The Emerging Scholars Network of the African Studies Association
Membership Statement
The Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) was founded in 2015 (originally the ASA Graduate Student Caucus) to meet the needs of new and recently-graduated scholars who are members of the African Studies Association. The ASA ESN welcomes current graduate students (both masters-level and doctorate-level), recent graduates (including but not limited to those seeking academic jobs), and early-career professionals who are still within 5 years of receipt of a terminal degree.
Mission Statement
The ASA Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) supports the innovative research and professional goals of graduate students and early-career members of the ASA by:
- Identifying shifting emerging scholars’ needs and exploring how the ASA and ESN can address those demands.
- Representing emerging scholars’ interests to the ASA board by sending a voting representative to all ASA board meetings.
- Organizing and moderating one or more information sessions, events, workshops, or professional development opportunities for ESN members.
- Enabling mentorship connections between established academics and professionals in the field and emergent scholars/practitioners.
- Advocating for greater inclusion of African and other international graduate students and early-career professionals through active engagement in activities and the promotion of their participation in events and training opportunities.
- Recruiting diverse new graduate students and early-career professionals into the membership to diversify the ESN network broadly for the benefit of intellectual exchange and career development.
Join the ESN
Become a Member!
Join today by going to MyASA and selecting “Emerging Scholars Network” under Coordinate Organizations. ESN operates on a pay-what-you-can model between $0-$30. Choose the amount that feels right to you.
Once you’re part of the ESN, we invite you to take advantage of two upcoming opportunities designed especially for first-time ASA attendees and presenters.
Virtual Q&A for First-Time ASA Attendees
Have questions about what to expect at the Annual Meeting? Join us for a virtual session on Tuesday, November 11 at 12 PM EST where you’ll hear from returning attendees, get practical tips for navigating the conference, and connect with other first-time participants.
Learn more and register
Emerging Scholars Mock Conference Session
If you’re presenting at ASA, this is your chance to practice your paper and receive constructive peer feedback before the big day. It’s a supportive environment to refine your delivery, manage timing, and build confidence. Choose between two session times: Tuesday, November 4th, 12:00 -2pm EST Or Friday, November 7th, 12:00 – 2pm EST
Learn more and sign up
All current graduate students as well as graduates within 5 years of their terminal degree are welcome to join the ESN.
Fill out our interest form to receive more information on ESN events and opportunities, and to indicate what you are most interested in gaining from participation in the ESN.