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QUESTION 1: WHAT IS ACA-SAC?
ANSWER 1::The ACA-SAC is the Student Affairs Committee of the
American Correctional Association. It is comprised of committee members
appointed by the ACA and the ACA student chapters.
QUESTION 2: WHAT DOES THE ACA-SAC DO?
ANSWER 2:The ACA-SAC encourages the development of
student chapters at high schools, colleges, and universities across
the country. The goal is to provide students with a background in all
forms of criminal justice, not just corrections. Student chapters
plan activities that promote scholarship, community service, and
practical experience in some area of criminal justice.
QUESTION 3: WHAT IS THE ACA?
The ACA is the oldest and largest
correctional association in the world. It serves all disciplines in
corrections and other criminal justice fields.
QUESTION 4: WHAT IF I'M NOT INTERESTED IN PRISONS?
Prisons are a like a small town. They employ correctional officers,
accountants, personnel managers, researchers, information technologists,
medical staff, and much more. Corrections is include counsellors and
therapists, canine specialists, substance abuse professionals, researchers,
computer specialists, law enforcment, legal professionals, teachers, and
anything else you would find in a city. Despite the label "Corrections," the
ACA addresses issues relevant to any discipline or profession.
QUESTION 5: HOW CAN WE START A STUDENT CHAPTER?
Becoming a student chapter member is quite easy. Visit the ACA's instructions.
If you already have an existing criminal justice club, it's even easier.
All you have to do is sign up 10 members to join the ACA at very
inexpensive student rates, and send in your student charter and bylaws
to the ACA. Because different schools have different requirements and
names for constitutions, bylaws, and charter, these may vary between
schools. The ACA simply needs confirmation of the organization's
recognition approval by the school and a list of the members who have
joined. When sending in memberships, it is usually easiest if the
faculty advisor or some other representative sends them in together
with a note to the ACA indicating that they are for your chapter.
If need assistance or guidance, contact: Jim Thomas - jthomas@math.niu.edu
QUESTION 6: CAN I PARTICIPATE EVEN IF OUR SCHOOL DOESN'T HAVE A STUDENT CHAPTER?
ABSOLUTELY! You can join ACA on your own for the low student/associate membership dues. You can attend ACA conferences (twice a year) at reduced rates, meet
with students at the conference, be on the ACA-SAC email listserv, and
be a part of the ACA action with the rest of us.
QUESTION 7: I STILL DON'T GET IT. WHO CAN I CONTACT?
If you still have questions, want more information, or just want to
explore student involvement in ACA,
For questions, contact: Jim Thomas - jthomas@math.niu.edu
Return to the ACA-SAC Homepage
Last Update - August 15, 2009