# Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters
## Overview

The Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters (MASAL) is an learned society and academic organization that supports research and disseminating knowledge through various scholarly activities. The Academy has a mission to advance scientific research and knowledge, support scientific literacy, and promote science-based solutions. It is housed at Alma College in Michigan. MASAL is affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

## History

Established in 1894, is one the oldest state academies. Housed at Alma College, the Academy is an IRS designated 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that is distinct among scholarly organizations for the range of disciplines (over 30) offered.
The organization met yearly in Lansing, East Lansing or Ann Arbor, with the stated purpose of reading and discussing scientific papers and “to forward the scientific [study of the] resources of the state…” Charter members regularly advised the State of Michigan on matters ranging from conservation and the preservation of natural species to map making. In 1921, the Academy became “The Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters,” and within months, the Academy blossomed with several new sections devoted to humanities disciplines and the organization took on the interdisciplinary character that it retains to this day. (Note: only two other state academies include the humanities disciplines.)
Today, the Academy is located at Alma College and is funded primarily from individual and institutional membership fees. Conference registration fees, journal subscriptions and royalties also provide financial support. In 1998, the Academy received a small endowment from Judge Avern Cohn for a prize for the most outstanding paper presented on the topic of law and public policy.

### Founding

The Academy was founded by Professors Frederick Charles Newcombe, Joseph Beal Steere, and Warren Plimpton Lombard, who called a meeting to organize a society to coordinate scientific research and improve teaching methods in natural sciences.

## Activities

MASAL's primary activities include organizing an annual regional academic conference and publishing the Michigan Academician, a quarterly academic journal.

### Annual Conference

The annual conference, typically held in March, serves as a hub for intellectual exchange and collaboration, with each year a different member institution hosting the event.

### Journal Publication

The Michigan Academician journal features papers in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

## Administration and Governance

The Academy is administered by a council consisting of executive officers, section chairmen, standing committees' chairmen, and past presidents.

### Executive Committee

The Executive Committee includes positions such as President, President-Elect, Past President, Treasurer, Secretary, representatives from Alma College, and members-at-large.

## Funding

The Academy is funded primarily from individual and institutional membership fees. Conference registration fees, journal subscriptions and royalties also provide financial support.
In 1998, the Academy received a small endowment from Judge Avern Cohn for a prize for the most outstanding paper presented on the topic of law and public policy.

## Affiliated Institutions

Adrian College
Alma College
Andrews University
Aquinas College
Calvin University
Central Michigan University
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Cornerstone University
Eastern Michigan University
Glen Oaks Community College
Grace Christian University
Grand Valley State University
Hope College
Kalamazoo College
Kettering University
Lake Superior State University
Lawrence Technological University
Macomb Community College
Madonna University
Michigan State University
Montcalm Community College
Northern Michigan University
Northwood University
Oakland Community College
Oakland University
Olivet College
Saginaw Valley State University
Schoolcraft College
Spring Arbor University
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Michigan–Flint
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University