Bylaws of the
Western Michigan University
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
(NSSLHA)
I. NAME. The name of the Chapter shall be the Western Michigan University National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
II. PURPOSE. The purpose of the Chapter shall be to aid the students of Western Michigan University by providing support:
A. To encourage professional interest among college and university students in the study of human communication sciences and disorders,
B. To provide continuity to the dissemination of professional information, and;
C. To provide a vehicle for student representation in matters of professional concern.
III. AFFILIATION WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. As a recognized local chapter of NSSLHA, the Western Michigan 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 Chapter. Any number of the members of the chapter shall be a member of the National Chapter.
The local chapter must re-certify annually with the national association to remain a chapter in good standing. The local chapter must maintain a chapter advisor that is a member of ASHA and chapter officers that are members of the national association. At a minimum the chapter will retain its good standing as long as the chapter graduate and undergraduate president and vice-president are members of the national association.
IV. MEMBERSHIP. Any full and/or part-time undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior, who are not eligible to receive and have not received nor applied for their Certificates of Clinical Competence (CCCs) from the American Association of Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) shall be eligible for membership in the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Western Michigan University Chapter. Membership is open to ALL undergraduate and graduate students in SPPA, given the maintenance of minimum GPA of 2.75.
In accordance with Western Michigan University’s Policy on Equal Opportunity, membership in NSSLHA shall not be denied because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected disability, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status.
A. National Membership is reserved for those students holding membership on both the local and national levels of NSSLHA.
1. Privileges: A national member current in their payment of local and national dues shall be eligible to vote, to hold office, and to serve on committees on the local level and shall hold all privileges accorded by the National Bylaws.
2. Dues: Annual dues for national members shall equal the cost of the national dues, in addition to local membership dues.
Financial Hardship: No regular Member shall be denied the right to serve on the executive committee due to financial hardship. The Executive Committee shall establish a procedure to help offset all or part of the national dues for the qualified person.
3. Termination of Membership: Membership in the local chapter of NSSLHA shall be terminated automatically if a national member becomes eligible for certification and membership in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or a member loses student status as determined by the university. Termination of membership would be considered if a student blatantly violates the NSSLHA Pre Professional Guidelines- see addendum.
B. Local Membership. Local Membership is reserved for those students holding membership in the local chapter only.
1. Members: A local member shall be eligible to vote, to hold office, attend banquet and to serve on committees on the local level and shall hold all privileges accorded by the National Bylaws upon earning 25 points a semester. Members earn points by attending weekly study sessions (3pts), attending meetings (5pts) and participating in events (5pts). Members, undergraduate and graduates, must have and maintain at least a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75, or voting rights will be stricken.
2. Dues: Local dues shall be $5.00 per member, per semester. Dues will be payable at the beginning of the semester unless other arrangements are made between the member and the treasurer.
3. Probation: If a member fails to fulfill their 25-point requirement from the previous semester, they will be placed on a probationary period. If they do not make up the lost points from the previous semester their membership will be terminated. A member can be removed from probationary status once they make up the points unachieved in the previous semester, with a cap at 10 additional points. While on probation during the spring semester, the member must be approved by the executive board to attend banquet.
3. Termination of Membership: Membership in the local chapter of NSSLHA shall be terminated automatically if a national member becomes eligible for certification and membership in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or a member loses student status as determined by the university. Termination of membership would be considered if a student blatantly violates the NSSLHA Pre Professional Guidelines- see addendum.
C. Associate Membership. Available to any person currently enrolled at Western Michigan University. To be eligible to serve as an Associate Member, a person must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.75.
1. Dues: No associate member shall pay dues unless there is a social, which requires members to pay “out-of-pocket.”
D. Honorary Membership. Available to 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.
Selection: Individuals shall be nominated by any member of the local chapter. Nominations shall be submitted to the Honors Committee for consideration. The nomination shall be confirmed by a poll of the membership. Chapter Advisors are automatically awarded honorary membership.
V. MEETINGS
A. Regular Meetings. At least four General Membership Meetings of the Chapter shall be held during each academic semester. The time and place of the meetings shall be announced via electronic announcements and postings at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
B. Special Meetings. Additional meetings of the Chapter may be called, either by vote of the Executive Committee or by petition of a majority of the Members. The time and place of all Special Meetings shall be announced via electronic announcements and postings at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.
C. Quorum. Those persons present at a properly called General Membership or Special Meeting shall be designated as a quorum and shall be entitled to take action on behalf of the Chapter.
