Some University students at South Alabama have been busy this month. No, not just studying, but also collecting pet food. Four organizations, Sigma Phi Omega National Honor Society, the Gerontology Club, Alpha Kappa Delta National Honor Society and the Sociology Club have been collecting pet food for the Meals on Wheels "We All Love Our Pets" program. SPO President, Pamela Brown said, "We were looking for a philanthropy that we could assist this semester. When we spotted "WALOP" on the Meals on Wheels Association of America website, we knew this was the one for us! We contacted Banfield and with their "Season of Suppers" campaign beginning, we felt like this was a sure sign we were headed for success. Anita Mungenast's Classes at USA have also been participating with the collections. So far we have collected over 250 pounds of pet food. There are currently two collection points for the program still available: Banfield/PetSmart on Airport Blvd and Via! Solutions at Colonial BelAir Mall. Evelyn, a Spring Spaniel rescue, also appeared on the WKRG Channel 5 Morning Show with Bill Riales

to promote the WALOP program. The collected pet food will be taken to a MOWAA distribution point and will be given out to Meals-on-Wheels recipients and their pets. For information on how to donate please contact Banfield at (251) 343-1827 or Via! at (251) 473-3510.

Faculty in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work held a retreat at the Brookley Campus on March 2, 2006. The retreat focused on improving assessment methods for each discipline and developing learning goals and objectives for the 2006-2007 academic year. The program included a welcome by Dr. Steve Picou, Department Chair and a presentation by Beatriz Joseph, University Assessment Coordinator, on "Perspectives on Assessment". Dr. Nicole Flynn and Dr. Roma Hanks gave a presentation on the "Current Status of Assessment in the Department" and faculty met in discipline-based groups to develop specific assessment models.

After lunch, representative from the discipline-based groups reported back to the faculty regarding specific goals, objectives and activities that would be appropriate for implementing in the future. Various assessment methods were discussed, including student surveys, capstone courses, writing portfolios, focus groups and alumni surveys. Assessment plans and timelines were also developed. Ms. Joseph stayed throughout the retreat, offering advice and guidance to the numerous faculty proposals that were made. The retreat was a success in that faculty became more aware of the importance and significance of assessment for improving the delivery of learning objectives and improving retention for both graduate and undergraduate majors in the department.

Picou Appointed to Katrina Task Force

The task force consists of twelve sociologists from throughout the United States. The group met in Lafayette, La. in early September, followed by an October meeting in Mobile. The group toured much of the ravaged areas in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast during both gatherings.

Goals of the task force include identifying research areas for long-term study of the impact and consequences of Hurricane Katrina. The task force will also be working with various agencies and foundations to secure funding for additional long-term research projects.

The next meetings of the ASA Katrina Task Force are scheduled to be held in New Orleans in March, and Montreal in August.

Department Enrollments Hit an All-Time High

Fall 2005 marked the highest enrollments in the department's courses ever recorded. The department's growth has been very robust in the past few years. Below are the figures recorded since Fall 2000.