Second-Year Learning Communities: Psychology

By joining the Psychology Second-Year Learning Community (SLC) you will be surrounded by a small community of second-year students who are learning to navigate their academic and co-curricular pathways to make the most of their experiences as a psychology student. The SLC program is designed to help you make the most out of your degree by engaging in various social, academic and professional development opportunities.

For more information about psychology, visit the Psychology website

Apply to a Psychology SLC

SLC applications are currently closed for the 2024-25 academic year. Applications will reopen in Summer 2025. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Psychology SLC you must be a second-year student enrolled in any of the following psychology undergraduate programs:

  • psychology specialist (science program)
  • psychology major (science program)

SLC Course Overview

Students in the Psychology SLC will meet at a welcome session during the week of September 9, 2024, and then every other week starting the week of September 16, 2024.

Time: Every other week on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: TBA

Your SLC Team

Headshot of William Ryan in front of a bookcase

Department: Psychology

Title: Associate professor, teaching stream

Years worked for your current department and/or U of T: Six

Undergraduate major/specialist and institution: Psychology major, Smith College (Northampton, Massachusetts)

Hometown: Rochester, NY, U.S.A. (Just across Lake Ontario.)

Why you decided to serve as a faculty advisor: Research as well as my own personal experience support that learning is most effective (and most fun) when it occurs in community. I am excited to work with students to build such a community. Working directly with undergraduate students is my favourite part of my job. 

One piece of advice for a second-year student: Don't panic! You do not need to have it all figured out. 

Hobby or interest: Fitting as many plants as possible into my office and apartment. 

Headshot of Tamara Ferguson, Psychology SLC Staff Advisor

Department: Psychology

Title: Undergraduate Administrator

Years worked for your current department and/or U of T: 24 years at U of T and almost 23 years in Psychology

Undergraduate major/specialist and institution: Film Studies at University of Western Ontario and York University

Hometown: Oakville, ON

Why you decided to serve as a staff advisor: The experience I've had with SLC in the past has been extremely positive and enjoyable. It's a wonderful way to connect with our second-year students in a small environment and on a more personal level.

One piece of advice for a second-year student: Get involved and don't forget to have fun! University is more than just grades!

Hobby or interest: My interests include spending time with my family, sports (particularly baseball), my cats, reading really great books, going to the theatre, fitness, travel and church. 

Selina pictured outdoors in front of cherry blossom trees

Program: Psychology specialist

Year: Three

College: Victoria College

Hometown: Ottawa, ON

An interesting fact: A fun fact about me is that I love reading (mostly fiction)! I used to read a ton when I was younger and I would make weekly visits to my local library to check out a stack of books. I don't read as much as I used to, but when I get a chance, I still love picking out a book and then curling up in bed or on my couch to read for a few hours!

Studies: I really enjoy studying how we learn and develop during childhood. Developmental psychology really interests me as I believe it is extremely fascinating how powerful our minds are as infants and children. I also really enjoy learning about work that investigates what young children know and can understand and ultimately how this influences decision-making.

Hobby or interest: I love meeting up with my friends after class to just walk around downtown and either run some errands together, window-shop or pop into whatever restaurant or cafe looks good for a quick bite to eat! 

Selfie of Bilge outdoors in the winter

Program: Psychology specialist, women and gender studies minor

Year: Three

College: Trinity College

Hometown: Istanbul, Turkiye

An interesting fact: I have three cats, one of whom has immigrated to Canada with me.

Studies: I really enjoy psycholinguistics and developmental psychology. It's so interesting how the languages we speak influence the different ways we communicate. 

Hobby or interest: I like to decompress by watching sitcoms (Community is a favourite) and hanging out with friends. I also do Judo at Hart House!