ALPHA KAPPA DELTA

Since 1992, the Department of Sociology at Valparaiso University has been a member of Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) International Sociology Honor Society (originally founded in 1920). NU of Indiana at Valparaiso University is our AKD chapter.

While the main purpose of this honor society is to promote scholarship, another goal has always been fellowship for students both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Conferring a charter signifies that the institution meets high standards of program quality and scholarship. As listed below, it is also expected that individual students must also meet high standards.

In order to be eligible for induction and membership into this prestigious honorary society student must be:

1. A Sociology major;

2. In their junior year or senior year;

3. An above average student maintaining at least a 3.3 average and the equivalent of a 3.5 grade point average in sociology courses taken at Valparaiso University prior to initiation; and

4. A student who has completed at least four regular courses in sociology prior to initiation (exclusive of extension of courses graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory).

Student scholarship in Alpha Kappa Delta is recognized in several ways. The Society sponsors student travel to regional meetings, supporting those who want to present their own work and learn from the scholarly presentation of others. The Society sponsors annual student paper contest, presenting awards that include monetary prizes, travel support, and scholarships. In addition, by funding research symposia and honoraria for guest speakers, the Society supports chapter activities that further education. The Society continues to recognize scholarly excellence in sociology by inducting approximately 4,00 lifetime members each year.