D. Voting. A majority vote of the Members present at any meeting shall be required for all action to be taken by the Chapter.
VI. CHAPTER ADVISOR
A. Chapter Advisor. The chapter shall have at least one advisor who is a faculty or staff member in the academic program. The Chapter Advisor shall be a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
B. 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 is not required to be a professional member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
VII. OFFICERS
A. Positions. The officers of the Chapter shall consist of a Graduate Representative, Undergraduate President, Vice-president, Treasurer, Secretary, and Historian. All officers shall be given all of the rights and responsibilities of the office as enumerated herein. All Executive Board members must have and maintain at least a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of a 3.00, both for undergraduates and graduates.
B. Graduate Representative. The Graduate Representative shall be the principal executive officer of the Chapter and, subject to the control of the Executive Committee and the direction of the membership. The Graduate Representative shall in general serve as adviser concerning all of the activities of the Chapter and liaison to the SPPA faculty, and all graduate and undergraduate students enrolled the Speech Pathology and Audiology program. The graduate Representative shall be responsible for attending monthly meetings held by the Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) at WMU and for requesting funding through GSAC when requested by the chapter. The Graduate Representative shall facilitate appropriate connections between the undergraduate students and graduate students. The Representative shall be a member of the Executive Committee and, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee and all meetings of the membership. The Representative shall vote only in the case of a tie in a vote of the Executive Committee or the membership. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees of the Chapter. To be eligible to serve as President, a person must be a National Member, and also be admitted into the Graduate Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at Western Michigan University.
C. Undergraduate President. The Undergraduate President shall be the other principal executive officer of the Chapter and shall supervise the designated activities of the Executive Committee other than the Graduate Representative. The Undergraduate President shall be a member of the Executive Committee and, in the absence of the Graduate Representative, shall perform the duties of the Graduate Representative. The Undergraduate Student President shall supervise the chairpersons of all Standing and Special Committees in the discharge of their duties and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees of the Chapter. To be eligible to serve as Undergraduate Student President, a person must be a National Member, and also be admitted into the Undergraduate Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at Western Michigan University.
D. Undergraduate Vice-President. The Vice-President shall be a member of the Executive Committee and, in the absence of the Undergraduate President, shall perform the duties of the Undergraduate President. The Vice-President shall be the official professional organization liaison by coordinating and communicating with the National NSSLHA Regional Councilor and update the local chapter about National NSSHLA news, oversee the Volunteer Chair, and perform such other duties as assigned by the President or the Executive Committee. The Vice-President shall complete and submit to the National Office the Chapter Certification Form by October 31 and the annual status reports by December 31st of every year. To be eligible to serve as Vice-President, a person must be a National Member, and also admitted into the Undergraduate Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at Western Michigan University.
D. Secretary. The Secretary shall be a member of the Executive Committee. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the proceedings of the membership and the Executive Committee, write thank you cards as needed by the organization, and facilitate any correspondence between the organization and community professionals. The Secretary shall post the meeting minutes on the Chapters Gmail account and Chapter Facebook account within three (3) days. The Secretary shall create a spreadsheet and see that attendance is taken at each meeting and shall receive from the Treasurer the list of all Members who have paid dues and prepare the official list of Members eligible to vote. The Secretary shall keep track of the Guidelines for NSSLHA Chapter Honors and along with the Executive Committee, decide which goal to reach for. The Secretary shall also nominate the Chapter for Chapter honors before March 1st. The Secretary shall also oversee the Scholarship Chair. To be eligible to serve as Secretary, a person must be admitted into the Graduate or Undergraduate Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at Western Michigan University.
E. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be a member of the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall be responsible for working with the President to prepare a budget for the school year. The Treasurer shall have charge of and be responsible for all funds of the Chapter. The Treasurer shall receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the Chapter from all sources and shall deposit chapter funds in the appropriate accounts as selected by the Executive Committee. After receiving a check, the Treasurer shall deposit checks into the NSSLHA bank account within two (2) weeks. Upon election, it will be their duty to work with Cary Cekola, faculty advisor, to manage the NSSLHA account through our banking institution and earn access to the account records via online banking to prepare budget reports. The Treasurer shall collect all membership dues as are established by the Chapter and shall certify to the Secretary an accurate list of the Members of the Chapter. The Treasurer shall present a written financial report at every second General Membership Meeting of the membership and at other times as requested by the Executive Committee. A final budget report will be prepared and presented to the general membership before the close of the Spring term. The Treasurer shall also oversee the Fundraiser Chair and the Event Chair. To be eligible to serve as Treasurer, a person must be admitted into the Graduate or Undergraduate Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at Western Michigan University.
