EC Nominations, Student

The Committee on Student Issues and Concerns (COSIAC) of the LSA is soliciting nominations for the Student Representative position to the Executive Committee (EC), including self-nominations. 

We ask nominators to provide a brief statement (ca. 150-200 words) that explains why the student nominee is an appropriate candidate. Relevant factors include contributions to the discipline, evidence of commitment to the LSA based on past service to the Society, leadership skills, and a record of effective and active community service, among others. Members of under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to self-nominate. Nominees should be graduate students at the time of nomination and should remain students for at least 18 months of their term.

Student members of the Executive Committee serve a term of two years. The Committee meets at least three times a year: once in May, once in January, immediately prior to the annual LSA meeting, and once in September. Except for the January meeting, meetings are held virtually. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory. Student members of the EC receive full reimbursement for travel, accommodations, and per diems.

The Executive Committee serves as the governing Board of the LSA. As such, it provides oversight and governance for the LSA's operations as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. A major responsibility of the EC is to ensure effective implementation of the LSA's Strategic Plan.

Issues that the Executive Committee is expected to face in the coming years include:

• Positioning LSA as a "big tent" organization that is welcoming and relevant to linguists, whoever they are, whatever their area of specialization, wherever they work, and regardless of career stage.
• Increasing membership value and member satisfaction.
• Increasing member participation in the Society and attracting new members, including student members, international members, members working in industry and members from groups historically underrepresented in LSA.
• Moving LSA toward financial stability to ensure that it can continue to fulfill its mission to advance the scientific study of language into the next 100 years.
• Exploring all viable options for our future annual meetings, so they are financially sustainable, accessible, and intellectually vibrant.

Prospective nominators and nominees should also find more information on these webpages:

• Executive Committee  
• LSA Constitution and Bylaws
• Role and Responsibilities of the Executive Committee

Please send your nominations and supporting statement to the Chair of COSIAC, Marie Bissell, no later than May 31, 2024. We particularly welcome nominations of individuals from groups that have been historically underrepresented in LSA governance. After receiving your nominations, COSIAC will determine a ballot consisting of two nominees for the seat of Student Representative on the Executive Committee (EC).