student Parent Association (SPA)
Sports Psychology Club (SPA) supports student parents by promoting community connection, peer support, and resources for balancing academic, professional, and family responsibilities.
Contact: spa@paloaltou.edu
Students for Ethnic and Cultural Awareness (SECA)
Students for Ethnic and Cultural Awareness (SECA) promotes multicultural awareness, diversity, and inclusion through education, dialogue, and engagement with diverse cultural perspectives.
Contact: SECA@paloaltou.edu
Students for Global Mental Health (SGMH)
Students for Global Mental Health (SGMH) raises awareness of global mental health issues and encourages discussion of cultural, social, and systemic factors influencing mental health care worldwide.
Contact: SGMH@paloaltou.edu
Systemic Family Therapy Group (SFT)
Systemic Family Therapy Group (SFT) supports student learning and professional development in family systems theory, relational dynamics, and systemic approaches to psychotherapy.
Contact: sftsg@paloaltou.edu
Women's Health Alliance (WHA)
Women's Health Alliance (WHA) promotes education, awareness, and advocacy surrounding women's physical and mental health, with an emphasis on well-being and health equity.
Contact: wha@paloaltou.edu