Ryan Steele
Contributing writer
Murray State has a plethora of clubs and organizations for students to join on campus. One club that seems to be overlooked is the Sociology Club, otherwise known as Students of Sociology, or S.O.S.
While some clubs on campus are exclusive, S.O.S. is not.
Scott Byrd, assistant professor of humanties and fine arts, is one of several sponsors for S.O.S.
“Students of Sociology is open to all students who have an interest in sociology, whether or not they major or minor in sociology,” Byrd said via email. “The club was created for the purpose of providing students a place that is conducive to the discussion of sociological ideas, development of analytical abilities and a greater understanding of social phenomena. It is also a place for students to network and acquire information about graduate schools, professional conferences, job opportunities and mentoring relationships with colleagues and professors.”
Students of Sociology sponsors several events around campus each year. Activities include movie nights, field trips and an end of the year banquet for all students involved.
At the latest Tent City event, Students of Sociology sponsored a tent that raised $500 for the Gentry House, a local homeless resource center. The club has several upcoming events.
This spring S.O.S. will host an event called Spring Strings at 7 p.m. on April 14 in the Wrather Museum where Dan Knowles, a national banjo champion and his bluegrass band will play, Byrd said.
As with many University clubs, the Students of Sociology are sponsored by several people.
“The official faculty sponsor is Lillian Daughaday, Interim Chair-GLIA Humanities and Fine Arts, but all of the sociology faculty helps with the club,” Byrd said.
Byrd stressed that Students of Sociology is open to all students interested in any form of sociology.
“The club is a great way to meet other majors and other students that share your interests,” Byrd said. “The club is very active and is also a good way to find out about graduate school, scholarships and local conferences (not just sociology, but also interdisciplinary conferences about the environment or local culture) where students could present.”
Students of Sociology meets at 12:30 p.m. each Wednesday in Faculty Hall room 507.