Applications are now open for the 2022–2023 NIRSA Assembly. Members have until March 24 to express their interest in serving on this unique volunteer body that is considered a think-tank for the Association. Each year, around 25 NIRSA volunteer leaders—including professionals, students, and associate members—serve to advance the profession.
Why should you apply?
There are many benefits that Assembly service provides volunteers. Current and previous Assembly members discuss these benefits in detail.
Grow your professional network by connecting you with dozens of leading minds in the profession.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving on the Assembly; the experience has provided me an opportunity to meet other collegiate recreation professionals who encompass a broad spectrum of experiences, roles, and identities. This opportunity to serve creates a dynamic, fun, and rich environment in which to engage in networking and critical and strategic thinking around important topics in our profession. As someone who has been in the field for over 15 years, I particularly appreciate working with the emerging professionals as they often engage with the topics from a different, yet fresh lens, which challenges me to think outside of the box,” says Shelby Hinkle Smith, Senior Associate Director at University of Vermont.
“Currently, I am a student member of the NIRSA Assembly serving in my first year. I’ve had the privilege to work with various NIRSA professionals across North America. Not only has this experience provided me with an outlet to network with some of the most innovative minds in the field; it’s truly challenged me to think critically and develop initiatives that will benefit the Association for years to come,” adds Spencer Cavan, Graduate Assistant at James Madison University.
“Now in my second year on the Assembly, I have found that service has been a really beneficial experience for me as a young professional. Working with this network of professionals from all over North America has been so helpful to my own development and for my institution’s programming and growth. It has helped me to stay connected to the profession and the NIRSA network as a whole,” says Laura Ferguson, Manager of Recreation Services at Lakehead University.
Assembly service will help you tap into issues that are at the forefront of the profession.
“The structure of the Assembly is a major appeal for me. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with a small group focused on a topic that is of interest to me. Being able to identify current gaps or issues facing our profession and having an avenue to discuss ways to help fix or improve campus recreation helps keep me motivated. It’s great knowing that there are forward thinkers in our association who care. I highly recommend applying to serve on the Assembly if you are excited about the future of campus recreation,” adds Laura.
“I have really enjoyed my time on the NIRSA Assembly! The Assembly’s composition is incredibly diverse, so you get to hear a plethora of different perspectives when tackling the field’s most important topics. I’m extremely appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to the future of the profession while also working with some really great people along the way,” says Clay Heinley, Program Manager of Member Services at University of Cincinnati.
Assembly service allows you to bring your ideas to bear on the future of the profession.
“The purpose of the Assembly is to ‘Think for the Future.’ I can confidently attest to the fact that this is happening, with many minds working together to advance our profession. Moreover, as a graduate student, I’ve had an ability to voice some of the shared thoughts that many students face within higher education, providing a unique perspective,” says Spencer.
“As I progress through my term of service, the conversations I have continue to shape the way I think about my work on campus and in the Association. The groups I have been in have given me a chance to expand my professional network while identifying and tackling issues that will affect the future of the profession,” adds Michael Migliaro, Graduate Assistant at University of Mississippi.
“Serving on the Assembly over the past two years has allowed me to take a forward look into areas of concern for higher education. Many of the topics we cover have an urgent need, with steps to address them being taken in the short term. What energizes me with my Assembly work has been taking a long-term look at these issues; recognizing that we want a quick fix, but we need to build something sustainable to truly make progress towards removing barriers in our field,” says Zack Sephton, Coordinator of Facility Operations at Queen’s University.
“Being a NIRSA Assembly member has given me the opportunity to highlight areas of importance as they relate to NIRSA. These areas include diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as social justice. Highlighting the importance of these issues within campus recreation has helped to expand the NIRSA Assembly’s influence on students, faculty, and staff in this profession. The NIRSA Assembly provides an opportunity for volunteers to raise awareness of issues and how they impact NIRSA, as well as develop ideas that can impact change within our organization,” says DeVanee Lasley, Assistant Director at Northern Kentucky University.
Apply by March 24
Each Assembly member is hand selected for their unique perspective, experiences, and passion for the profession. Volunteer efforts will contribute to the important task of participating in and facilitating thought-provoking discussions regarding the future of the profession.
Terms of service run from June 1 through May 31, with one-year and two-year commitments available to volunteers. Learn more about the composition of the Assembly on the NIRSA website.
- For more information, contact Sarah Leskovec, NIRSA Member Relations Manager.
Lisa Molloy is currently the Coordinator, Facilities & Aquatics at the University of Central Florida. She serves on the NIRSA Assembly.
