The NIRSA Assembly is a diverse group of individuals who work closely with high-level NIRSA leaders to determine a variety of topics that will impact the future of collegiate recreation. Each member is actively involved in work groups established around their chosen topics. They spend the year as facilitators of thought, assisting in discussions and disseminating their work.
Adam Shanley, Sport Club Coordinator at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, says “Serving on the NIRSA Assembly has given me the opportunity to connect with professionals from across the country and discuss the emerging opportunities and challenges facing Campus Recreation as a profession and NIRSA as an association.”
Jess Kiss, Assistant Teaching Professor and Laboratory Coordinator at Bowling Green State University, adds, “My experience on the NIRSA Assembly has helped me grow professionally within NIRSA and for my campus. I’ve made connections with campus recreation and higher education professionals that I’ll sustain even after my term on the Assembly concludes. The ‘think tank’ that is the Assembly has encouraged me to develop a forward-thinking approach when it comes to campus recreation and higher education. The topics we previously focused on (e.g., Changing Student Demographics, Virtual Wellbeing, Response and Navigation During Disruptors) are relevant now and will continue to be relevant in years to come. The deliverables that our Assembly members and I created are resources that are being put into practice by NIRSA members—which is amazing to witness. This experience is a leadership opportunity that I’m so grateful to be a part of and I encourage anyone who is interested in the Assembly to embrace the chance to join the Assembly!”
Methods the Assembly uses to share work with the Association include developing a panel or educational session for the NIRSA Annual Conference & Campus Rec and Wellness Expo, establishing a regional conference or state meeting session, creating an online resource guide, writing NIRSA News articles, and facilitating discussion with members through the NIRSA Connect Community.
Laura Ferguson, Coordinator for Recreational Programs and Initiatives at Lakehead University, says, “Being an assembly member has been a really beneficial experience for me as a young professional. This has been my first year serving on the Assembly, and it has been nothing but positive. It is so great to be able to share ideas and brainstorm with fellow NIRSA colleagues from all different institution types and sizes, and regions. It has helped me to stay connected to the profession and NIRSA as a whole. For me, it’s been an ideal volunteer position as I feel it helps me personally grow, but I can also see the impact the work my peers and I are doing will have on the NIRSA network. The structure of the Assembly is a major appeal for me as well, as you get to work closely with a small group focused on a topic that is of interest to you. I highly recommend putting an application in and considering serving on the Assembly if you are excited about the future of campus recreation!”
Wherever you are in your collegiate recreation profession—whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a student, or somewhere in between—please consider applying for a position on the NIRSA Assembly! Each Assembly member is selected for their unique perspective, experiences, and passion for the profession. The goal is to have a diverse membership serving on the Assembly, which includes all levels of experience and years served within the profession.
Asna Rupani, Graduate Assistant for Facilities at Illinois State University, says, “Serving on the NIRSA Assembly gave me the opportunity to have a real voice in the direction of our organization. I was able to work with directors, professionals in various stages of their careers, and NIRSA representatives in order to publish resources for our membership to utilize. My time in the Assembly allowed me to create a legacy through our work in regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion and have conversations that were productive, forward moving, and will make a difference in creating a more inclusive membership. As I move into my early years as a professional, the skills I learned as a NIRSA Assembly Student member have helped better prepare me for this next chapter.”
Terms begin on Tuesday, June 1 and there are positions open for both new and experienced NIRSA members.
1-year terms available
- 3 Student members seats
- 6+ Open seats designated for NIRSA members or non-members
2-year terms available
- 2 Professional member seats who have been a member of the Association for less than five years
- 3 NIRSA member seats who have been a member of the Association for more than five years (life, professional, emeritus)
To apply, fill out the Assembly application and upload or email your resume to NIRSA Leadership Programs Coordinator Chelsea Hansson. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 31.
Chelsea Hansson is the Leadership Programs Coordinator at NIRSA.
