The American Psychological Association (APA) adopted a resolution to integrate human rights into a framework that will “underpin its decision-making” on February 27, 2021. The resolution grew out of a report by the APA Task Force on Human Rights, chaired by PAU President Maureen O’Connor, PhD, JD.  The APA Task Force was created in 2016.

  Dear PAU Community,

  It’s been a year since COVID-19 first upended our world in ways few would have imagined. We asked President O’Connor to look back on the last 12 months for which there was no roadmap. Here are excerpts from our recent conversation.     

When you reflect on this time a year ago, what comes to mind? 

Digital therapy tools have been around for years, but most clients and counselors still opted for therapy in traditional settings.

  Jorge Wong, Ph.D., PAU alumnus, Trustee and faculty member was recently named to the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives.    The Council of Representatives (COR) is the legislative body of the American Psychological Association (APA) and is composed of representatives of divisions, states, provinces, and territories, and the members of the Board of Directors. Dr. Wong will represent nearly 17,000 licensed psychologists from the state of California. 

Brings Humanity to Technology

  PAU alumna Jessica Byrd-Olmstead, PhD, describes her career as an adventure, a river trip with many twists and turns. Lots of rapids, too, it seems.

An Inside Look at This Complex Societal Challenge Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:15pm (PT)   Never before has the issue of worker burnout and compassion fatigue exacted such a toll on physicians, mental health care professionals, and other health care providers.  Palo Alto University, dedicated to psychology and counseling, will take an inside look at this complex challenge via an online expert panel discussion on March 18, 2021 from 12:00-1:15 (PT).

  UPDATE: Dr. Klein's interview can now be watched on YouTube.    Palo Alto University Chief Financial Officer Dr. June Klein will be honored by Mission College at its fourth annual Women in Leadership Conference: Changing the World on Friday, March 6. The virtual event takes place at 1 p.m.