A note from Student Board Member, Elise Mitchell

Hello! My name is Elise Mitchell and I am so excited to represent you all as the new graduate student board member. I am currently a graduate student in the speech-language pathology program at Missouri State University (MSU) in Springfield, MO. Throughout my past five years at MSU, I have served as the President and Service Chair of our National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA). I have also spent a lot of my time volunteering for various events for children on the Autism Spectrum, such as Camp Encourage. My MSHA and NSSLHA membership has given me multiple opportunities to enhance my knowledge, network, and advocate for my future clients. I truly believe joining MSHA, and participating in our events, will give you these same opportunities. Please take the time to browse our website and learn more about what MSHA has to offer you.

MSHA annual student membership is $15 and can be submitted online by clicking here or with a Printable Membership Form. I hope that you take advantage of this amazing networking source by joining today!!

Every spring MSHA holds an annual convention at Tan-Tar-A in the Ozarks. The date for this year's convention is April 4-7, 2013. Be sure to save this date! This is such a great opportunity to network, build your resume, and learn about the latest Evidence Based Practice! As always, the Quest for the Cup competition takes place on Saturday evening, which promises a packed house of students, faculty, and alumni from each University in Missouri. Each university selects a team of five students that compete by answering questions that test their knowledge of speech, language, and hearing. Who will be the champions this year? Come and find out! Hope to see you all there!

I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to represent students and hope to make this year a memorable one for you. Please feel free to email me with any questions, concerns, or ideas pertaining to student involvement in MSHA! I hope to speak to you soon!

Sincerely yours,
Elise Mitchell
MSHA Student Board Representative
Elise006@live.missouristate.edu

Minority Student Leadership Program

Do you sometimes feel lost and uncertain about your future in the field?  Well the Minority Student Leadership Program may be the answer for you!  This program offers mentoring for ethnic/minority students by professionals who are aware of the potential challenges and continued benefits of being a part of the speech-language pathology and audiology profession.  Minority students are given the chance to explore, partake, and experience activities that are intended to assist in the development of leadership skills.  The student is not the only beneficiary in this program; mentors are provided the opportunity to impart knowledge and experience to students while aiding in the enhancement of their management skills.  This program provides MSHA with a valuable method for maintaining a connection with these future professionals as, students, MSHA members and ultimately, leaders within the state organization.  An online application and Statement of Commitment form can be found at by clicking here.

The deadline for submission is February 6, 2013.

Please feel free to share any thoughts and suggestions for student involvement in MSHA with me!

Elise Mitchell
MSHA Student Board Representative
Elise006@live.missouristate.edu

What can a MSHA Student Membership do for you?
Join today and recieve the following benefits:

• LEGISLATIVE VOICE The voices of MSHA members DO count! MSHA is active in legislative issues affecting our professions.
• REGISTRATION FEES All MSHA-sponsored workshops throughout the state, including Annual Convention, Issues & Answers for school SLPs, plus many other workshops are offered to members with a substantial savings on registration fees.
• LOW COST BENEFITS MSHA dues are much lower than other state associations. Lower dues, reduced registration, newsletters, and an on-line directory, your membership actually pays for itself!
• MSHA TOLL FREE NUMBER The MSHA Central Office has a Toll-Free number for members to call with questions or to receive information. The number is (888) SAY-MSHA 729-6742.
• MSHA NEWSLETTER The latest and most up-to-date information on MSHA activities, job opportunities, news from ASHA, the Missouri Legislature, DESE, regional associations, Missouri Universities, and other agencies.
• MSHA WEBSITE Has up-to-date information on MSHA activities, job opportunities, news from ASHA, the Missouri Legislature, DESE, regional associations, Missouri universities and other agencies.
• PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Membership in your state association is your commitment to maintain a high level of standards. As a member this may benefit you professionally through career ladder, employee evaluations, or career advancements.
• NETWORKING AND LEADERSHIP Members are encouraged to join a committee of interest, contact state legislators, show their presence at the capitol for Legislative Day, offer expertise for any projects sponsored by MSHA, run for an office of the Executive Board, or simply submit an article for the newsletter.
• MSHA MEMBER AND RESOURCE DIRECTORY MSHA provides an online directory to its members.

Student Convention Scholarship Fund

MSHA strives to provide current and future professionals with the means to achieve their professional goals.  The economy has placed a constant struggle on individuals throughout the state, especially students trying to further their education.  Therefore, MSHA is offering nine (9) Student Convention Scholarships for the 2013 MSHA Convention scheduled for April 4-7 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri. This scholarship covers the registration fee and two night’s of lodging.

Please keep in mind the guidelines for this scholarship before applying. Winners are required to:

1. Be a MSHA member
   • If you are not a member or need to renew your membership, you can do so online or by mailing a membership form to the Central Office.
2. Volunteer at least 3-5 hours during the Convention
3. Attend the President’s Luncheon on Saturday afternoon

Entries must be submitted no later than February 21, 2013.
Click here for an on-line submission form.

SWAPS: Helping Students Build their Resource Libraries!

Are those old professional materials stuck on your shelves and taking up space but you just can’t handle throwing them away?  Thinking that even though they are old they still have some good use, but not sure where that use is?  I have a wonderful solution for you to free up some needed shelf space!  Please join MSHA by participating in the 4th annual SWAPS event at the 54th annual MSHA Convention.  SWAPS was designed to give Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists the opportunity to provide old therapy materials to undergraduate and graduate students currently involved in the communication disorders program.  Student convention attendees will have the chance to shop through the materials during the Friday evening social on April 5. 

Please bring all those unwanted therapy materials, tests, and textbooks with you to the convention to help students establish their resource libraries.  These items may be dropped off at the MSHA registration desk upon your arrival to Tan-Tar-A.  Thank you for your generosity and support of future professionals!

Any undergraduate or graduate students that are interested in helping organize and coordinate this event, please e-mail me,Elise006@live.missouristate.edu.  I would appreciate all the helpful hands I can get!

Also, don’t forget to complete your nomination forms for Ambassadors and Honors of the Association (Outstanding Clinician, Outstanding Special Education Administrator, and Outstanding Graduate Student).  The deadline is February 1, 2013. Forms can be found online and in the fall and winter newsletter.