National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association Information

NSSLHA Chapter Information

MTSU's chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is affiliated with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Students are given opportunities to expand their knowledge about the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology and encouraged to pursue a graduate degree in communication disorders and to network with professionals on and off campus. The NSSLHA chapter assists with local and national fundraising events, arranges professional workshops, develops supportive relationships with other students, and sponsors trips to in-state and out-of-state conferences. Each year student groups attend the Tennessee Speech-Language-Hearing Association State Conference, the Mid-South Regional Conference at the University of Memphis, and the ASHA National Conference.

For more information regarding the MTSU Chapter of NSSLHA, contact Elizabeth Smith.

Information Bylaws Officers Links

NSSLHA Information

What is NSSLHA?

It is the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. It is the student branch of ASHA, which is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. We have an MTSU Chapter of NSSLHA, but please realize that dues are two separate payments.

Why Should I Join NSSLHA?

NSSLHA offers a variety of reason for students to join. A few reason include journal subscriptions to Contemporary Issues in Communication and Science Disorders (CICSD), The ASHA Leader, News & Notes (NSSLHA's newsletter), and a choice of one other journal. Membership also allows access to the 'member only' sites found within the ASHA Website, which contains numerous online journals. NSSLHA offers financial help for its members. For example, as a member of NSSHLA, the registration for the ASHA convention is reduced. Also, the transition fee between NSSHLA-to-ASHA is reduced drastically the first year.

How Do I Become a Member of NSSLHA?

There are three ways in which to become a member:

Download a form from www.nsslha.org/join
Send an application to: NSSHLA, 10801 Rockville Pk, Rockville, MD 20852
Call the ASHA Action Center at 800-498-2071

Still Have Questions?

Feel free to contact an officer of the MTSU Chapter of NSSLHA for more information.

NSSLHA Bylaws

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association | Middle Tennessee State University Chapter Bylaws

Article I | Name
The name of this organization shall be the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, University of Middle Tennessee State University Chapter.

Article II | Purposes
The purpose of this organization shall be:

to encourage professional interest among college and university students in the study of human communication sciences and disorders.
to provide a vehicle for student representation in matters of professional concern.
to serve as a network for school, service, and future employment.

Article III | Status
As a recognized local chapter of NSSLHA, the University of Middle Tennessee State University Chapter shall serve as an official organ of NSSLHA in matters appropriately handled at the local level and in matters prescribed in the Bylaws of the National Organization. Any number of the members of the chapter shall be members of the National Organization.

Article IV | Membership

Part I Full Member
- Section 1. Eligibility
  Any university student, graduate or undergraduate, not yet eligible for membership in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior, shall be eligible for membership in the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, University of Middle Tennessee State University Chapter.
- Section 2. Privileges
  A member of the local chapter shall be eligible to vote, to hold office, and to serve on committees as well as participate in both service and fundraising activities and be eligible for reimbursement funds for attendance at conferences and the like.
- Section 3. Dues
  Annual dues for members shall be determined by the membership.
- Section 4. Termination of membership
  Membership in the MTSU Chapter of NSSLHA shall be terminated automatically if:
  - a member becomes eligible for membership in the American Speech Language Hearing Association
  - loses student status
  - a member fails to pay dues by the time of the second monthly meeting
Part II Honorary Membership
- Section 1. Definition
  Any person, except a regularly enrolled student, who, because of deep professional interest in and an outstanding contribution to the local chapter of NSSLHA shall be eligible to be elected an Honorary member.
- Section 2. Selection
  Individuals shall be nominated by any member to the MTSU chapter. Nominations shall be submitted to the Executive Board for consideration. The nomination shall be confirmed by a poll of the membership. Chapter advisors are automatically awarded Honorary membership.

Article V | Patrons
The Chapter may invite persons to be Patrons of the Chapter who have given their support in the advancement of the Chapter by their participation in the monthly meetings.

