AKD Workshop

Join a community of peers at the AKD/NCSA Preconference Workshop

Thursday, April 16, 2026 

1-5pm 

Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“The Future of Sociology”

Reclaiming Sociology in the Classroom and Our Curriculum

 It can be argued that sociology has lost control of the narrative surrounding the work we do and the discipline’s value to our students and our curriculum. The American Sociological Association published an open letter defending the vital role of sociology in universities. That effort reminds us of the unique skillset and perspective that sociologists contribute to our defining and solving social issues. Unfortunately, our ability to spread this message is challenged by efforts to erode higher education and the denigration of the pursuit of science. This workshop will explore how we continue to train the next generation of sociologists regardless of the career path they pursue and reclaim the narrative surrounding the discipline.

Please join us as we explore how we can “reclaim sociology” in the classroom and curriculum.

Through discussions, roundtables, reflections, and hands-on activities, this workshop will support participants as we explore ways to navigate these uncertain times. Designed for new and experienced instructors alike, we invite everyone to come together and support one another as we define the future of the discipline.

This session is sponsored by Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society, whose mission is to acknowledge and promote excellence in the scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and social and intellectual activities that will lead to improvement in the human condition. AKD is hosting conversations on the theme “Reclaiming Sociology” at regional association meetings this academic year. We invite all to participate in these discussions.

You can sign up for the preconference when you register. $25 fee. Partial scholarships are available. Please direct all questions to Melinda Messineo mmessine@bsu.edu