This is a busy season for meetings and conferences.  For those of you who are especially interested in archaeology, I encourage you to take advantage of these meetings to start learning about this profession outside of the classroom and to start networking.

Following are two important meetings:

• Sept 19 (this Friday) - The Association of Professional Archaeologists of Kansas (PAK) will be meeting this Friday afternoon 1:00-5:00 pm in Wichita at WSU’s Neff Hall room 219.  At this meeting professional archaeologists from around the state (academic, CRM, & governmental) meet, along with any interested students, to discuss issues related to Kansas archaeology, such as Kansas Archaeology Month activities and publications, public education and archaeology, etc.  These are the types of topics that don’t always get discussed in classes but which are very much a part of our profession, so attending this meeting to listen in or participate is a great way to get a better sense of the variety of issues archaeologists deal with. You can also use this as a opportunity to meet archaeologists who might be future employers or graduate school advisers.  If you need a parking permit or additional information, contact me before Thursday afternoon.

1. October 1-5 - Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting (Plains Conference)  Another great way to learn about archaeology, especially on-going research across the Plains region, and to network with other students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty of various schools, and potential employers. For more information, visit the following website: http://outreach.uwyo.edu/conferences/anthropology/
   Note that students travel funds are available (but move quickly) and there will be prize drawings for students for GPS units, digital cameras and recorders, trowels, and more!!! (The three students who went last year from KSU each came back with prizes and travel monies that covered all their costs!)

Don’t put off attending professional meetings and conferences too long. The sooner you start attending, the more you will learn and be better prepared for grad school and/or a career upon graduation from KSU. Feel free to contact me about either of the above and/or to speak with other anthropology faculty to learn which conference or meeting might be best suited to your interests!!

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Lauren W. Ritterbush
Associate ProfessorDepartment of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
Kansas State University