Graduate Student Association (SGSA)
About Us
The Sociology Graduate Student Association (SGSA) is a community that supports sociology graduate students throughout their academic journey at 草莓社区. We help students access the resources and opportunities needed to succeed and engage meaningfully with the program, faculty, peers, and beyond.
SGSA is not meant to be an additional burden, but a support system integrated into the academic experience. We encourage students to lean on SGSA during challenging periods, such as preparing for exams, writing theses or dissertations, or managing other responsibilities rather than disengage with the association. Our goal is to provide smooth, continuous support for sociology graduate students' academic, professional, and personal development, offering help when it’s needed most.
While the sociology department assists SGSA, the association thrives through the engagement and mutual support of all students. Every student’s involvement enriches both the collective and individual experience.
What We Do
- The Sociology Salon
Informal gatherings where students come together to discuss sociological topics over food and drinks, fostering intellectual exchange and community building. - The "Ask a Sociologist" Series
An engaging 60-second video series shared on SGSA’s social media platforms. Each video features a student—or occasionally a faculty member—analyzing a current issue through a sociological lens, connecting academic insights with real-world topics - The SGSA Journal
An online platform managed by sociology graduate students, showcasing their work and encouraging critical thinking. The journal offers students an opportunity to transform class papers into 1,500–2,000-word essays, supporting intellectual engagement, professional development, and public sociology. - Academic Workshops
Short, practical sessions designed to help students navigate key academic milestones. Topics include preparing for comprehensive exams, developing a thesis project, choosing a committee, and more. - Themed Boot Camps
One- or two-session workshops held each semester, based on student demand, focusing on building specific skills such as grant writing for sociological research, using R for data analysis and visualization, and more. - Writing Retreats
Structured sessions offering dedicated writing time, group activities, and breaks in a supportive environment. These retreats help students work on final papers, theses, or dissertations with focus and camaraderie. - Annual Research Event
Our signature event celebrating student research, providing a platform for sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and building academic connections.
The SGSA Team
Jenny Rakoto
President and Host of the Ask a Sociologist Series
mrakotoarisoa@luc.edu
Eyyup Yilmaz
Vice-President and Host of the Sociology Salon
eyilmaz@luc.edu
Jake Pritchard
Editor of the SGSA Journal
jpritchard1@luc.edu
Follow us on and !
About Us
The Sociology Graduate Student Association (SGSA) is a community that supports sociology graduate students throughout their academic journey at 草莓社区. We help students access the resources and opportunities needed to succeed and engage meaningfully with the program, faculty, peers, and beyond.
SGSA is not meant to be an additional burden, but a support system integrated into the academic experience. We encourage students to lean on SGSA during challenging periods, such as preparing for exams, writing theses or dissertations, or managing other responsibilities rather than disengage with the association. Our goal is to provide smooth, continuous support for sociology graduate students' academic, professional, and personal development, offering help when it’s needed most.
While the sociology department assists SGSA, the association thrives through the engagement and mutual support of all students. Every student’s involvement enriches both the collective and individual experience.
What We Do
- The Sociology Salon
Informal gatherings where students come together to discuss sociological topics over food and drinks, fostering intellectual exchange and community building. - The "Ask a Sociologist" Series
An engaging 60-second video series shared on SGSA’s social media platforms. Each video features a student—or occasionally a faculty member—analyzing a current issue through a sociological lens, connecting academic insights with real-world topics - The SGSA Journal
An online platform managed by sociology graduate students, showcasing their work and encouraging critical thinking. The journal offers students an opportunity to transform class papers into 1,500–2,000-word essays, supporting intellectual engagement, professional development, and public sociology. - Academic Workshops
Short, practical sessions designed to help students navigate key academic milestones. Topics include preparing for comprehensive exams, developing a thesis project, choosing a committee, and more. - Themed Boot Camps
One- or two-session workshops held each semester, based on student demand, focusing on building specific skills such as grant writing for sociological research, using R for data analysis and visualization, and more. - Writing Retreats
Structured sessions offering dedicated writing time, group activities, and breaks in a supportive environment. These retreats help students work on final papers, theses, or dissertations with focus and camaraderie. - Annual Research Event
Our signature event celebrating student research, providing a platform for sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and building academic connections.
The SGSA Team
Jenny Rakoto
President and Host of the Ask a Sociologist Series
mrakotoarisoa@luc.edu
Eyyup Yilmaz
Vice-President and Host of the Sociology Salon
eyilmaz@luc.edu
Jake Pritchard
Editor of the SGSA Journal
jpritchard1@luc.edu
Follow us on and !