*It is strongly recommended that the treasurer have consistent access to reliable transportation for the length of term, as they will be required to frequently make deposits at Fifth Third Bank
F. Historian. The Historian shall be a member of the Executive Committee. The Historian shall keep the official history of the Chapter and shall keep an annual record of all of the activities of the Chapter. The Historian shall oversee the Public Relations Chair and create and enact a plan to maintain the WMU NSSLHA Facebook page, WMU RSO page, and email list. The Historian shall submit a post to the National NSSLHA Page once a month. To be eligible to serve as Historian, a person must be admitted into the Graduate or Undergraduate
Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at Western Michigan University.
G. Event Chair- Creates and coordinates social opportunities for the local chapter members in which to participate. The Event Chairs shall coordinate a minimum of three (3) events per semester. Assist with conferences held for the local chapter, the WMU SPPA department and surrounding chapters. The Event Chairs will disseminate a monthly update of upcoming fundraisers to the membership through the WMU electric mail system, GoRSO, and Facebook pages. The Event Chairs will report to the Treasurer.
H. Fundraising Chair- Contacts local vendors and companies for donations of food and or supplies to support events. Coordinates and creates chapter fundraising events to earn funds for donations. The fundraiser chair will disseminate a monthly update of upcoming fundraisers to the membership through the WMU electronic mail system, GoRSO, and the Facebook pages. Coordinates and communicates with the department clinic for needed donation drives and fundraising opportunities. Reports to the Treasurer.
i. Public Relations Chair- Responsible for putting up fliers and advertising for NSSLHA meetings/events/fundraisers as well as all media contact, promoting a positive image and active partnerships with the following: faculty and students at the College of Health and Human Services, WMU community, and the surrounding community. Also maintain a database for the use of registered members containing volunteer opportunities and a list of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists for job shadowing opportunities. Publicize special events: EX: Autism Awareness, Aphasia Awareness, and assist with community outreach projects. The Public Relations Chair will report to the Historian. The Public Relations Chair will coordinate an annual meeting in April to welcome the new undergraduate SPPA majors and to disseminate general information about the group, upcoming events, and elections for the executive board and committees.
J. Volunteer Chair- Creates and coordinates volunteer opportunities for the local chapter members to participate in. The Volunteer Chair shall coordinate a minimum of two (2) events per semester to the Chapter. The Volunteer chair will collect volunteer opportunities form the members and the community, create a list, and disseminate this list to the general membership two times per semester through the WMU electronic mail system, GORSO, and the Facebook pages. They will also post any new opportunities that become known through the same channels. The Volunteer Chari must maintain a service hours log of all members who participate in the volunteer opportunity and submit this to the Undergraduate Vice President within one (1) week. Reports to the Undergraduate Vice President.
K. Scholarship Chair- Researches and informs chapters about local, state, and national scholarships and honors available. Creates and coordinates study groups, tutoring partnerships, and study games as needed for participation by local chapter members. Reports to the Secretary.
VIII. ELECTIONS.
A. Procedure. The election of officers shall take place during the last General Membership Meeting each year, with a special election to be held in September 2012 to establish a new executive committee. All Members in good standing may participate in the election. Nominations may be received by email, written correspondence, or from the floor. If a member accepts a nomination, they will then prepare a short presentation to the general membership for the position, which would then be followed by a closed ballot election, supervised by the chapter advisor and/or co- advisor.
B. Term of Office. The term of each office shall be one year, beginning and ending on April 17 of each year. A person may be elected to the same of other office for more than one term. The membership reserves the right to hold a special election for remaining or vacated positions on the Executive Committee or for Committee Chairs in the first month of the fall semester.
C. Selection. A majority (50% or more) of the votes cast by the Members shall be necessary for election. Should no person receive a majority of the votes cast, a run-off between the two (2) persons who received the largest number of votes shall immediately be held.
D. Vacancies. Any vacancy in office because of death, resignation, or inability to serve shall result in an appointment by the Executive Committee. However, should a vacancy occur in the office of the Graduate Representative’s position, the Undergraduate President shall immediately assume the office until a special election can be held. Should a vacancy occur in the office of Undergraduate Vice-President for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by election at the next regular meeting of the membership, consistent with the procedures established herein.
