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.
“Serving on the NIRSA Assembly has given me an opportunity to use my voice to impact the field of campus recreation,” says Heather Hamilton, Director of Fitness at Colorado School of Mines. “I’ve been able to pull from my personal experiences while also diving into the experiences of others in the field in order to help guide the future of the organization. In particular, the smaller group work has been very productive during my first year on the Assembly. I’ve enjoyed working alongside other forward-thinking individuals while focusing on important topics.”
Parker Anderson, Assembly Convener and Competitive Sports Coordinator at San Diego State University, adds, “For me, the Assembly provides another outlet to critically think and be creative with NIRSA colleagues. We get to think about and consider the future impact of various topics on our field and the Association, which provided me an opportunity to look into the future of NIRSA. Additionally, I get to learn and grow in the company of a diverse group of peers from across NIRSA and take on leadership roles within the group.”
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.
Gansheng Xu, Director, Recreation Services at the University of New Brunswick, says, “My experience with the NIRSA Assembly this past year has been eye opening. Being a learner as well as a contributor, I find this forward-thinking leadership group instills me with a greater strategic perspective of collegiate recreation. The Assembly focuses on emerging issues that affect the profession of collegiate recreation in the moment and in the future. I strongly encourage my fellow colleagues to get involved. Your efforts will help elevate our profession to a new level and better serve our students.”
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.
“As always,” says Wes Bonadio, Associate Director – Programs at Ohio University, “the best part of the Assembly experience is working with so many passionate, bright, creative minds as I am continually challenged to meet the standard of thinking that drives such a diverse group of minds. I encourage anyone looking to make a meaningful impact on our profession to consider applying for the NIRSA Assembly.”
Terms begin on Wednesday, July 1 and there are positions open for both new and experienced NIRSA members.
1-year terms available
- Student members
- Open seats designated for NIRSA members or non-members
- NIRSA members (emeritus, associate)
2-year terms available
- Professional members who have been a member of the Association for less than five years
- NIRSA members (life, professional, student)
To apply, fill out the Assembly application and upload or email your resume to NIRSA Leadership Programs Coordinator Chelsea Hansson. The application deadline for regions IV, VI, and Canada is Tuesday, May 5.
- For more information, please contact NIRSA Leadership Programs Coordinator Chelsea Hansson.
Chelsea Hansson is the Leadership Programs Coordinator at NIRSA.
