The American Studies Association is lead by a body elected by our members.
The descriptions of these positions are as follows:
ASA President
This three-year commitment includes sequential service as President-Elect (1 year), President (1 year), and Immediate Past-President (1 year).
The President-Elect serves on the National Council and Executive Committee and acts as Chair of the Finance Committee. The National Council currently meets twice a year, once in person at the annual conference and once via Zoom in June as the leadership transition approaches. National Council meetings are generally half a day in length and focus on key operational and policy issues for the Association. The Executive Committee, which acts on behalf of the Board of Directors (National Council) in between National Council meetings, currently meets monthly. The Executive Committee includes the President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past-President, along with five other members from the National Council. Executive Committee meetings are generally two hours once a month. The Finance Committee meets monthly for an hour.
The President presides over National Council and Executive Committee meetings, collaboratively helps to formulate policies and projects for Council consideration, and works closely with the Executive Director address Association business and design and implement initiatives. As Immediate Past-President, the individual completes their service as a National Council and Executive Committee member, sits on the Nominating Committee, and has additional duties assigned by the current President and/or Executive Committee.
The President-Elect nominates and leads the Program Committee for the annual conference that will take place during their Presidential year. The President-Elect and their Program Committee draft the meeting theme and call for proposals, evaluate submissions, and coordinate other conference events and offerings in conjunction with the Executive Director and other ASA staff. The Executive Committee approves the Program Committee and Program CFP.
Term: 3 years
Time commitment: 5+ hours per month, with an additional 10 or more hours a month during periods in the Fall and Winter of their term as President-Elect when the Program Committee is drafting the Conference CFP, evaluating submissions, and shaping the program.
National Council: The Board of Directors
National Council members serve as the Association’s Board of Directors, conducting business, setting fiscal policy, and holding fiduciary responsibility for the ASA. They support officer and committee work while overseeing the Association’s general interests, with operations delegated to staff. Directors review and approve the annual budget, review organizational performance against strategic goals, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. They participate in strategic planning initiatives and provide governance oversight for major organizational decisions.
Service includes attending at least two annual meetings (June via Zoom and in person during the annual conference), generally half a day each, and participating in various ASA committees and/or working groups.
Term: 3 years
Time commitment: In-person attendance at the ½ day National Council meeting during the annual conference (usually in October or November); attendance at the Zoom ½ day National Council meeting in June; on-going at least 2 hours monthly
ASA National Council Priorities
- Continued development of governance infrastructure (e.g. Presidential terms, bylaws, National Council engagement)
- Committee and caucus development, especially around membership priorities in the evolving political landscape and landscape of higher ed
- Financial sustainability strategy
- Membership engagement strategy
Nominating Committee
Nominating Committee members identify and select candidates for elected ASA positions, presenting two nominees for each position. This involves researching potential candidates, evaluating their qualifications and commitment to the organization, and participating in committee deliberations, including at the annual conference. Members conduct outreach to develop the slate and confirm nominees’ willingness to serve, and work collaboratively to finalize the election slate. Committee members should have a sense of the membership’s breadth, must be committed to reflecting the full range, pluralism, and diversity of both ASA membership and American Studies scholarship in their selections, and be attentive to the governance needs of the association in selecting candidates.
Term: 3 years
Time commitment: In-person attendance at the Nominating Committee meeting during the annual conference (usually in October or November); 4-5 hours per month during September-February