NIRSA Volunteer Groups

The Early Career Advisory Group is comprised of 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.

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.

The 75th Anniversary Celebration Task Force is responsible for proposing ideas to the NIRSA Board. They will generate content and execute programs that celebrate NIRSA's 75th anniversary throughout 2025. This group will collaborate heavily with the NIRSA Foundation 75th Anniversary Fundraising Committee as well as the NIRSA History & Legacy 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.

Members of the Conference Program Committee specifically support the development and execution of the conference’s educational content.

The Honor Award Committee works with NIRSA Headquarters to administer and promote the Honor Award program. Presented each year at the Annual 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.

Members evaluate and recommend appropriate actions to the NIRSA Board of Directors with a focus on maintaining the financial viability of the Association. 

Members solicit and receive ideas and suggestions regarding potential bylaws changes from the Association's membership, the NIRSA Board of Directors, and from NIRSA committees. They draft proposed changes for legal review and offer rationales for member review. They use a variety of platforms (i.e. both electronic and in-person meetings) and engage the Member Network and other appropriate leadership groups to gather member feedback regarding proposed bylaws changes. These members also submit final proposed bylaws changes to the Board of Directors for approval . NIRSA's membership is given the opportunity to vote on these changes.

The Nominations and Appointments Committee shall be a standing committee of the Association, comprised of two members of the Board of Directors (one serving as Chair), two voting members from each region, the NIRSA Student Leader and a Past President Representative.

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 the wake of recommendations made by the recent History & Legacy Work Group—and in concert with the 75th Anniversary Celebration Committee—the History and Legacy Committee has been reconstituted as a standing NIRSA 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.

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.

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.

The Small Programs Committee is comprised of members with experience in small program campus recreation administration. The committee supports the development of resources, education, and networking opportunties 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.

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.

The Association's 75th anniversary will be celebrated in 2025. Festivities will kick off on February 22, 2025 with the majority of celebrations occurring during the 2025 NIRSA Conference in Orlando. Some fundraising efforts may continue throughout the entirety of 2025. The NIRSA Foundation Committee will work closely with the History & Legacy Committee and the 75th Anniversary Celebration Committee to ensure cohesive efforts, guard against any duplication of efforts, and seamlessly implement all things “75th Anniversary.”

The Golf Tournament Committee is responsible for planning and facilitating the related preconference event at annual NIRSA Conferences. To ensure the success of the tournament, this committee reviews past evaluations and makes recommendations for improvements the following year. Committee members also serve as volunteers on the day of the event during the NIRSA Conference.

Committee members works closely with NIRSA's Director of Philanthropy, whose role is to support NIRSA members in peer-to-peer fundraising, to identify and foster prospects, and to communicate opportunities to young professionals.

The Scholarship and Travel Grants Committee is responsible for reviewing applications and awarding scholarships given established criteria approved by the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors. To ensure the success of the scholarship process (application, evaluation, and selection), this committee will review the selection process annually and make recommendations to the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors as needed.

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. 

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.

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, trainings, 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.

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.

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 Exec Tram facilitates collaboration among work teams, address high-level challenges, and guide 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.

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.

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.

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.