IX. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A. General Powers. The affairs, activities, and operation of the Chapter shall be managed by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall transact necessary business during the intervals between the meetings of the membership and such other business as may be referred to it by the membership or these Bylaws. The Executive Committee may create Standing and Special Committees, approve the plans and work of standing and special committees, present reports and recommendations at the meetings of the membership, and, in general, conduct the business and activities of the Chapter.
B. Membership. The membership of the Executive Committee shall consist of the Graduate Representative, Undergraduate President, Undergraduate Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and the Chapter Advisor or Co-Advisor.
C. Meetings. Regular meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held during the year, the time to be established at the first meeting of the year. Special meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of the Executive Committee. Adequate notice of all meetings shall be given to all members of the Executive Committee and, at least three (3) days in advance via electronic announcements and postings. When possible, notice of the meetings should be announced to all Members of the Chapter. Any Regular, Voting, or Honorary Member may attend a meeting of the Executive Committee, but shall not be entitled to vote on matters before the body.
D. Quorum. A majority of the regular members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the voting of business.
E. Voting. The act of the majority of the regular and ex-officio members of the Executive Committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be required for all action to be taken by the Executive Committee.
X. STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A. Other Standing Committees. The Executive Committee may establish such other Standing Committees as it deems necessary and advisable. The Undergraduate President shall select and appoint the chairpersons of all Standing Committees should vacancies occur and elections are not conducive due to time or circumstances. Only a person admitted into the Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at Western Michigan University may serve as a chairperson. The chapter shall recruit members for each committee. Any other Members such as National, Local, or Associate may serve as a committee member. The Chairperson shall provide a monthly report of the plans and activities of the committee to the Executive Committee and general members. If the chairperson cannot attend the meeting, they shall send the report via email to the President and a member of the committee will give the report to the chapter.
B. Special Committees. The President and/or the Executive Committee may create Special Committees. Special Committees shall be created for a specific time and/or task and shall cease to exist when that time or task has been completed, or in July of each year, whichever occurs first. The Undergraduate President shall select and appoint the chairpersons of all Special Committees should vacancies occur and elections are not conducive due to time or circumstances. Only a person admitted into the Undergraduate/Graduate Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at Western Michigan University may serve as a chairperson. The chairperson of each committee shall recruit the members for his/her committee. Any other Members such as National, Local, Associate, or Honorary may serve as a committee member. The Chairperson shall provide a monthly report of the plans and activities of the committee to the Executive Committee and general members. If the chairperson cannot attend the meeting they shall send the report via email to the President and a member of the committee will give the report to the chapter.
C. Associate Chair Subcommittee Structure. Associate chairs are not directly part of the executive officer branch, but are a subcommittee comprised of motivated members who demonstrate a high level of professionalism, desire for the position, and strong chapter involvement. The Executive Committee reserves the right to replace Chairpersons who are unable or unwilling to perform their duties
1. Volunteer Chair. Creates and coordinates volunteer opportunities for the local
chapter members to participate. The Volunteer chair shall coordinate a minimum of two (2) events per semester to the Chapter. The volunteer chair will collect volunteer opportunities from the members and the community, create a list, and disseminate this list the general membership two times per semester through the WMU electronic mail system, GoRSO, and face book pages. They will also post any new opportunities that become known through the same channels. The Volunteer Chair must maintain a service hours log of all members who participate in the volunteer opportunity and submit this to the Undergraduate Vice President within one (1) week. Reports to the Undergraduate Vice President.
2. Scholarship Chair. Researches and informs chapters about local, state, and national scholarships and honors available. Creates and coordinates study groups, tutoring partnerships, and study games as needed for participation by local chapter members. Reports to the Secretary.
3. Fundraiser Chair. Contacts local vendors and companies for donations of food and or supplies to support events. Coordinates and creates chapter fundraising events to earn funds for donations. The fundraiser chair will disseminate a monthly update of upcoming fundraisers to the membership through the WMU electronic mail system, GoRSO, and face book pages. Coordinates and communicates with the department clinic for needed donation drives and fundraising opportunities. Reports to the Treasurer.
4.Event Chair. Creates and coordinates social opportunities for the local chapter members in which to participate. The Event Chair shall coordinate a minimum of three (3) events per semester. Assist with conferences held for the local chapter, the WMU SPPA department, and surrounding chapters. The event chair will disseminate a monthly update of upcoming fundraisers to the membership through the WMU electronic mail system, GoRSO, and face book pages. The event chair will report to the Treasurer.
