Through collaboration, expertise, and shared purpose, NIRSA volunteer groups advance the profession, shape strategic priorities, and turn ideas into action.
These rotating volunteer groups lead important conversations, explore key issues, and drive initiatives that shape the future of NIRSA and the field.
NIRSA Advisory Councils and Task Forces
Early Career Advisory Group
The Early Career Advisory Group includes members who are in the early stages of their professional careers. The group supports the development of educational content, promotes networking opportunities, and creates resources for early career professionals in campus recreation and wellbeing. The group also advises NIRSA regarding ongoing efforts to bring value to this segment of membership and drive both membership growth and active participation in the Association.
Health & Wellbeing Advisory Group
The Health & Wellbeing Advisory Group guides NIRSA’s strategic efforts to advance wellbeing in higher education. Building on the work of past task forces, the group helps prioritize goals, recommend action, and foster collaboration ensuring NIRSA’s wellbeing initiatives align with the 2024–2027 Strategic Framework and beyond.
NIRSA Conference Committees
NIRSA Campus Rec & Wellness Expo Committee
The Campus Rec & Wellness Expo Committee works with NIRSA Staff to build a dynamic roster of exhibitors and vendors for the annual NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo. The committee assists NIRSA Staff in conducting follow-ups with potential vendors and assists with the onsite coordination of the expo.
NIRSA Conference Program Committee
Members of the Conference Program Committee specifically support the development and execution of the conference’s educational content.
NIRSA Awards Committees
Awards Steering Committee
The Awards Steering Committee ensures a fair, transparent, and equitable process for the recruitment, selection, and appreciation of award recipients. Committee members ensure that NIRSA’s awards program aligns with its strategic framework, identify opportunities to enhance the program’s effectiveness and impact, and help to foster a culture of recognition within NIRSA.
NIRSA Honor Award Committee
The Honor Award Committee works with NIRSA to administer and promote the Honor Award program. Presented each year at the NIRSA Conference, this prestigious award recognizes the exceptional contributions to NIRSA and the field of collegiate recreation through exemplary leadership and dedication. This committee reviews nominations and uses the selection criteria to decide on the recipient.
NIRSA Governance Committees
NIRSA Audit & Finance Committee
Members evaluate and recommend appropriate actions to the NIRSA Board of Directors with a focus on maintaining the financial viability of the Association.
NIRSA Nominations & Appointments Committee
The Nominations & Appointments Committee is responsible for recruiting and evaluating NIRSA Board of Directors Candidates and determining the final slate of candidates which will be voted on by NIRSA’s membership. This committee also assists with the recruitment and evaluation of candidates for the Member Network.
Program and Service Groups
NIRSA Assessment Committee
The Assessment Committee fosters a culture of assessment within NIRSA by facilitating the delivery of educational programs, resources and tools to NIRSA members, as well as highlighting practical examples of using assessment data to inform strategy and decision-making within campus recreation units.
NIRSA Government Affairs Committee
The Government Affairs Committee monitors legislative issues relevant to campus recreation that are being discussed at the state and U.S. federal levels and will determine what stance, if any, NIRSA will take on them. The committee helps NIRSA by communicating with members policy and legislative issues impacting higher education and NIRSA’s value areas. This allows members to stay informed regarding these topics.
NIRSA HBCU Coalition
The HBCU Committee was established in 2018—after transitioning from a three-year task force—to focus on the unique needs of recreation departments at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to continue centering the legacy of HBCUs as a central part of NIRSA’s history.
Health & Wellbeing Briefing Work Group
The Wellbeing Briefing Work Group produces NIRSA’s quarterly Wellbeing Briefing. This email briefing is aimed at educating, communicating, sharing, and connecting members to new and existing resources related to wellbeing.
History and Legacy Committee
Preserving and sharing the historically significant milestones and legacies of NIRSA members has long been a prerogative of the Association. At times, the responsibility of this work has been assigned to a single historian. On other occasions, this work has been delegated to committees, work teams, and task forces. In 2023, the History and Legacy Committee was reconstituted as a standing NIRSA committee.
NIRSA Small Programs Committee
The Small Programs Committee involves members with experience in small program campus recreation administration. The committee supports the development of resources, education, and networking opportunities for small program campus recreation and wellbeing administrators. The committee also serves in an advisory capacity to NIRSA in an effort to bring value to this segment of membership in a way that drives growth in membership and participation.
Student Staff Development Committee
The Student Staff Development Task Force supports campus recreation professionals who manage student employees. As one of the largest employers on college campuses, recreation departments shoulder an important role in the growth and development of their student employees. The task force develops resources and learning opportunities for students and their professional supervisors who are involved in this work on their campuses.
NIRSA Foundation Committees
Golf Tournament Committee
The Golf Tournament Committee is responsible for planning and facilitating the related preconference event at NIRSA Conferences. To ensure the success of the tournament, this committee reviews past event evaluations and makes recommendations for improvements the following year. Committee members plan tournament details including sponsorships, games, logistics, swag, and prizes; additionally, they serve as volunteers on the day of the event during the NIRSA Conference.
