“More than nine years ago, on January 21, 2006, to be exact, 20 people met at the University of Chicago to organize ARISC. Among the group were individuals who had developed other American Overseas Research Centers, together with Mary-Ellen Lane, then the Executive Director of the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC). Through the volunteer efforts of many of those who met then, most especially Gerard Libaridian (University of Michigan), Sanjyot Mehendale (UC Berkeley), and Adam Smith (then Chicago, now Cornell University), the legal steps necessary to go from an idea to an institution were completed: incorporation 2006, not-for-profit status 2007, information status CAORC 2011. A grant from the Leon Levy foundation in 2010 underwrote a planning meeting which lay the foundation for many of ARISC’s on-going activities, foremost the innovative Junior Research Fellowship that requires an active mentoring component to foster on-going U.S.-South Caucasus scholarly relationships. The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, awarded in 2012, that also has supported the opening of ARISC offices in Georgia and Armenia. As one of the 20 who attended the organizational meeting, where we began with nothing but an idea and enthusiasm, I am pleased to see how much ARISC has already accomplished in its mission to support American scholars studying in and about the South Caucasus, bringing knowledge of the South Caucasus to a broader American audience, and building cross-board scholarly connections.”
Karen Rubinson, ARISC Founding Member
How to become a member
- Determine the level of membership:
- Individual Membership: Anyone may become an Individual Member of ARISC, upon application and acceptance by ARISC. Annual individual membership dues are $40. Two years’ annual individual membership dues are $75.
- Student Membership: Any undergraduate or graduate student currently seeking a degree at an accredited university may be admitted as a Student Member of the Corporation, upon application and acceptance thereof by ARISC. Annual student membership dues are $10.
- Institutional Membership: Any generally recognized academic or educational institution in the United States or Canada, or any association of such institutions, may become an Institutional Member, upon application to ARISC and election by a majority of Directors. Annual institutional membership dues are $500.
- New Tier: Friends of ARISC: The Friends of ARISC shall be open to any individual, regardless of academic credentials or scholarly qualifications, who wishes to support the mission of ARISC and who has an interest in the history, cultures, languages, archaeology, societies, or contemporary affairs of the South Caucasus, upon application and acceptance thereof by ARISC. Annual Friends of ARISC membership dues are $100.
- Complete the application form: https://forms.gle/foqJE6SqNponXX1U9
- Digital application form available upon request. Email info “at” arisc. org with your request.
- ARISC will review your application and share information on how to submit the membership fee.
Please note the membership year begins October 1 and ends September 30 regardless of when an individual or institution has joined during the calendar year. Members may renew their membership until January 1 of each year.
Benefits of Membership
Membership in ARISC has several benefits.
- Members may be eligible to apply for the ARISC Graduate/Postdoctoral Fellowship competition.
- ARISC also works to publicize members’ scholarly events that are pertinent to the South Caucasus, and offers modest funds for co-sponsoring events.
- Members have the opportunity shape ARISC programs, activities, and offerings in the South Caucasus, if they choose to serve on a variety of advisory bodies.
- Access to a discussion group gives members immediate news on the latest scholarly developments and opportunities in the region.
- An annual newsletter and member directory are invaluable resources for following ARISC’s work and networking with a wider community of scholars.