Sociology at the University of Georgia

Sociology faculty at the University of Georgia are excellent teachers and productive scholars, who have won the University's highest teaching and research awards, received major grants, and published their research in the top journals and presses. We embrace a variety of research methodologies, including ethnography, experiments, and secondary data analysis. This research is both interdisciplinary and collaborative: many of our faculty are affiliated with other units on campus and work closely with graduate students.

Dear UGA Sociology Community:

We write to express our grief about yesterday’s tragic murder of Asian women in Atlanta.  As the news continues to report on the incidents and their causes, we acknowledge that regardless of what we learn about the intentions of the shooter, these attacks and the increase in reports of anti-Asian violence more generally have a harmful effect on Asians and Asian Americans and their sense of safety.  Anti-Asian harassment and violence have a long history in our country.  The increase in incidents since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an additional source of stress and isolation for many Asian and Asian Americans.  The UGA Sociology Department stands in support of our Asian and Asian American students, staff, and faculty.  We encourage every member of our community to take a stand against racial violence and injustice.

Well-Being Resources 

• If you or someone you know needs assistance, you are encouraged to contact Student Care and Outreach in the Division of Student Affairs at 706-542-7774 or visit https://sco.uga.edu. They will help you navigate any difficult circumstances you may be facing by connecting you with the appropriate resources or services.  
• UGA has several resources for a student seeking mental health services (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/bewelluga/bewelluga) or crisis support (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/info/emergencies).  
• If you need help managing stress anxiety, relationships, etc., please visit BeWellUGA (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/bewelluga/bewelluga) for a list of FREE workshops, classes, mentoring, and health coaching led by licensed clinicians and health educators in the University Health Center.  

Report an Incident on Campus  

• Ombudsperson For Students: Charisse Harper, (706) 542-8544, charper@uga.edu, Submit a complaint
• Ombudsperson For Faculty: Jenny Gaver, (706) 542-3699, jgaver@uga.edu, Submit a complaint
• Ombudsperson For Staff: Steve Gibson, (706) 542-1147, sgibson@uga.edu, Submit a complaint  

This statement was drafted and endorsed by the Sociology Department’s undergraduate coordinator (Dr. Sarah Shannon), current and former graduate coordinators (Dr. Patricia Richards and Dr. Justine Tinkler), and Department Head, Dr. James Coverdill.