5. Public Relations Chair. Responsible for putting up fliers and advertising for NSSLHA meetings/events/fundraisers as well as all media contact, promoting a positive image and active partnerships with the following: faculty and students at the College of Health and Human Services, WMU community, and the surrounding community. Also, maintain a database for the use of registered members containing of volunteer opportunities and a list Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists for job shadowing opportunities. Publicize special events: ex. Autism Awareness, Aphasia Awareness, and assist with community outreach projects. The Public Relations Chair will report to the Historian.
The public relations chair will coordinate an annual meeting in April to welcome the new undergraduate SPPA majors and to disseminate general information about the group, upcoming events, and elections for the executive board and committees.
6. Western Student Association Representative. Responsible for representing and promoting the interests of NSSLHA at WSA meetings by serving on the WSA Community Involvement Committee, as well as promoting active partnerships with other student organizations and societies. The WSA Representative shall update the Chapter when in attendance; however, if not, submit a written summary to the Graduate or Undergraduate President before the next NSSLHA Chapter meeting is held. Responsibilities will also include submitting requests for financial support from WSA as needed and fulfilling all duties pertaining to this role.
XI. FINANCES
The organization will follow and be subject to all University policies, procedures, and practices regarding student organization accounts and finances.
A. Budget. The Treasurer shall present to the membership at the first Regular Meeting of the year a budget of anticipated revenue and expenses for the year. This budget shall be used to guide the activities of the Executive Committee during the year. Any substantial deviation from the budget must be approved in advance by the membership by a majority vote. All funding will be accessed through the local NSSLHA 5/3 banking account..
B. Commercial Paper. All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money on behalf of the Chapter shall be signed by the Faculty Advisor.
C. The Treasurer shall deposit all funds of the Chapter to the credit of the Chapter in the appropriate accounts, trust companies or other depositories as the Executive Committee may select and shall make such disbursements as authorized by the Executive Committee in accordance with the budget adopted by the membership. All deposits and/or disbursements shall be made within a maximum of fourteen (14) days from the receipt of the funds and/or orders of payment.
D. Financial Report. The Treasurer shall present a financial report at every second General Membership Meeting of the Chapter and shall prepare a final report at the close of the year.
E. Disposition of Non-University Funds in the Case of Inactivation. In case of an inactivation of the organization, funds would remain in the account for NSSLHA should the organization be reinstated within one year's time. If the organization is not reinstated, the funds would be made available to the Department Chair, Dr. Tyler, who could then decide the best way to use the funds to better the departments
The Executive Committee shall have the report and the accounts examined annually by an auditor or an informal audit committee, who, if satisfied that the Treasurer's annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report.
XII. MEMBERSHIP DUES
A. Amount. The Chapter may authorize and collect membership dues to be used for the operation of the Chapter. Any change in the amount of the dues shall be approved by a vote of the Members acting in the manner prescribed in Section IV.
B. Financial Hardship. No Regular Member shall be denied the right to participate in the activities of the Chapter or to become a Member due to financial hardship. The Executive Committee shall establish a procedure for alternative payments or waivers to insure compliance with this policy.
XIII. AMENDMENTS.
These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted by the Members at any Regular or Special Meeting by a majority vote. Sensitive issues deemed relative by 100% vote of the executive board may be added by the majority vote of e-board to amend, alter, or appeal the by lows
XIV. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE. The organization will comply with all SA&LP and University policies, procedures, and practices and all local, state, and federal laws.
Section A. Registration/Reactivation
As a certified local chapter of NSSLHA, the WMU Chapter shall serve as an official agent of NSSLHA in matters handled at the local level and in matters prescribed in the Bylaws of the National Chapter. The local chapter must recertify annually with the national association to remain a chapter in good standing. The local chapter must maintain a chapter advisor that is a member of ASHA and chapter officers that are members of the national association. At a minimum, the chapter will retain its good standing as long as the chapter Graduate Representative, Undergraduate President, and Undergraduate Vice-president are members of the national association. The National Office requires that the chapter submit annual status reports by December*31st of every year to maintain their status as a recognized NSSLHA chapter. The chapter understands that failure to comply will place the chapter in an inactive status.
XV. AUTHORITY.
A. Robert's Revised Rules of Order shall constitute the parliamentary authority in all matters not covered by the national and local Bylaws.
XVI. ADDENDUM
A. Pre-Professional Guidelines of Members of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
Preamble
Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the personal and professional development of students, and the general well being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of the academic community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth, while conducting themselves in a professional manner.
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, in clinical facilities, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.
