ASA Membership Overview

Membership in the American Society for Aesthetics is open to all individuals interested in aesthetics, art criticism, and related fields. Whether you're a student, scholar, practitioner, or enthusiast, the ASA offers a welcoming community and valuable resources to support your work and engagement.

Choosing the Right Membership Type

ASA now offers five simplified membership categories. Choosing the right membership category helps ensure you’ll receive the correct registration benefits at ASA meetings. For example, Student Members enjoy student meeting rates, while Regular Members register at the standard rate. Selecting the category that best fits your status now will make sure everything is smooth and accurate for the entire year. Select the one that best fits your current status and preferences:

GREEN Membership = Online-only access to the Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism (JAAC).
Print Membership = Includes mailed copies of JAAC (four issues per year).

Why choose GREEN?

• Going GREEN means full access to JAAC online (no print copies)
• Reduced environmental impact
• Simplified delivery logistics

If you anticipate needing print copies in the future (e.g., for publication purposes), we recommend selecting the print option at the time of joining or renewal.

Transitioning Legacy Categories

To improve clarity and streamline operations, the ASA has retired several legacy membership categories, including location-based options. These distinctions are no longer necessary, as member location and other details are tracked through profiles.

If you are currently in a discontinued category, you will be transitioned automatically to the most appropriate active category in the coming months. Your benefits and paid term will remain unchanged.

Membership Details

• Membership runs on a calendar year from January 1 to December 31. Unfortunately, the ASA cannot prorate membership dues.
• New members joining in October–December will have their membership extended through the following calendar year.
  
• Multi-year memberships are no longer available as of December 2025. Multi-year memberships purchased previously will be honored up to their expiration date.

How to Join or Renew

• Join or renew online with a credit card by clicking "Join ASA" or "Sign In" at the top of the page.
• You can renew up to 60 days before expiration via your profile page.
• Checks are no longer accepted as payment to promote improved security and service.

Updating Your Member Info

When joining or renewing, you will be prompted to update your member profile. A valid mailing address is required for all members receiving print copies of JAAC. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid delivery issues.

Member Search & Regional Groups

• The ASA offers a member search tool (which is visible when logged in) to help you connect with colleagues. You may opt out in your account settings.
• Regional groups are coming soon! You will be able to join as many as you like to foster local connections and collaboration starting in 2026.

Member Benefits

All ASA members—regardless of category—receive:

• Immediate access to all issues of JAAC via the publisher's website
• The ASA Newsletter via the website
• 20% discount on Oxford University Press hardcover titles
• Voting rights in ASA elections
• Access to the "Members" section of the ASA website, which offers resources and archival materials unavailable to non-members
• Eligibility for:
  • Travel Support (for students who have papers accepted to the ASA Annual Meeting program)
  • Dissertation Fellowships
  • Major Grants and Prizes
  • Irene H. Chayes Travel Grants (for those without institutional travel support attending any ASA meeting)
  • Editorial, trustee, and officer roles
  • Presentation opportunities at annual and divisional meetings

Updated December 2, 2025