Leadership Notes

Exciting new opportunities for Student Members of NIRSA!

By Linda Clauss, National Student Representative

I hope you are having a fabulous fall and gearing up to attend the Student Lead Ons, Regional Conferences, and State Workshops in your area. These are worthwhile opportunities to network with other students and professionals in the organization, and attend educational and professional development workshops and presentations.

Well, time is flying, and before we know it, Spring Break will be concluding and the Annual Conference will be right around the corner. This year's Annual Conference will highlight a new student learning opportunity, the Student Hospitality Area (SHA)! A few weeks ago at the NIRSA Board of Directors (BOD) Midyear Meeting in Louisville, the Student Leadership Team (SLT) was granted funding to create the Student Hospitality Area. The SHA will be located in the Convention Center (near the Career Opportunities Center) and foster an environment for students to relax between interviews, socialize with other students, ask the current SLT questions, learn more about leadership opportunities, chat with professional mentors, and play cards and other games. The SLT is extremely excited for the BOD's support of this initiative and we hope that you'll stop by, introduce yourself, and take advantage of the socialization and networking opportunities, and free refreshments!

In Web site news, the Scholarship and Awards information has been updated and posted on the student homepage, as well as the Nominations and Elections information. If you are interested in standing for office as the National Student Representative, or Regional Student Representative, visit the website to find out more, or ask a member of the current SLT. Candidates may be self-nominated and materials must be received by December 2, 2005. Nomination materials include a brief questionnaire, submittal of your current resume, and a statement of support from your institution. Don't you think it's time you became a Rock Star? Step up and Stand!

In other news, at the Midyear Meeting, the BOD passed a motion that the Association would cover the Regional Student Representatives Annual Conference registration fees, starting in 2007. Yet another reason to Step up and Stand!

In closing, over the course of the next five weeks I will be traveling across the nation to attend all of the Regional Conferences, and the Student Lead On in Region II, and Region IV. So cruise on up to me and introduce yourself, share your feedback, and your experience. I look forward to meeting you. Until then, safe travels.