Sociology

Department of Sociology
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5257 USA
(269) 387-5270

Student Organizations

Student organizations in the Department of Sociology at Western Michigan University impact the student experience by providing opportunities for leadership development, education and social interaction.

Group for the Study of Religion, Humanity, and Social Change

The Group for the Study of Religion and Social Change seeks to understand how religion informs social transformations, and how, in turn, societal change impacts religion. Open to graduate students.

Sociology Graduate Student Association

The Sociology Graduate Student Association promotes the academic and professional socialization of its members.

Criminal Justice Student Association

The Criminal Justice Student Association forms a network among students who have an interest in the criminal justice field. If you are interested in being a part of the leadership team of this organization, contact Dr. Patrick Cundiff.

Sociology Club

Sociology Club connects students who are interested in learning about sociology.  Sociology Club helps to familiarize students with core concepts of the subject as well as career preparation and research opportunities. We host various activities such as sociologists' talks, book discussions, and alumni nights. For more information, contact Dr. Chien-Juh Gu.

Sociology Honor Society

Alpha Kappa Delta is an international sociology honor society recognizing academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students. WMU's chapter is open to those who have:

  • A 3.3 GPA overall, and a 3.0 GPA in all sociology courses.
  • Completed at least four courses in sociology.
  • Declared sociology a major and achieved a junior or higher status.

Applications

Membership applications are available in the Department of Sociology atrium and should be turned in to Dr. Chien-Juh Gu, 3220 Sangren.

  • Deadline: Applications may be turned in at any time but must be received by Jan. 31 in order to be eligible for the annual induction at the Department of Sociology's Annual Spring Honors Reception.
  • Enclose a $40 check or money order made payable to Western Michigan University.
  • Submit a student copy of your transcripts, which can be printed from GoWMU.
  • Contact Gu for information on how to order any regalia you would like to purchase for your graduation ceremony. Please keep in mind it can take 6-8 weeks to receive the regalia once ordered.

Criminal Justice Honor Society

Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society for the U.S recognizing academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of criminal justice, as well as law students.

WMU's chapter, Epsilon Phi, is open to criminal justice majors and minors who:

  • Have completed at least four WMU criminal justice courses with a 3.2 course GPA.
  • Maintain a 3.2 GPA overall.

Application

Submit the application to Dr. Charles Crawford, 3230 Sangren. Applications will be reviewed and forwarded to the Alpha Phi Sigma headquarters by Crawford. Incomplete or deficient applications will be returned, along with the $70 payment, to the applicant.

  • Deadline: March 1 to be inducted to be eligible for the annual induction at the Department of Sociology's Annual Spring Honors Reception.
  • You must go online to the Alpha Phi Sigma website to complete and application form and return it to Crawford in the Sociology Department. 
  • Include a copy of your transcript from GoWMU and a $70 money order or cashier’s check made out to Alpha Phi Sigma. No personal checks or cash are accepted.
  • Successful applicants will be inducted during the annual Spring Honors Reception for the Department of Sociology in April.
  • If you do not hear from us, your application was approved and you will be initiated and receive your certificate at the Department of Sociology Spring Semester Honors Reception in April. You will be sent an invitation at a later date and should plan on attending.
  • Contact Dr. Crawford for information on how to order any regalia you would like to purchase for your graduation ceremony. Please keep in mind it can take five to six weeks to receive the regalia.

Benefits

Alpha Phi Sigma offers opportunities and benefits such as scholarships and job listings as well as merchandise such as graduation honor cords and sashes (expect five to six weeks for delivery).

Advisor

Dr. Charles Crawford is the faculty advisor for Alpha Phi Sigma.

WMU Mock Trial

Join this student organization dedicated to teaching students how to prepare court cases and present them in court. If you're interested in law, public speaking, acting or you just like to argue, give Mock Trial a try.