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Special Events
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All meeting registrants are invited to the Welcoming Party which follows the Opening Plenary Session on Thursday evening, July 31, and celebrates the opening of the 103rd Annual Meeting. This social hour kicks off at 9:00 PM and provides opportunities to renew past acquaintances, chat with old friends, and find a newcomer to befriend. New members and first-time meeting attendees are particularly encouraged to come and have fun!
Orientation for First-time Attendees [+] Details
If this is the first time you have attended an ASA Annual Meeting, please plan to attend an orientation session at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 1, prior to the mid-day Plenary on the first full day of program sessions. Hosted by ASA Secretary Donald Tomaskovic-Devey and Executive Officer Sally T. Hillsman, this special orientation hour provides the opportunity to meet Association officers and staff and begin networking with experienced colleagues. Pointers on navigating the Annual Meeting will be shared in informal roundtable discussion. Advice from ASA Officers and experienced attendees will help you chart a course through the myriad activities and substantive attractions during the convention week.
Reception for International Scholars [+] Details
Scholars from countries outside the U.S. are invited to meet U.S. sociologists interested in international collaborations at a reception for international scholars on Friday, August 1, at 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Departmental Alumni Night (DAN) [+] Details
The Departmental Alumni Night (DAN), now in its 35th year, is a social event held after the first full day of sessions, where attendees can connect with friends, colleagues, and foes to reminisce about graduate school days, create new coalitions, and catch up on the latest news. This traditional gathering will begin at 9:30 PM on Friday, August 1, and there will be plenty of time for conversation without musical competition.
DAN provides departments with the opportunity to have an alumni gathering without the considerable expense of arranging one. Each graduate department of sociology in the United States and Canada receives an invitation to sponsor a table for alumni and friends. Only a small fee is charged to assist in covering expenses for this affair. Remind your department chair to reserve a table now!
Tables will also be provided for sociologists in business and industry as well as for international scholars and guests. Other groups wishing to participate by sponsoring a table are requested to contact ASA Meeting Services (202-383-9005 x305, meetings@asanet.org) before May 30.
Community College Faculty Breakfast [+] Details
Sociologists teaching in community colleges are invited to a special bagel breakfast at 7:00 AM on Sunday, August 3. Mark your calendar for this early-bird event where you can meet with other colleagues teaching at community colleges.
All meeting attendees are invited to attend the Honorary Reception at 6:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, to express appreciation, congratulations, and best wishes to President Kalleberg and the major 2008 ASA award recipients on this festive occasion.
Since 1984, social science departments and regional societies have joined the American Sociological Association in co-sponsoring the annual Honorary Reception. Donors and sponsors of this year’s reception will be announced in the Final Program. If your department or institution would like to sponsor this event, please contact Dan Spar at the ASA Executive Office (202-383-9005, x334; spar@asanet.org) by June 6 to request a pledge form.
Set aside time during the busy weekend to join good friends and supporters of the ASA’s Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) and the celebration marking its 35th year! Plan to relax after dinner, nibble a sweet or two, and meet current Fellows and MFP alumni. Please attend this special event and reaffirm your commitment to the MFP Program.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
9:30-11:30 PM
$25—donor; $50—sponsor; $100—benefactor
Admission is by ticket only. The Minority Fellowship Program supports predoctoral training for students of color. Please purchase your tickets when you preregister online for the meeting, or use the registration form in the middle of this newsletter to specify your contribution level and reserve your MFP Benefit ticket.
( MFP graphic.)
Just Desserts!
A Teaching Enhancement Fund Benefit [+] Details
Looking to escape the pressures of presenting papers, searching book displays, and participating in committee meetings? Come and relax with friends at this benefit event for the Teaching Enhancement Fund (TEF), “Just Desserts.” As the name implies, you should bring your sweet tooth along to enjoy special desserts, good coffee, stimulating conversation, and smile that all of this pleasure goes to a good cause.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
9:30-11:00 PM
$25—donor, $50—sponsor; $100—benefactor
Admission is by ticket only. The Teaching Enhancement Fund is a small grants program designed to support teaching-related projects that have long lasting and transferable impact. Please purchase your tickets in advance when you preregister online for the meeting, or use the registration form in this newsletter to sign up for your “Just Desserts.”
The ASA Business Meeting is an opportunity for members of the Association to discuss important issues facing the discipline and profession. All meeting attendees are invited to join ASA officers, Council members, and Executive Office staff for continental breakfast and discussion at the ASA Business Meeting on Monday, August 4, 7:00-8:15AM
Members seeking to present formal resolutions should be prepared to provide background materials on the issue to be discussed. Contact governance staff at the ASA Executive Office for guidelines (202-383-9005, x327; governance@asanet.org). The deadline for submission of resolutions and background materials is July 3, 2008.
