New Members

Welcome!

Here are answers to questions frequently asked by new members. These are some of the easiest ways to put your membership to work for you. You might want to download the “Make the Most of Your Membership” brochure as a reference. Remember, you can always contact us with any questions.

How do I get involved in the Societies? There are many ways to become involved in one or more of the Societies. Involvement will positively impact your career, enhance your network, and give you a voice in the future of the Societies and professions.

Early each year, all members receive an email requesting volunteers. Take time to review our opportunities, which include committee service, division activities, or serving as a journal reviewer/editor. Request an appointment by using the online form, or sending an email request. The presidents-elect make appointments in the summertime, and terms generally begin after the Annual Meetings.

How do I connect with colleagues?  Use the Membership Directory (login required) to locate colleagues by Society of membership, division of interest, or location.  In addition, with the Scientific Expertise Directory, you may self-select areas of expertise that you may have, search for colleagues with specific areas of expertise, and be available to the general public if they would like to connect with you.

Can you help me find my next job/next employee? Employees and employers alike can find what they're looking for at our Career Placement Center. Members looking for jobs may upload a resume, post one free online "position wanted" ad annually, search job listings, and find career resources. Employers looking for employees may advertise their open positions and search resume listings.

The Societies also offer career development workshops and programs at the International Annual Meetings. Past topics have included: "Job Opportunities Outside Academia,” “Writing Manuscripts for Publication," and "Grant Writing Navigation."

How do I access scientific research? Access the latest scientific research in several ways -- through our journals, meetings, CSA News and Crops & Soils magazines, and with Research Highlights.

Subscribe to any of our journals at reduced member rates. Search the archives by subject collection, keyword, author, date published, and more. Abstracts are available free, as are articles published more than 18 months ago. Electronic subscribers may access any article from their subscription journal(s). Hardcopy subscribers may view complete articles or request a print copy for a fee. Nonsubscribers may also request a print copy for a fee.

Some poster/oral presentations during the Annual Meetings are recorded. They are available for a small fee to those who did not attend. After 18 months, these are also free. Electronic access to abstracts for the Annual Meetings is always free.

All members receive CSA News each month, which includes research summaries. Back issues are available online.

How can I make a difference in public policy? Your voice does make a difference! The Science Policy Office in Washington, DC, represents the views of agricultural, crops, soils, natural resources, and environmental scientists before Congress, federal agencies, and other organizations. Activities focus on science policy leadership and initiatives, tracking policy issues, directing grassroots advocacy, and seeking opportunities for members to provide written and oral science-based information to policymakers. What makes it effective is the participation and personal perspective of our members, both as constituents and respected experts.

All members receive the bi-weekly email, Science Policy Report.  Visit our Science Policy pages for helpful links and more ways to get involved.

What awards, scholarships, and fellowships are available? More than $100,000 is awarded each year to the recipients of 45 different awards and scholarships. ASA-CSSA-SSSA members nominate colleagues, students, and industry leaders for exceptional scientific achievements and service. View a complete list of the awards available. Nominations typically open in January.

I want to submit my manuscript for publication. What do I do? Visit our Publications page. It includes detailed information for authors including forms and resources, a style manual, helpful glossaries, instructions on how to submit manuscripts, and links to our journals. You may also visit www.scijournals.org to access each journal, where you will find manuscript guidelines, publications handbooks, and a link to Manuscript Tracker.

How can I present or publish at the International Annual Meetings? Early in the year, the Societies issue a call for papers for our International Annual Meetings. Check the News Flash and CSA News for the official announcement.

Abstracts may be submitted online and may include tables, charts, graphs, and images. Submission fees will be listed online. Presenters must register for the Annual Meetings. Authors have the opportunity for their oral/poster presentations to be included on our website. Oral presentations will be recorded and posters may be submitted electronically.

How do I present papers at regional or branch meetings? Visit our Meetings page for a list of upcoming regional and branch meetings. A "Call for Papers" email announcement provides information about how to submit papers.

How do I access contact information for a division or branch officer? Visit  the About the Society page, and view the sections that include Society Officers, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Division Chairs. You may also visit the main "Membership" page to view "Branches/Chapters" and "Divisions" on the right-hand side.