NIRSA Foundation Early Career Professionals & Pickleball Tournament Committee
Committee members work closely with NIRSA’s Director of Philanthropy and Foundation Coordinator, whose role is to support NIRSA members in peer-to-peer fundraising, to identify and foster prospects, and to communicate opportunities to young professionals. This committee is also responsible for the Foundation’s annual Big Dill Pickleball Tournament held at NIRSA Conferences. Responsibilities include recruiting players, sponsors, prizes, logistics, etc. This committee is mentored by a Foundation Board Member.
Scholarships and Travel Grants Committee
The Scholarship and Travel Grants Committee is responsible for reviewing applications and awarding scholarships and travel grants based on criteria approved by the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors. To ensure the success of the scholarship process (application, evaluation, and selection), this committee reviews the selection process annually and makes recommendations to the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors as needed.
Champ Series Work Teams and Boards
Analysis and Development Work Team
The Analysis and Development Work Team supports the assessment and educational efforts of the NIRSA Championship Series by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing survey data from participants, officials, and volunteers. Members serve as liaisons to sport or operations committees, collaborating to meet their unique assessment needs and provide meaningful insights. This team also contributes to student and professional development by creating educational resources and initiatives that enhance the overall Championship Series experience. Through monthly meetings and ongoing collaboration, the team plays a key role in driving data-informed improvements and supporting the mission of the Series.
Basketball Work Team
The Basketball Work Team leads the charge in recruiting, selecting, and supporting Regional and National Basketball Tournaments within the NIRSA Championship Series. Members work closely with Regional Host Sites and collaborate across other Work Teams to advance the Series. Responsibilities include participating in host site interviews and selection, promoting tournaments and leadership opportunities, and supporting host sites throughout the season. This team plays a vital role in shaping the experience for both participants and volunteers, ensuring successful and engaging events across the country.
Community, Connection, and Service Work Team
The Community, Connection, and Service Work Team focuses on creating a Championship Series experience where everyone feels a sense of belonging, support, and purpose. This team develops resources, training materials, and initiatives that promote fairness, celebrate diverse experiences, and encourage inclusive practices across all levels of the Series. Members collaborate with other work teams and the Executive Board to lead community-building efforts, address concerns, and provide education that strengthens relationships and fosters a welcoming environment. Their work helps ensure that every participant has the opportunity to feel connected, valued, and supported.
Flag Football Rules Book Editorial Board
The Flag Football Rules Book Editorial Board oversees the ongoing development and publication of the NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual. This publication, first published in 1983, serves as the standardized code of rules, interpretations, and officials’ mechanics for the sport of flag football. The Board is responsible for reviewing, updating, and refining the content to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment with the evolving game. The Editorial Board plays a critical role in supporting officials, players, and tournament organizers by maintaining the integrity and quality of NIRSA’s flagship officiating resource.
Flag Football Work Team
The Flag Football Work Team leads the charge in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and supporting Regional and National Flag Football Tournaments within the NIRSA Championship Series. Members work closely with Regional Host Sites and collaborate across other Work Teams to advance the Series’ core priorities. Responsibilities include participating in host site interviews and selection, promoting tournaments and leadership opportunities, and supporting host sites throughout the season. This team plays a vital role in shaping the experience for both participants and volunteers, ensuring successful and engaging events across the country.
NIRSA Championship Series Executive Team
The Executive Team provides strategic leadership and oversight for the NIRSA Championship Series Work Teams. They are responsible for setting vision and priorities, ensuring alignment across all sport and operational teams, and supporting the successful execution of Regional and National tournaments. The Executive Team facilitates collaboration among work teams, addresses high-level challenges, and guides decision-making to advance the goals of the Championship Series. The Executive Team plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity, growth, and overall success of the Series.
Soccer Work Team
The Soccer Work Team leads the charge in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and supporting Regional and National Soccer Tournaments within the NIRSA Championship Series. Members work closely with Regional Host Sites and collaborate across other Work Teams to advance the Series’ core priorities. Responsibilities include participating in host site interviews and selection, promoting tournaments and leadership opportunities, and supporting host sites throughout the season. This team plays a vital role in shaping the experience for both participants and volunteers, ensuring successful and engaging events across the country.
Standards of Competition Work Team
The Standards of Competition Work Team is responsible for reviewing all eligibility guidelines and managing the appeals process to ensure fair and consistent competition across all Regional and National events. Members carefully evaluate submitted appeals, make informed rulings, and collaborate with the full work team to uphold the integrity of the Championship Series. Additionally, the team regularly reviews eligibility rules and recommends updates to maintain clarity and fairness within the competitive environment.
Unified Work Team
The Unified Work Team is dedicated to advancing Unified programming by fostering collaboration between athletes with and without intellectual disabilities at all NIRSA Championship Series events. The team provides guidance and resources to tournament host sites, sport work teams, and professionals engaged in the development and management of Unified sports, including partnerships with Special Olympics. Their efforts promote greater awareness of Unified programming and enhance the overall Championship Series experience for all participants.