Dear NIRSA Colleagues:

Throughout the summer months, the NIRSA BOD has been working diligently on our new Governance processes and we are excited to report that our association is poised to introduce our new model to the membership and begin the many changes needed to implement it during the 2010 National Conference. 
 
One of the key organizational changes associated with our new Governance model will be the creation of the Regional Member Network.  Designed to enhance communication within regions, the Network will serve as a body that drives communication, engagement, and growth of the regional membership.  It is anticipated, that when fully populated, the Regional Member Network will serve as the critical link between each region and the NIRSA Board of Directors.

 As has been outlined in recent NIRSA electronic communications, the NIRSA BOD approved elements of the Future First Governance Implementation Plan at the 2009 Summer Board meeting.  Working with the leadership of the Transition Team, the BOD established a process that included the many changes associated with the Board and in populating the Network.   The Network will be fully populated no later than Thursday, April 22, 2010, at the conclusion of the Student and Regional Business Meetings at the 2010 National Conference in Anaheim, California.  
 
The Network composition will be as follows:
-Six (6) Regional Representatives, elected by Regional membership
-Six (6) Student Regional Leaders, elected by student regional membership
-One (1) National Student Leader
-One (1) Past Presidents’ Representative
-One (1) Board of Director’s Representative
 
To meet this goal, it is important that each of the NIRSA's six Regions prepare for the development of the Network.  Due to the fact that Region's II, IV and VI are scheduled to replace their existing Regional Vice Presidents in 2010, our three Regions will be required to complete the election of our Regional Representatives prior to the 2010 National Conference.  The following timeline and action plan identifies the steps that will need to be taken in order for our Regions to begin the transition process. This timeline falls within the recommendation of the Transition Team and aligns itself with the operating tenets adopted and approved by the NIRSA BOD.
 
NIRSA Governance Transition
Regions II, IV and VI Suggested Timeline

September
Review and familiarize yourself with the qualifications and position description for the Network Regional Representative position.  Consider assuming a leadership role within the Association or consider nominating a peer colleague to represent the region. Job descriptions for the Regional Representative position are available for review on the Regional and NIRSA websites.

October
Be prepared to discuss the Nominations and Elections process at the Regional Conference or at State Workshops. Help to establish a due date for nomination materials and actively engage in suggesting appointments to the Regional Nominations Committee or to your Regional VP.

November
The Regional Nominations and Appointment Committees will bring forth or suggest two candidates for office to the National Nominations and Appointment Committee for certification.

January
Candidate bio’s and statements are posted to the NNC and Regional websites, 4 weeks prior to the election period opening.

February
Electronic elections will open for Regions II, IV and VI for a two-week period and will conclude 60 days prior to the Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA.

March
Newly elected Network Regional Representatives begin to transition with the assistance and support of each standing Regional VP.

April
Installation and Recognition of the newly elected Network Regional Representatives. 

As you can see, throughout this next 6-8 months, our three regions have significant work to accomplish in order to be prepared to fully populate the Network by the 2010 National Conference in Anaheim.  Besides communicating these changes to the professionals within our regions, we will need to begin the process of collecting the names of individuals that might be qualified and willing to be considered to be slated for these very important leadership positions.

Collectively, we’ve planned to conduct the elections for these positions, electronically, at the same time the national elections will occur for the new Board of Director positions. This decision was made in an effort to yield the greatest voting percentage of our regional memberships. With the annual conference in Anaheim and the current economy and travel restrictions colleagues are facing this seemed to make the most sense.  Our current State Directors will play a critical role throughout this process, by helping to collect the names of possible candidates, by assisting with the distribution of information and by serving as members of the Regional Nominations Committees.  We would like to encourage every professional throughout our Regions to assist with this process by speaking to your State Directors and assisting, when possible, to ensure that we are able to recruit and slate the best candidates possible.

On behalf of the NIRSA BOD, we greatly appreciate your assistance and efforts. In addition, we would like to recognize all the professionals that have assisted with these many transitional issues associated with our new Governance model. There has been significant effort by everyone, including the work teams that have been assigned by President Harris, to help realize the most successful transition as possible.  With your help, we are confident that we will be able to meet the goals and expectations for our association.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon,

Missie McGuire
NIRSA Vice President
Region IV

David Bowles
NIRSA Vice President
Region II

John Campbell
NIRSA Vice President
Region VI