Honors / Opportunities

• Honors in Sociology and/or Justice Studies
• Alpha Kappa Delta
• Lauris B. Whitman Award in Sociology
• Mary Ann Hawkes Award in Justice Studies
• Harold Sweet Award in Gerontology

Honors in Sociology and/or Justice Studies

Students may earn Honors in Sociology or Justice Studies on their transcript by applying to, enrolling in and completing a two-semester independent study (Sociology or Justice Studies Honors 491/492) under the direction of a faculty member selected by the student with approval of the department chair. The course will involve writing a major research paper and defending it before a committee of faculty. Contact: Department Chair (ext. 8026) or a faculty member with whom one would like to study.

Alpha Kappa Delta

An International Honor Society in Sociology. To be admitted a student must be an officially declared sociology major/minor, justice studies major/minor, gerontology minor or certificate candidate; have completed at least 60 credit hours, have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (B); and have a GPA of 3.33 in at least four regular sociology courses (two of which must have been taken at Rhode Island College) and two of which must be at the 300/400 level (exclusive of pass/fail). Apply in Spring semester when notice is circulated in classes or contact Department Chair, ext. 8026.

Lauris B. Whitman Award in Sociology

This award honors an outstanding sociology major who has graduated the previous January or will graduate in May. The award is bestowed at the Annual Cap & Gown Ceremony in early May. To qualify a student must have an overall GPA of 3.25 or above and a 3.5 or above in sociology courses. In addition, the student must "have made concrete contributions which demonstrate leadership, dedication, and commitment through service to the Department of Sociology, the College and/or the Community. " A committee of faculty will choose from among those eligible for consideration. Apply to the Faculty Committee on Whitman Award or contact Department Chair, ext. 8026.

Mary Ann Hawkes Award in Justice Studies

This award honors an outstanding justice studies major who has graduated the previous January or the following May. The award is bestowed at the Annual Cap & Gown Ceremony in early May. To qualify a student must have an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) or above and a 3.33 GPA or above in courses included in the Justice Studies program. In addition, the student must "have demonstrated recognition of and concern for national, regional or local problems of justice and their solutions. Active involvement during the undergraduate years is expected. A committee of faculty will choose from among those eligible for consideration. Apply to the Director of Justice Studies, Dr. Pamela Jackson, CL-456, ext. 8734.

Harold Sweet Award in Gerontology

The award is given annually to an outstanding gerontology student who has maintained a 3.0 average and demonstrated excellence in the Gerontology Program. Eligible students submit written statements to outline their academic achievements, employment activities, volunteer services, and/or service to the College that pertain to gerontology and to describe the impact of the Gerontology Program on their involvement with and attitudes towards older adults. Apply to the Coordinator of Gerontology, Dr. Rachel Filinson, CL 461, x8732.