On May 1, Montana will officially change its NIRSA regional affiliation and become a part of NIRSA Region VI. “We are thrilled that the NIRSA Board of Directors has honored our request to move to Region VI,” says Whitney Hinshaw, Group Exercise and Health/Safety Instruction at Montana State University-Bozeman and NIRSA Montana State Director.

Anticipating new opportunities, Whitney adds, “We feel this will greatly enhance Montana’s overall engagement in NIRSA by expanding access to professional development and networking opportunities, and therefore creating a stronger connection to the Northwest network of collegiate recreation peers. The move to Region VI propels Montana members to be more effectively involved in the association, particularly aspiring students. It means  shorter and cheaper travel to peer institutions and events, increased opportunities to host regional events, and increased networking with institutions similar in culture and geographic proximity to Montana schools.”

In November, the NIRSA Board of Directors took the final step required by the Association’s Regional Composition Policy and approved the Montana Regional Realignment Proposal to move from Region V to Region VI.

See related: “NIRSA members and leaders in Montana propose a regional move”

The Board reviewed the proposal, Montana’s petition of support, Member Network input, and member feedback before unanimously approving the change. The regional realignment will go into effect on May 1, 2018 to coincide with the beginning of the next NIRSA leadership year.

Montana is the first state in the Association to appeal its regional alignment through the steps outlined in the recently adopted Regional Composition Policy.

See related: “NIRSA bylaws amended by member vote in NIRSA’s 2017 elections”

Earlier in 2017 Canada became the first country to submit an appeal to form a new region through the process outlined in the policy.

  • For more information, please contact NIRSA Director of Membership Christine Haluzak.
Executive Director, Campus Life Services & Campus Center at  | NIRSA Profile

Bill Crockett, RCRSP is currently the Executive Director of Campus Life Services at the University of Maryland Baltimore and the President on the NIRSA Board of Directors. He can be reached at president@nirsa.org.