Leadership Notes

The Top 5 in '05

By Linda Clauss, National Student Representative, 2005-2006

Greetings, fellow student members of NIRSA! I hope you all are enjoying your summer and finding the time to kick back and relax, and perhaps play some bocce ball or horseshoes. While I too am enjoying the summer, I am also stoked about the year to come and all that is going on within your NIRSA. In one word or less, this year is going to be rad.

I am pleased, honored, and proud to introduce you to your new Student Leadership Team (SLT) for the 2005-2006 academic year. This fabulous team consists of Debbie Jones (Montclair State University) representing Region I, Melanie Freeman (University of North Alabama) representing Region II, Gary Baker (Oakland University) representing Region III, Kenny Norris (University of Houston) representing Region IV, Darcie Lee (University of Nebraska–Lincoln) representing Region V, and Marc Falkenstein (California State University, Sacramento) representing Region VI. This past week all six Regional Student Representatives and I met at the NIRSA National Center in Corvallis, Oregon. While there we had the opportunity to conduct some very productive planning meetings, and on behalf of the SLT, which also includes the Student State Representatives and Campus Contacts, I would like to share with you all, the overarching goals and initiatives we have set for this year, or as we like to call them, the Top 5 in '05.

These overarching goals and initiatives are to:

1. Continue to develop, and conduct the official roll out of the Campus Contact Program
2. Conduct a Student Lead On in all six regions
3. Align student initiatives with the NIRSA's Strategic Map, Vision Statement, and Mission Statement
4. Improve existing, and implement new programs and services that enhance student awareness of leadership opportunities, involvement within the organization, professional development, and success
5. Continue to remain dynamic with the programs and services we offer, and viable as the student population and trends on campus continue to change

If you are interested in serving your NIRSA as an SLT member please contact your Regional Student Representative, State Student Representative, or myself for more information and ideas on how you can be a part of this worthwhile commitment towards the field of recreational sports.

Here's to a great year!