Governance

The Council establishes policy, approves the annual budget, and provides fiduciary oversight of the association’s finances, while working with ASA leadership and staff to guide the long-term direction of the organization.

To support the work of the Council between meetings, an Executive Committee selected from among Council members conducts organizational business and works closely with the Executive Director and ASA staff.

Additional committees and working groups support the association’s programs, publications, and initiatives.

The National Council

The National Council, elected by the ASA membership, serves as the governing board of the American Studies Association and holds responsibility for the overall direction and stewardship of the organization.

The National Council consists of twenty elected members with voice and vote, along with two ex officio members with voice but no vote.

Elected members include the president, president-elect, immediate past-president, two student members, one international representative, and thirteen additional members – all elected by the ASA membership.

The Executive Director of the ASA and the editor of American Quarterly serve as ex officio members of the National Council.

The Executive Committee

To support the work of the Council between meetings, the National Council appoints an Executive Committee from among its members.

The Executive Committee consists of eight members, including the president, president-elect, immediate past-president, and five additional members selected from the National Council.

The Executive Committee works closely with the Executive Director and ASA staff to carry out the work of the National Council and address organizational matters that arise between Council meetings.

Committees

The National Council works in concert with the Association’s standing and ad-hoc committees to advance the goals of the ASA and its members. Standing committees of the association are the:

• Committee on American Studies Departments, Programs, and Centers
• Annual Conference Program Committee
• Annual Conference Site Resource Committee
• Graduate Education Committee
• International Committee
• Committee on Race, Indigeneity, and Scholar Support (RISS)
• Regional Chapters Committee
• Students’ Committee

Governance

The American Studies Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in the District of Columbia. In accordance with the association’s bylaws, the National Council serves as the governing board of the organization and holds fiduciary responsibility for its activities and resources.