Training and Education in Professional Psychology, Vol 19(3), Aug 2025, 199-206; doi:10.1037/tep0000511
Departmental culture and climate significantly impact the experiences and success of doctoral trainees, especially those from underrepresented groups. Considering increasing stress among faculty and students alongside significant societal and sociopolitical changes, fostering a supportive environment may enhance academic persistence and reduce burnout. Here, we review relevant literature on departmental culture and provide a framework for proactively addressing these issues. We then describe efforts to improve departmental culture and climate in a Clinical Psychology doctoral program at Xavier University. A climate survey based on Shore et al.’s (2018) inclusive workplace model assessed six domains among doctoral psychology students: authenticity, psychological safety, respect, inclusion, and recognition of diversity. Data from the 2020 and 2023 surveys were analyzed, revealing improvements in key areas, including respect from peers, faculty openness to diversity dialogue, and awareness of diversity-related events. Following the 2020 survey, the department initiated several culture-enhancing actions, including faculty-student discussions, the creation of a departmental Culture Committee, and student-led initiatives. We conclude by providing recommendations for other doctoral programs seeking to address similar cultural issues. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)