Purpose SOAL's aim is to bring together students working toward a minor, BA or MA in Applied Linguistics, an endorsement or certificate in TESL, staff and faculty in the Applied Linguistics and ESL fields, and other interested members of the campus and community. Its intent is to encourage the exchange and discussion of theoretical issues, teaching ideas, materials and experiences between campus and community in an informal setting, and to disseminate information regarding the field of linguistics, including employment opportunities and up-coming events related to this field. SOAL may also provide a forum where students and faculty can present their research or report on workshops or conferences that they have attended, and in this way retain a connection between instruction and research for the continued development of the field. SOAL does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, creed, national origin, political belief or affiliation, medical condition, handicap, gender or sexual orientation. Perspective members may join SOAL by providing their name, postal and e-mail addresses, and phone number via a standardized membership form available at each meeting.
All information is confidential.
No dues are required. Members may attend SOAL meetings, participate in its activities, and take advantage of its funds for specified events. There is no minimum attendance requirement for retaining membership. The coordinators of SOAL membership, meetings and eventsare PSU student volunteers. No formal election process will be held.