LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Get Involved!

Find Your People

 Our sociology department supports two student associations, Criminal Justice Organization (CJO) and Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) Honor Society. Both offer many opportunities to share your interests, take on leadership roles, spearhead projects, hear from guest speakers, participate in learning and service projects, and much more!

Studying sociology provides students with unique insights and opportunities to become allies and advocates for their peers. Leadership opportunities exist both within the College of Liberal Arts and at the University level for students to practice what they’ve learned in class through compassionate leadership and service to their fellow students.

Criminal Justice Organization

The Criminal Justice Organization (CJO) at CSU is a student-led club dedicated to providing undergraduates with opportunities to explore their interests related to the diverse fields of criminology and the criminal processing system. CJO offers its members a variety of meaningful social and professional opportunities including meet-and-greets with professionals, field trips, organized volunteer opportunities, and on-campus social events.

Two police officers present to a class about internship opportunities

Membership is open to every CSU student regardless of major. A small membership fee applies and is used to fund CJO events.

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Questions?

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Please email Dr. Jeff Nowacki

Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) leads by example at CSU and is active in helping all students connect to the Department of Sociology in a variety of ways. Each semester they choose projects and activities to pursue together. They have hosted “Why Sociology?” and “Considering Graduate School?” events with guest speakers and Q&A. They organize an annual induction ceremony for new initiates, their families and our faculty. AKD’s efforts are supported by funds they raise through good works initiatives like CSU’s RamRide.

AKD’s Purpose

Alpha Kappa Delta seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as 
will lead to improvement in the human condition.

AKD is a non-secret, democratic, international honor society of scholars dedicated to the ideal of Athropon Katamanthanein Diakonesein or "to investigate humanity for the purpose of service." AKD was founded at the University of Southern California in 1920 and became affiliated with the Association of College Honor Societies in 1967. Approximately 50,000 lifetime members are affiliated with more than 500 chapters of the honor society. These are persons with academic records showing excellence in sociology. The Gamma Chapter at Colorado State University was chartered in 1964. Find out more here

Why Join AKD?

Build your network and resume by running for office or taking the lead on a project. Member benefits include AKD funding student travel to professional conferences, sponsoring an annual student paper competition and bringing in guest speakers. Additionally, members receive a subscription to the journal Sociological Inquiry, an honor cord to be worn at graduation and a certificate of membership showing official recognition of academic achievement in the field of sociology.

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Applications are being accepted through December 9, 2024. Dues must be submitted by January 31, 2025.

Membership Criteria

Undergraduate Students:

  • Officially declare a sociology major or minor
  • Junior or senior status (60+ credits)
  • Overall GPA of 3.3 or above
  • Sociology GPA of 3.0 or above at CSU
  • Completion of at least four courses in sociology prior to initiation

 

Graduate Students:

  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Completion of at least one semester of graduate coursework in Sociology prior to initiation

A one-time $50 initiation fee establishes lifetime membership in AKD and includes a one-year subscription to the journal Sociological Inquiry.

Questions?

Please email Dr. Elena Windsong with questions or to inquire about financial assistance for the fee.

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Additional Leadership Opportunities

Sociology Undergraduate Representative

Juniors and seniors may apply for this role that serves as the student voice in Sociology's departmental governance. Applications open at the beginning of each semester. The student selected to serve may elect to receive 1 Sociology independent study credit. Apply here.

  • Attend all the Department Council and Undergraduate Council meetings with faculty and staff to discuss undergraduate issues.
  • Elicit feedback from other students about concerns and ideas, and share with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
  • Participate in job search activities for new faculty being considered for hire.
  • Participate in ongoing assessments of undergraduate activities and making recommendations for new activities.
  • Meet, as necessary throughout the semester, with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Dean's Leadership Council

In the College of Liberal Arts, the Dean's Leadership Council allows for a student representative from the sociology department to represent the interests of their fellow department undergraduates and act as a liaison between students and the Dean’s Office.

Associated Students at Colorado State University

At the University level, getting involved in the legislative, judicial, or executive branch of student government – otherwise known as ASCSU, can be a great way to serve the department, college, and university student population through advocating for justice and positive social change.

Student Leadership, Involvement & Community Engagement

For additional leadership and involvement opportunities, check out the SLiCE office on campus. Programs such as Campus Step Up: A Social Justice Retreat, the Alternative Spring Break program, and many of the over 450 student organizations can provide rewarding and relevant involvement opportunities to complement your studies in sociology.