Communication Disorders Association
- The History of CoDA -
The Speech Pathology Organization (SPO) was established in
1970 under the direction of Dr. William McClelland. The organization helped broaden the members’ knowledge of
the field of speech-language pathology. In
1973, SPO became a chapter of the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing
Association (NSSLHA). There have
been many advisors throughout the history of SPO.
The advisors, in the order in which they served, are as followed:
Dr. William McClelland – 1970 – 1975
Miss Mary Barbara Kline – 1975 – 1977
Dr. William McClelland – 1977 – 1979
Mr. Jim Sparks – 1979 – 1980
Dr. William McClelland – 1980 – 1982
Dr. John Applegate – 1982 – 1988
Unknown – 1988 – 1990
Dr. Kenneth McGuire – 1990 – 1992
Dr. Paula Cochran – 1992 – 1997
Dr. Janet Gooch - 1997
Under the direction of Dr. Paula Cochran, SPO became the Communication Disorders Association (CoDA) in 1994. SPO changed its name to CoDA to emphasize the field of audiology. CoDA’s mission is to broaden the knowledge of Communication Disorders majors in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. Dr. Cochran continued to serve as advisor until 1997. Dr. Janet Gooch succeeded her until 2002. Under the direction of Dr. Gooch, CoDA celebrated 25 years of being a NSSLHA chapter in 1998. Ms. Melissa Passe is currently serving as chapter advisor.
(Researched by Regan Fuemmeler)
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
Truman State University
Bylaws
Revised September 24, 2006
Article I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the Communication Disorders Association (CoDA), Truman State University’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
Article II
Purposes
The purpose of this organization shall be:
1. to encourage professional interest among college and university students in the study of human communication sciences and disorders.
2. to provide professional information
3. to provide a vehicle for student representation in matters of professional concern.
4. to encourage communication between students and faculty of the Communication Disorders department.
Article III
Status
As a recognized local chapter of NSSLHA, the Communication Disorders Association 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 organization. At least ten of the members of the chapter shall be members of the national organization as stated in NSSLHA. If NSSLHA membership of this chapter falls below ten, the Communication Disorders Association shall still function as a campus organization.
Article IV
Membership
Section 1. Eligibility
Any college or university student, graduate or undergraduate, who is interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior, and is not yet eligible for membership in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), shall be eligible for membership in the Communication Disorders Association.
Section 2. Privileges
A member of the local chapter shall be eligible to vote, to hold office, and to serve on committees.
Section 3. Dues
1. Annual dues shall be determined by the membership.
2. Dues shall be paid by the second business meeting of the semester.
3. Any member who has not paid dues by the second business meeting shall have the privileges of voting, holding office, accepting nomination for office, and attending social events revoked until the payment has been remitted.
Article V
Chapter Executive Council
Section 1.
The Chapter Executive Council shall supervise and coordinate all activities undertaken by the Chapter, shall establish policies, and shall exercise all powers except those assigned to the membership. A majority of members of the Council shall constitute a quorum. The Chapter Executive Council shall consist of the Chapter officers and its advisor(s). Chapter officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Social Chairperson. The officers shall be elected from the voting membership.
Section 2. Chapter Officers
A. Duties
1. President
The President will oversee preparations for bi-monthly business meetings, preside at all meetings, and call special meetings as needed. The President shall facilitate the organization of any committees as needed. The President shall enforce the bylaws and designate special duties not provided for in the bylaws. The President will also maintain contact with the Chapter Advisor and Regional Counselor.
2. Vice President
The Vice President shall be vested with the powers of the President in the event of his/her absence or inability to execute duties. The Vice President shall carry out other duties assigned to him/her by the President. The Vice President will also serve as an ex-officio member of all committees and maintain contact with committee chairs. The Vice President shall read correspondence received by the organization at the bi-monthly meetings.
3. Secretary
The Secretary will keep an accurate written record of the proceedings of all Communication Disorders Association meetings and Executive Board meeting with one official record for CoDA records. The Secretary will provide organizational information, such as phone lists, to all members. The Secretary will provide organizational information, such as phone lists, to all members. The Secretary will keep an accurate record of the attendance of each member of the organization at all required events. She/he will carry on all written correspondence, including letters of appreciation.
4. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds of the Chapter and shall be responsible for all monies received and spent by the Chapter, which is to include dues and organizational expenditures. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate written record of all transactions.
5. Historian
The Historian will keep records in the form of a scrapbook that will contain written correspondence and photographs displaying the organization activities. These scrapbooks shall be turned over in an up-to-date order at the change of officers. The officer will also decorate and maintain the CoDA bulletin board and post notices of meeting and events.
6. Social Chairperson
The Social Chairperson shall oversee the development of activities initiated by the Communication Disorders Association. In addition, the Social Chairperson shall keep a log of the organization’s activities to pass along in an orderly fashion at the end of the year.
B. Election
The Chapter Officers shall be elected by a majority of the members present. Annual elections will be conducted be secret ballot. Nominations will be accepted by ballot box for a two-week period prior to elections. The Executive Council will review the qualifications of each nominee, such as whether dues have been paid, before elections take place. Additional qualified nominations will be accepted on the day of elections and voting will take place. The new officers shall assume duties of their office at the first meeting of the following semester.
A representative from the Introduction to Communication Disorders class shall be elected at the beginning of each semester to keep freshmen informed of CoDA events.
Representative(s) shall be elected from the junior and/or senior undergraduate students. This representative will attend weekly faculty meetings to act as a liaison between Communication Disorders students and faculty. He/she/they will deliver a report at each CoDA meetings.
Article VI
Committees
The Executive Council may appoint committees as needed. Possible committees may include:
1. Fundraising
2. Public Relations
3. Speaker Coordination
4. Special Events
Article VII
Meetings
The meeting times shall be determined by the Executive Council at the beginning of each semester.
CoDA members will only be allowed one unexcused absence from the meetings each semester. After the second unexcused absence, the member will be notified and required to meet with the Executive Council to discuss membership status. Failure to meet with the Executive Council will result in the termination of membership. Members are, however, allowed to be absent from meetings if they send an excuse to the Secretary via email or personally contact him/her.
Article VIII
Amendments
Section 1. Suggested Amendments
Suggestions for amendments or revision of these bylaws shall be presented to the membership by any member or advisor at the meeting immediately following the one at which the amendment was proposed.
Section 2. Action on Proposed Amendments
A majority vote of one-half the membership shall be required for adoption of the amendment.
Student contact person for this page: Alexandra Luedke or
Molly Wenberg
Faculty contact person for this page: Dr. Paula Cochran, Ph.D.
Communication Disorders, Truman State University, Kirksville MO 63501
660-785-4669