The following is a summary of the ASA for Grinnell College Sociology Students. Click here to link directly to the ASA's home page.

WHAT IS THE ASA?

The American Sociological Association is a professional organization which represents sociology across the nation. It was founded in 1905, and since then has coordinated a multitude of activities promoting the field of sociology. One such activity is the Annual Meeting, held every August, at which sociologists convene for workshops, presentations, and other activities. At the Annual Meeting, students have the opportunity to get more involved in sociology and to meet potential mentors in the field. Since 1989, the ASA has sponsored a Dissertation Award, by which the best Ph.D. dissertation submitted to the ASA is recognized. Students are nominated by their advisors, and the best dissertation is chosen from the pool of nominations. The ASA also offers a student department prize. Sociology departments across the nation can recognize their outstanding students with a gift membership in the ASA.

Sister Associations

There are several organizations related to and associated with the American Sociological Association. Some of these organizations include: Alpha Kappa Delta (the Sociology Honor Society), the Association of Black Sociologists, and Sociologists for Women in Society.

Regional Associations

The American Sociological Association is divided into several branches and programs in order to meet the needs and interests of its members. Some of these branches include: Eastern Sociology Society, Midwest Sociological Society, North Central Sociological Society, Pacific Sociological Association, Southern Sociological Society, and the Southwestern Sociological Association.

WHAT CAN THE ASA DO FOR ME?

The American Sociological Association provides a number of services for its members. There are many programs and publications sponsored by the ASA.

Honors Program Student Association

Honors Program Student Association (HPSA), established in 1974, consists of a group of undergraduate and graduate students which coordinate paper sessions and round table discussions. These events are open to all students, and the events allow for a safe environment in which the student can present her or his work. The Honors Program also fosters national and international networks among outstanding sociology students. Application requirements for the Honors Program are:

• Graduate student or senior standing
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 in Sociology
• 2-3 page essay discussing the applicant's future plans in sociology
• Faculty sponsor evaluation

If you are interested in joining the ranks of the Honors Program, contact:
Duane Dukes Director ASA Honors Program c/o Department of Sociology John Carroll University University Heights, OH, 44118

The American Sociological Association-Minority Affairs Program

Minority Affairs Program (MAP) is a branch of the ASA which sponsors programs for the progression of historically disadvantaged groups and coordinates several sessions which cover multicultural issues. The ASA-MAP undertakes an initiative aimed at recruiting, retaining, and training students of color, and the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP).

The Minority Fellowship Program

The Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) began in 1974 to increase multicultural representation in the field of sociology. The MFP is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and aids pre-doctoral fellows who are committed to research in the sociology of mental health. For more information contact via E-mail: ASA_Minority_Affairs@MCIMAIL.COM

Spivack Program

The American Sociological Association Spivack Program provides several fellowship opportunities. For example, the Spivack Program sponsors Community Action Research Fellowships which provide support for academic intervention in community-based organizations and projects. The fellowship provides a stipend to cover the cost of community research. More information about the Spivack Program may be obtained by contacting:

The Spivack Program
American Sociological Association
1722 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
E-mail:ASA_Spivack@MCIMAIL.COM

PUBLICATIONS

The American Sociological Associations produces various publications, such as journals and newsletters, for the service of its members.

Journals

• American Sociological Review*
• Contemporary Sociology: A Journal of Reviews*
• Journal of Health and Social Behavior
• Social Psychology Quarterly*
• Sociology of Education*
• Sociological Methodology*
• Sociological Theory
• Teaching Sociology

* These publications are available on campus at Burling Library.

Newsletters

• Footnotes, the ASA's newsletter.
• The Student Sociologist, a semiannual newsletter for students.

Other Publications

For more information on these career materials, contact:

Academic and Professional Affairs Program
1722 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
E-mail: ASA_Academic_Professional_Affairs@MCIMAIL.COM

Employment Bulletin

Guide to Graduate Departments

Careers in Sociology

Embarking Upon a Career with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology

Sociologists in the Corporate World

* These publications are available from Kent McClelland, department chair.

HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE ASA?

The ASA fosters various types of memberships. Their are student memberships available, section memberships, and memberships in different programs.

Student Membership

The ASA provides students discounted memberships at $34/year. With a membership, the students receive a subscription to their choice ASA-published journal and a monthly newsletter.

Section Membership

Section members include people who share a common interest or specialization in a particular area of sociology. Each section provides special services to its members, including a newsletter and activities. The ASA publication "All About Sections: Section Membership in the American Sociological Association" provides more information on section membership and finding the section that's right for you.
For more information regarding membership you may contact the ASA at:

American Sociological Association
1722 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-3410
Website: http://www.asanet.org