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.[2]
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.)[3]
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.[4][5]
MASAL's primary activities include organizing an annual regional academic conference and publishing the Michigan Academician, a quarterly academic journal.[6]
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.[1][7]
Journal Publication
The Michigan Academician journal features papers in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.[8]
Administration and Governance
The Academy is administered by a council consisting of executive officers, section chairmen, standing committees' chairmen, and past presidents.[4][9]
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee includes positions such as President, President-Elect, Past President, Treasurer, Secretary, representatives from Alma College, and members-at-large.[1][10]
Funding
The Academy is funded primarily from individual and institutional membership fees. Conference registration fees, journal subscriptions and royalties also provide financial support.[1][11]
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.[1][12]
