Alpha Kappa Delta

Alpha Kappa Delta derives its name from the Greek words, anthropon (humankind), Katamanthanein (to investigate thoroughly), and diakaonesein (for the purpose of service). When this phrase is translated freely, it expresses both the goal and method of Alpha Kappa Delta:
"To study humankind for the purpose of service."

The purpose of AKD is to promote human welfare through the association of a fellowship group interested in developing scientific knowledge that may be applied to the solution of practical problems.

What is AKD?
AKD stands for Alpha Kappa Delta, A non-secret, Democratic, international Society of Scholars dedicated to the ideal of Athropon Katamanthanein Diakonesein Or "to investigate humanity for the purpose of service" AKD seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement of the human condition.
AKD was founded as the University of Southern California in 1920 and became affiliated with the Association of College Honor Societies in 1967.

Who are the members of AKD?
More than 50,000life time members are affiliated with more than 500 chapters of the Society. These are persons with records showing excellence in sociology

Why become a member of AKD?
AKD provides a variety of services to its members. Every initiate receives an AKD handbook, a certificate of membership, and a membership activation form. Members who submit completed activation forms receive a one-year subscription to Sociological Inquiry, the official journal of the Society, the Alpha Kappa Delta Newsletter, election materials, and other services. In addition, the society sponsors student paper contests, provides honoraria for initiation speakers, provides funds for student travel to regional sociological meetings, funds research symposia, sponsors distinguished lecture series at the annual meeting of American Sociological Association, and contributes annually to the AMA Minority Scholarship Fund. Members may purchase honor cords for graduation ceremonies, AKD jewelry, and other memorabilia.

AKD chapters are important in the academic, professional, and social lives of students and faculty members. The provide opportunities for initiating and sharing activities in keeping with the purposes of the society.
Civil service employees receive a two-step boost in pay grade if they list AKD membership on their applications.

How does one become a member of AKD?
Minimum requirements apply to all chapters of AKD. Undergraduates must be sociology majors or demonstrate a serious interest in sociology within an official program of a host institution with a chartered chapter of the Society; must be at least a junior; have an overall GPA of at least 3.0; have a sociology GPA of at least 3.0; have taken at least four courses in sociology. Chapters may apply additional criteria.

Graduate students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0; have a sociology GPA of at least 3.0; and have completed at least one semester of graduate work in sociology. Faculty members may be initiated

Election to Alpha Kappa Delta is without regard to race, creed, or national origin.

Potential members should contact a faculty member serving as an AKD chapter representative. Chapter representatives are responsible for determining eligibility. Contact the AKD Office if your chapter is inactive or you cannot reach a Chapter Representative.

Alpha Kappa Delta is an international honor society that began at the university of Southern California under the suggestion of Emory S Borgardus in 1920. In 1922, The second chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta was founded at the University of Wisconsin. Presently, Alpha Kappa Delta has thousands of members in over 400 chapters throughout the world and is proud to be a member of ACHS, the national council of honors societies.

We are proud to promote the values of Alpha Kappa Delta in the pursuit of improving mankind through the scientific study of society. Membership in Alpha Kappa Delta lasts a lifetime and includes a one-year subscription to the scientific journal Sociological Inquiry to help aid our drive towards scientific services to human kind.

Taken from the Alpha Kappa Delta handbook, " We believe that social, like physical and biological occurances, are natural phenomena; that in al the universe flux and change, there is a sufficient degree of relatively stable and repetitive uniformity to make useful provision and prediction possible within carefully delimited frames or reference." In short, we believe that human choice, intelligence, and effort are susceptible to some as yet undetermined degree of rational organization and control. We believe that humankind, personality and society, can achieve rational, integrated, creative, and democratic social relationships. (AKD handbook 2000-2001)