Article VI | Personnel

Section 1. Student Members
Those students who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Article IV, Section 1 of these Bylaws may be Chapter members.
Section 2. Chapter Advisor(s)
This chapter shall have at least one advisor who shall be a resident member of the faculty of MTSU. The advisor shall be a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Section 3. Chapter Co-Advisor
The Chapter Advisor may designate a Chapter Co-Advisor subject to the approval of the Chapter Executive Council. The Chapter Co-Advisor must be a professional member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Section 4. Honorary Members
Refer to Article IV, Part III, Section 1

Article VII | Chapter Executive Council

Section 1. Power
The Chapter Executive Council shall supervise and coordinate all activities undertaken by the Chapter, shall establish policies, and shall exercise all powers except those assigned to the membership. The Chapter Executive Council shall meet prior to the monthly business meeting at a time designated by the Council. A majority of members of the Council shall constitute a quorum.
Section 2. Composition
The Chapter Executive Council shall consist of the Chapter officers and its advisors.
Section 3. Chapter Officers
Chapter officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Special Events Coordinator. They shall be selected from the general membership as indicated in Bylaws, Article IV, Part I, Sections 1 and 2.
- Duties
  - President
    The President will call and preside over all meetings of the Chapter Executive Council and Chapter meetings. The President shall appoint all committees, shall serve as an ex- officer member of all committees and shall designate special duties not provides for in the Constitution and Bylaws.
  - Vice-President
    The Vice President shall be vested with the powers of the President in the event of his or her absence or his or her inability to execute the sworn duties. The Vice President shall carry out other duties assigned to him or her by the President. The duties of the Vice President shall include overseeing the preparations for the monthly meetings.
  - Secretary
    The Secretary shall handle all liaison between the National Office and chapters including reports and correspondence. The Secretary shall act as Parliamentarian at the monthly meetings.
  - Treasurer
    The Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds of the Chapter and shall be responsible for all monies received and spent by the local Chapter which is to include dues and organizational expenditures.
  - Special Events Coordinator
    The Special Events Coordinator shall be responsible of arranging all events organized by the club.
- Terms of office
  - The Chapter officers shall be elected for a period of one year to be served from January through December.
- Election
  The Chapter officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the membership. A nominating committee consisting of the Executive Council and Advisors shall determine the qualifications of candidates for office after general nominations have been suggested by the members of the Chapter. The Executive Council shall receive each nominee's acceptance of the nomination before presenting the slate to the membership for action. Additional nominations may be made from the floor subject to the nominee's acceptance.

Article VIII | Committees
The Executive Council will approve by vote the formation of an Ad-Hock committee, which will function for a certain time established by the Executive Council. After the Ad-Hock Committee has served it purpose for the allotted time the Executive Council will then vote to dissolve the committee or continue it as Standing Committee.

Section 1. Chair
- A. All Chairs shall be appointed by the Chapter President and reaffirmed by a vote from the Executive Council.
- B. The Chair shall be responsible for the supervision and coordination of all activities undertaken by their committee(s).

Article IX | Orders
Robert's Revised Rules of Order shall constitute the parliamentary authority in all matters not covered by the national and local Bylaws.

Article X | Amendments

Section 1. Suggested Amendments
Suggestions for amendments or revision of these Bylaws shall be presented to the Chapter Executive Council by any member or advisor at least one month prior to the next scheduled business meeting.
Section 2. Action on Proposed Amendments
All amendments shall be presented to the general membership for action. A majority vote of two-thirds of those present at the business meeting at which the amendment is announced shall be required for adoption.

NSSLHA Officers 2023

President:		Chesney Bullington
Vice-President:		Bryleigh Anders
Secretary:		Mikayla Ballard
Treasurer:		Ally Funderburk
Historian/Special Projects Coordinator:		Ashley McBride
Advisors:		Elizabeth Smith Kathryn Blankenship

NSSLHA Links

ASHA Links

Related Professional Organizations

Informational Sites: Specific Diseases & Diagnoses