The 12^th annual ASA Chair Conference theme is “The Big Picture: Trends in Higher Education and How They Affect Sociology Departments.” Designed for new and current chairs at all types of institutions, the conference provides “briefings” on issues of critical importance for departmental leadership. Panels, roundtables, and informal conversation facilitate sharing information and advice. Attendees also meet with chairs from similar institutions to discuss common issues. In addition, the ASA Research Program on the Discipline and Profession will present data on important trends.

The Chair Conference begins on Thursday, August 10, at 8:30 am and concludes at 12:10 pm on Friday, August 11. Preregistration and fee payment are required.

Directors of Graduate Study (DGS) are important leaders in shaping department policies and opportunities for effective graduate programs. To assist sociologists in the DGS role, the ASA Academic and Professional Affairs Program has planned a series of events at 1:30 – 5:30pm on Thursday, August 10, which will dovetail with Chair Conference activities and permit interaction between attendees of both conferences. DGS sessions will focus on such issues as data trends in graduate education, effective mentoring and professional development, preparing graduate students for the job market, the MA degree in sociology, and more.

     Access to these special activities for Directors of Graduate Study requires preregistration and fee payment. The registration fee includes all conference materials and afternoon beverage break(s).