EC Position Descriptions
Members of the National NSSLHA Executive Council (EC) represent the CSD student body by:
- governing over the programmatic and administrative policies of National NSSLHA, including the Strategic Plan and budget; and
- serving on various American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) committees to provide the student perspective.
There are 12 positions on the EC, which closely mirror the ASHA Board of Directors positions.
- President and President-Elect
- Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Vice President for Finance
- Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy
- Vice President for Planning
- Vice President for Programming, AuD
- Vice President for Programming, SLP
- Vice President for Student State Officers, Central Region
- Vice President for Student State Officers, Northeastern Region
- Vice President for Student State Officers, Southern Region
- Vice President for Student State Officers, Western Region
All Positions
Term
Two years, unless otherwise indicated. EC terms run July 1 through June 30.
Time Commitment
Approximately 20 hours per month (excluding travel). Some months have heavier time commitments over others, depending on National NSSLHA programming and activities.
Travel
Travel to/from the annual ASHA Convention and/or 2-4 in-person or virtual meetings at the National Office is required. Opportunities to attend additional meetings and/or conferences may be offered, but not required. Subject to change. Travel costs are covered by National NSSLHA.
Primary Responsibilities
- Be informed about, contribute to, and support National NSSLHA's Mission, Vision, Core Values, Strategic Plan, Bylaws, and programs.
- Initiate, review, and participate in votes that support National NSSLHA's Strategic Plan, Bylaws, annual budget, and programming.
- Assist in carrying out fiduciary responsibilities.
- Prepare for, attend, and participate in all EC and ASHA committee meetings.
- Write a National NSSLHA Blog post or collaborate with National Office staff on social media outreach.
Growth Opportunities
- Serve as a liaison and bring the student perspective to an ASHA committee.
- Work with and be mentored by members of the ASHA Board of Directors.
- Attend the annual ASHA Convention and/or 2-4 in-person or virtual meetings at the National Office. Opportunities to attend additional meetings and/or conferences may also be offered. Subject to change.
Additional Opportunities
- National NSSLHA’s Strategic Plan is reevaluated on a 3-year cycle. The next evaluation period will be during the 2025-2026 term.
- Serve on a National NSSLHA work group or committee, as needed.
- Prepare and/or present information at meetings on behalf of National NSSLHA, as needed.
Desired Personal and Professional Characteristics
Ability to ...
- listen, analyze, and think strategically and creatively.
- work well with people individually and in a group.
- consider multiple viewpoints about controversial issues, while being sensitive and tolerant.
- ask questions, take responsibility, be responsive, follow through on given assignments, and evaluate yourself.
- be honest, friendly, patient, and have personal integrity.
- communicate National NSSLHA's perspective effectively with members and stakeholders.
- prepare for, attend, and participate in EC and committee meetings (including conference calls).
- develop certain skills if you don't possess them, such as understanding financial statements and details of National NSSLHA's programming.
- develop a sense of values and concern for National NSSLHA's development.
President and President-Elect
The President and President-Elect shall represent opposite professions (1 audiology, 1 speech-language pathology). Both positions serve as an EC liaison on an ASHA committee.
Term
Two years: 1 year as President-Elect, then automatically 1 year as President.
Responsibilities of the President
- Serve as chair of the EC, ensuring that the EC fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of National NSSLHA.
- Work in partnership with NSSLHA's National Advisor and Program Director to
- achieve National NSSLHA's mission;
- prepare for, run, and participate in all EC meetings;
- ensure that the EC resolutions are carried out.
- Serve as the official spokesperson for National NSSLHA.
- Maintain relationships with volunteer leaders of related organizations.
- Prepare the President-Elect to transition into leadership.
Responsibilities of the President-Elect
- Collaborate with the President to learn the role, become familiar with National NSSLHA's governance structure and programs, and develop and facilitate officer transition.
- Review the agenda and support materials prior to EC meetings, committee meetings, and conference calls.
- Serve as the Co-Chair of the IDEA Work Group.
- Support the President, as needed.
- Represent National NSSLHA on behalf of the President, as needed.
Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Identify and support issues regarding undergraduate and graduate education in audiology and speech-language pathology.
- Facilitate and report on NSSLHA scholarship programs.
- Serve as the EC liaison on ASHA's Academic Affairs Board.
Vice President for Finance
- Serve as National NSSLHA's treasurer; responsible for monitoring financial operations, including annual income and expenditures.
- Report on the financial position of NSSLHA at EC meetings, and/or when called upon.
- Present the annual budget to the EC for approval.
- Assist in developing non-dues revenue offerings for NSSLHA members.
- Serve as the EC liaison to ASHA's Financial Planning Board.
These tasks will be accomplished through a close working relationship with the National NSSLHA Senior Director and ASHA National Office staff.
Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP)
- Assist in developing student advocacy activities concerning the welfare of students, professionals, and those being served in the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.
- Promote education, understanding, and support among members of NSSLHA regarding the needs and rights of individuals with communication disorders.
- Coordinate and facilitate legislative and advocacy activities for the National NSSLHA EC.
- Serve as the EC liaison to ASHA's Governmental Affairs and Public Policy Board.
Vice President for Planning
- Monitor various operations, activities, and performances of National NSSLHA to ensure compliance with the strategic plan and achievement of National NSSLHA's mission.
- Facilitate the infusion of multicultural issues and populations in National NSSLHA's programs.
- Assist in developing programs for National NSSLHA members.
- Serve as the Co-Chair of the IDEA Work Group.
- Serve as the EC liaison to ASHA's Multicultural Issues Board.
Vice President for Programming
2 Positions: 1 for Audiology; 1 for Speech-Language Pathology
- Identify issues and forecast needs and trends of students enrolled in audiology or speech-language pathology programs.
- Plan and execute NSSLHA events at the ASHA Convention and/or virtually.
- Serve as the EC liaison to ASHA's Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
Vice Presidents for Student State Officers
4 Positions: Central Region, Northeastern Region, Southern Region, Western Region
- Collaborate with other Vice Presidents for Student State Officers
- Facilitate monthly calls with Student State Officers (SSOs) about current initiatives and tasks.
- Work closely with SSOs in their region to disseminate information about National NSSLHA to chapters and members.
- Track SSO contributions and accomplishments.
- Recognize exceptional SSOs for their contributions and hard work.
- Facilitate discussion, rank, and inform the EC and/or National Office about issues of concern from Student State Officers, chapters, and/or members.
- Serve as the EC liaison to ASHA's Committee of Ambassadors, ASHA's Board of Special Interest Groups Coordinators, ASHFoundation's Board of Trustees, and/or other committees.