Become the Next Student Director!
Now seeking nominations for the position of Student Director on the OASW Provincial Board of Directors for 2017-2019.
Student members can self-nominate. Nominations can also be made by any OASW member. All OASW Student Members are eligible for this position if they:
• Are students pursuing full-time or part-time social work studies at the BSW, MSW or PhD/DSW level
OR
• Are the incumbent Student Director provided that their studies have been completed within the last 12 months; and
• Join or renew their OASW membership no later than October 9, 2017
Student Members interested in standing for election who would like support in connecting with faculty, or student members within their school, or members within their Branch who can nominate them, can contact the OASW Provincial Office at (416) 923-4848 ext 224 or email rita@oasw.org.
How to Apply or Submit a Nomination
Nominees need to:
1. Complete the nomination form attached to the right.
2. Participate in an Information Discussion with the OASW Executive Director between September 26 & October 9, 2017.
3. Submit a short statement and biographical profile (300 words) indicating:
• Why you are interested,
• Your goals for this position and how they fit with OASW's mandate and goals,
• What your involvement has been at the OASW Branch level or with other boards, and,
• Any other information you believe would be relevant!
Deadline for nominations with statements: Tuesday October 10, 2017
Description of OASW Board of Directors
Being on the OASW Board (Watch Video)
OASW's Board of Directors is composed of 14 members: 5 Executive Officers, 7 Regional Directors, 1 Francophone Director and 1 Student Director. The Board meets twice annually in person and once by teleconference (February-March). The in-person meetings are held on a weekend in the spring (May-June) and fall (October-November) - all day Saturday and usually a half-day on Sunday.
OASW's Board of Directors sets the Association's policies and strategic directions, ensures that the organization stays on course to fulfill its mission and advises the organization on issues affecting the social work profession and the public at the provincial level. Additionally, Board members have opportunities to serve on various advisory committees and working groups.
Qualities Sought in Candidates for OASW Officers and Directors:
• Track record as an effective leader and team player;
• Keen interest in issues impacting on profession/client groups served;
• Focus on umbrella issues;
• Good communicator; and
• Commitment to OASW's mandate and goals.
OASW encourages nominations of all qualified individuals including First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of racially and ethnically diverse communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any additional questions about this position, please do not hesitate to contact Rita Mascherin, OASW Manager, Administration & Services, at rita@oasw.org or 416-923-4848 ex. 224.
Who is eligible to vote?
OASW Board of Directors, OASW Student Members & New Graduate members who have completed their studies within the last 12 months.
When does voting take place?
Online voting will take place October 13-19, 2017
When will election results be announced?
Friday, October 20, 2017
When is the first board meeting the Student Director would need to attend?
Fall Board meetings scheduled for: November 3 (Member Appreciation followed by evening workshop), 4 and 5, 2017 in Toronto. The newly elected Student Director is expected to attend these meetings.
How long is the Student Director term?
The term of the Student Director is two years. Student Members who are in a one-year program or in the last year of their program can apply for the position and provide additional information in their nomination statement. The Student Director can remain in the position following graduation (i.e., if she/he were to complete studies within one year), as long as there is a commitment to represent the issues impacting on students and to continue to connect with social work students across the province to the completion of the term. The incumbent Student Director is eligible for re-election provided that their studies have been completed within the last 12 months. The term limit for this position is two 2-year terms.
OASW Student Director Position - Terms of Reference
The Student Director sits on the Board of Directors for a period of two years.
The Student Director is elected prior to the fall Board meeting bi-annually.
The Student Director provides a student voice on the Provincial Board of Directors.
The Student Director attends three Board meetings annually and fulfils the duties of a Director of the organization along with the other Directors, such as identifying the organizational directions and priorities, formulating policies, voting on motions, receiving committee and staff reports, etc. In her/his capacity as a Director of the corporation, the Student Director represents not only students but also the interests of the profession and organization as a whole.
The Student Director is responsible for facilitating open communication with the Student Members and student representatives of all branches. The Student Director advises staff and provides input on mechanisms of communication with students (e.g., newsletter, email bulletins, etc.).
The Student Director provides input to staff on the development of services and in the development and distribution of recruitment and retention initiatives related to student membership in tandem with the Board and the Vice President-Branch Affairs on the Executive Committee. The Student Director is part of the Vice President-Branch Affairs portfolio on the Executive Committee.