The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) was founded in 1979 and is a consortium of 41 professional associations affiliated with student service, student affairs, and student-development programs.  NIRSA became a member of the consortium in 1981 and has taken an active part in the development of standards for all areas covered by the consortium.

The CAS associations work “collaboratively to develop and promulgate standards and guidelines and encourage self-assessment.” Since NIRSA’s first engagement with CAS, The Role of Recreational Sports Contextual Statement, Recreational Sports Program standards, and the Recreational Sports Self Assessment Guide (SAG) have been part of the CAS Professional Standards for Higher Education or “Blue Book” of standards.

The CAS Board of Directors is comprised of individuals representing member professional associations and public interests vested in the creation and dissemination of standards for programs and services in higher education. A consistent presence on the Board by member associations fulfills a professional obligation and offers tangible opportunities to contribute specialized knowledge in the articulation of those standards through collaborative actions among all member organizations. The CAS Board of Directors has legal authority over all CAS activities. A CAS Director (each association and Public Director) has one vote on the Board, and shares accordingly in responsibility for all Board actions or Board delegated/authorized actions. A CAS Director represents either a member professional association or is elected by the Board as a Public Director.

Duties and Expectations as a CAS Board Member

• Each Director (or Alternate Director) is expected to communicate effectively and/or otherwise represent the relevant interests and initiatives of CAS to his/her/their member association.
• Each Director (or Alternate Director) is expected to represent a scholar-­‐practitioner approach consistent with his/her/their sponsoring professional organization’s interests and concerns in regard to the establishment and revision of CAS standards and involvement in other CAS initiatives.  These duties include:
  • Identifying and using relevant professional practice resources, networks and scholarly work to inform CAS standards and initiatives.
  • Ensuring periodic reports of CAS activities to member association leadership and members.
  • Ensuring effective notice of CAS initiatives and other activities to publication (newsletter, journal, etc.) editors of member associations.
  • Enlisting and engaging members associations involvement in CAS initiatives and events. Informing and advising members about CAS publications and their uses.
  • Encouraging member associations to provide their members with professional development activities in regard to professional standards.
• Each Director (and Alternate Director) is expected to be knowledgeable about, and actively engaged in, the business of the Council.
• Each Director (and Alternate Director) is expected to contribute to his/her/their participation to CAS committee assignments or individual tasks assigned by CAS leadership
• Each Director (and/or Alternate Director) is expected to attend each semi-annual meeting of the CAS Board of Directors.
• Each Director (and Alternate Director) is expected to be an advocate for CAS and its initiatives to colleagues and other relevant higher education practitioners and constituents.

Duties and Expectations of NIRSA

• NIRSA Director and Alternate Director will take an active involvement in committee work, be knowledgeable and act with integrity regarding CAS business in alignment with the strategic direction of NIRSA.
• NIRSA Director and Alternate Director will take an active involvement in CAS committee work making special effort to be involved with committees that are similar to or closely aligned with collegiate recreation e.g. auxiliary services, health promotion services, career services, college unions, housing and residential life, internships, and student leadership.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will submit requests for action or information regarding potential impacts to NIRSA or its members, following each CAS Board meeting no later than one month following the meeting.
• NIRSA Director will communicate with the alternate director at least two months prior to each CAS Board of Directors meeting to ensure NIRSA representation at all CAS board meetings. Pending funding by NIRSA Headquarters, both the Director and Alternate Director will be funded and expected to attend the Spring and Fall CAS Board meetings.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will submit a CAS Board meeting report and reimbursement request to the NIRSA Headquarters no later than one month following the meeting.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will updates to the NIRSA Board of Directors upon request.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will conduct presentations on collegiate recreation professional standards at NIRSA Annual Conference/Regional Conferences/institutes/webinars as requested.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will provide updates to the NIRSA membership as requested.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will provide leadership and oversee the review and revision process of collegiate recreation professional standards that typically occurs every 8-9 years.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will assist in the appointment process for the CAS Standards Review Task Force
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will provide leadership for the CAS Standards Review Task Force to develop a draft version of the revised standards.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will remain fully knowledgeable of NIRSA, collegiate recreation professional standards, and assessment standards.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will solicit feedback from NIRSA members and advocate for assessment needs.
• NIRSA Director and/or Alternate Director will assist with other duties related CAS standards.

• Current NIRSA Professional, Professional Life, or Emeritus membership as well as 2 consecutive years immediately prior.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of college recreation.
• Demonstrated experience working with student service and student affairs entities on his/her campus.
• Experience with the use of CAS standards for Recreational Sports, either through the self-assessment of the recreational sports department or another department with his/her own institution or in support of another institution using the standards.
• Significant experience as a practitioner to facilitate the scholar-practitioner assessment approach.
• Validated knowledge of the field through previous participation in NIRSA committees or governance.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with other student services and student affairs office on his/her home campus.
• Preferred but not required:
  • Doctoral degree in a related academic field
  • Experience with CAS standards, other than the Recreational Sports Program.
  • Engagement experience with other professional associations focused on student services and student affairs.
• Communication – Ability to clearly and effectively articulate opinions and ideas as well as acclimate to the various audiences of NIRSA.
  • Presents ideas effectively, both in written form and verbally
  • Actively listens to seek clarification and understanding
  • Able to build consensus among diverse groups
  • Connects and communicates with NIRSA members formally and informally
  • Synthesizes information a variety of sources; communicates linked information in a cohesive way
  • Willing to serve as a voice for NIRSA
• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making – Ability to think conceptually, imaginatively, systematically, and opportunistically in alignment with organization’s core purpose.
  • Consistently applies core values to decision making

• Critical Thinking – Ability to actively and skillfully conceptualize, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information to inform decision making.
  • Able to analyze complex issues, conceive multiple solutions, evaluate options, and draw conclusions or solve problems.
  • Able to identify when additional information or expertise is necessary to make a good decision
  • Considers long-term outcomes when making decisions; defines success or desired outcomes
  • Has an independent mind and is curious
  • Is able to take a broad perspective

• Leadership – Qualities or features that make someone distinctive in a positive and diverse way. Holds a high reputation in that capacity.
  • Able to lead with honesty, integrity and trust
  • Prepares well for CAS Board meetings
  • Is willing to act on and remain accountable for CAS board decisions
  • Has an independent mind and is inquisitive
  • Has a collaborative spirit
  • Values diversity of perspective and inclusiveness

• NIRSA CAS Director – 3 year commitment
• NIRSA CAS Alternate Director – 3 year commitment to serve as the Alternate Director that will be followed by a 3-year commitment as the Director.

The CAS Director and Alternate Director will be assigned by Executive Director or designee.