Student Organizations

Student Organizations

The Department of Sociology has both an undergraduate and graduate student organization, as well as a chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD).

For undergraduates, the Sociology Student Association (SSA) was formed in 2006 to promote interest in the study of sociology, sociological research, and other social and intellectual activities. The SSA is affiliated with the national honor society for sociology, Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD), but unlike AKD, the SSA has no GPA or major requirements, nor does it require students to pay a fee to join. Rather, the SSA is open to any and all undergraduate and graduate sociology majors, minors, and those who are simply interested in sociology but are not in the program.

The SSA is a great opportunity to learn more about sociology, network with sociology faculty and students, participate in service projects, and add SSA membership to their résumé. Students also have opportunities to become officers of the organization.  In the past, the SSA has toured a local prison, attended a debate at the law school regarding school desegregation in Louisville, participated in "Take Back the Night" on campus, joined an environmental cleanup day at a local park, and organized a voter registration drive.  Interested students should contact one of the faculty advisors,  or .

 

For graduates, the Sociology Graduate Student Association (SGSA) was formed to promote graduate student research. As a recognized student organization, SGSA is the conduit through which graduate students can apply for funding from the Graduate Student Union and Graduate Student Council to conduct research and attend conferences. In addition to promoting research, SGSA also sponsors service activities that represent student interests, such as participation in the annual AIDS Walk, which raises money for service organizations that assist people living with HIV/AIDS. It also organizes social events that foster cohesion among graduate students, such as a pot luck party each semester, and activities that promote relationships between faculty and students, such as an annual Faculty-Student Meet & Greet.

The SGSA provides a great opportunity for graduate students to get involved, associate with faculty members in the department on a regular basis, and get to know other sociology graduate students - as well as hold officer positions within the organization. Interested students should contact the Director of Graduate Studies, . 

 


For both undergraduate and graduate students, the international honor society for sociology is Alpha Kappa Delta, and eligible students are invited to join the organization in the spring of each year.  (For eligibility requirements and the benefits of being a member of AKD, visit here.)