The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the academic community. Each college and university has a duty to develop policies and procedures which provide and safeguard this freedom. Such policies and procedures should be developed at each institution within the framework of general guidelines and with the broadest possible participation of the members of the academic community. The purpose of this statement is to enumerate the pre-professional guidelines by which students being educated in speech-language pathology and audiology programs should abide.
Guideline I
Students shall hold paramount the welfare of persons served during clinical practicum.
Students shall adhere to the clinical guidelines established by the clinical supervisor and/or education program, consistent with the standards of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Students shall seek approval from their clinical supervisor before implementing any aspect of client management/service.
Students shall identify themselves as "student clinicians" or "student interns" throughout their clinical practicum experience.
Students shall use every resource available to provide the best possible learning experience/service.
Students shall fully inform subjects participating in research or teaching activities of the nature and possible effects of these activities.
Students shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid injury to persons in the delivery of professional services.
Students shall evaluate services rendered to determine effectiveness.
Students shall abide by local/state regulations to accept or refuse remuneration for speech-language and hearing clinical services consistent with the policies of ASHA.
Proscriptions
Students must not exploit persons in the delivery of clinical services and must not hesitate to recommend the dismissal of persons from treatment where benefit cannot reasonably be expected or where continuing treatment would be unnecessary.
Students must not guarantee the results of any therapeutic procedures, directly or by implication. A reasonable statement of prognosis may be made but only if such information is approved by the supervisor. Caution must be exercised not to mislead persons served to expect results that cannot be predicted from sound evidence.
Students must not use persons for learning experiences in a manner that constitutes invasion of privacy or fails to afford informed free choice to participate.
Students must not evaluate or treat communicative disorders or administer diagnostic clinical services except under "direct" supervision of a qualified person as explained in the documents entitled "Requirements for the Certificates of Clinical Competence" published by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Students must not reveal to unauthorized persons any clinical or personal information obtained from individuals served by student clinicians.
Students must not discriminate in the delivery of clinical services on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Guideline II
Students shall maintain high standards of professional competence.
Students participating in a clinical practicum experience shall possess requisite academic and/or clinical qualifications specified by the education program.
Students shall continue their professional development throughout their careers by maintaining a state-of-the-art knowledge of professional published material and attendance at professional continuing education courses.
Students shall maintain adequate records of clinical services rendered.
Students shall make decisions concerning persons receiving clinical services on the basis of objective data.
Students shall present products they have developed to their professional colleagues in a manner consistent with highest professional standards.
Proscriptions
Students must not refer any persons in need of clinical services to persons or professionals
who are not qualified.
Students must not participate in activities which might initiate disparaging comments about speech-language hearing services, personnel, and/or colleagues.
Guidelines III
Students statements to persons served and to the public shall provide accurate information about the nature and management of speech-language and hearing disorders, and about the professions and services rendered by its practitioners.
Proscriptions
Students must not misrepresent their education or competence.
Students' public statements providing information about professional services and products
must not contain representations or claims that are false, deceptive, or misleading.
Students must not use professional or commercial affiliations in any way that would mislead
or limit services to persons served.
Guideline IV
Students shall honor their responsibilities to their professions and their relationships with colleagues and members of allied professions.
Students shall strive to assist in maintaining and expanding high professional standards for their educational program.
Students shall strive to increase knowledge within the profession by conducting research.
Students shall seek credit for professional publications when their contributions warrant it.
Students shall establish professional relations with student colleagues and members of related professions.
Guideline V
Students shall uphold the dignity of the professions and accept the professions' self imposed standards.
Students shall inform education program directors of violations of these professional guidelines within 90 days.
Students shall cooperate with a program director's or other educational committees' inquiries into matters of professional conduct related to these professional guidelines and shall follow established university/college grievance procedures including due process processes if necessary to alleviate the grievance.
Paying your NSSLHA dues binds you to the applicable provisions of the HYPERLINK "http://www.asha.org/docs/html/ET2010-00309.html" ASHA Code of Ethics, and the jurisdiction of the ASHA Board of Ethics, in addition to the academic integrity rules/regulations related to honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and respect at your academic institution and/or in your specific program(s).
Reprinted from HYPERLINK "http://www.nsslha.org/Pre-Professional-Guidelines/" http://www.nsslha.org/Pre-Professional-Guidelines/ August 27, 2012
Wording for subcommittee chair description and responsibilities taken from NSSLHA NOW, Online newsletter, November edition, 2011. HYPERLINK "http://www.nsslha.org" www.nsslha.org