STUDENT BRANCH HANDBOOK

of the

 

Charles D. Palmer, Ph.D., C.R.C.
Mississippi State University
Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program
2007

Introduction

In their on-going effort to provide guidance and support to the profession of rehabilitation counseling, the officers of the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association(NRCA) are pleased to provide this organizational guide for developing and maintaining student branches in NRCA’s state chapters.

This manual is a revised edition (Kress & McIntosh, 1993) and contains suggestions and guidance in all relevant organizational areas of student branch organization (i.e., the structure and content of branch offices, committees, and meetings). Although this manual does provide specific guidelines, each student branch should be flexible in meeting the unique needs of their university and student populations.

In order to appropriately address the requirements of our rapidly evolving profession, we encourage student branches to send us suggestions for improvements to this manual. Suggestions can be sent to:

Charles D. Palmer, Ph.D., C.R.C.
Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, & Special Education
Mailstop 9727
Mississippi State, MS 39762
( 662)325-7917 (voice) cpalmer@colled.msstate.edu 
(662)325-3263 (fax)

Reference:
Kress, M. & McIntosh, E. (1993). NRCA Student Branch Handbook. Michigan State University.

Table of Contents

Goals and objectives of the NRCA

The purpose of the National Rehabilitation Counselors Association is to advance the profession of rehabilitation counseling through the establishment of professional ethics and the promotion of public understanding and supportive programs, which assist all persons with disabilities in becoming self-sufficient and contributing members of society.

To accomplish these goals, the Board and membership of this Association dedicate their professional activities to the realization of the following objectives:

• Increasing public understanding of the role of rehabilitation counseling in assisting all persons with disabilities to become to the extent possible, self-sufficient, self-supporting and contributing members of society.

• Promoting and encouraging the development of professional training opportunities for all persons engaged in the counseling of persons with disabilities.

• Developing professional standards for rehabilitation counseling including the opportunity to participate in certification and the certification maintenance process. Only graduate preparation, as established by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), and the Commission on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), for entry into the profession of rehabilitation counseling is recognized.

• Providing a forum for the discussion of rehabilitation counseling.

• Encouraging the development of rehabilitation counseling as it contributes to an interdisciplinary approach to the solution of problems in rehabilitation.

• Fostering research to advance knowledge and skills in rehabilitation counseling.

• Establishing standards of performance for individuals representing NRCA with other organizations. Accountability for responsible representation must be assured.

• Working with employers of rehabilitation counselors and set the stage for developing relationships that will be beneficial to all.

Eligibility for student membership

To be eligible for membership as a student, an applicant must be of high moral character, dedicated to the advancement of helping persons with disabilities, and a member of the National Rehabilitation Association.  Student members shall be enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited institution in a curriculum leading to at least a Bachelors degree in Rehabilitation Services, a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, or a Doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Psychology, or related fields.

Student Branches

The student branch is a body of individuals at the student level committed to furthering the goals of the profession and the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association.  The student branch functions as an initiation into the profession of Rehabilitation Counseling by providing students with information on the growth of the profession, a forum for discussion of current issues, an opportunity to put ideas into action, and to establish indispensable networks with other rehabilitation professionals.

The relationship between Student and State Branches

Professional competency is a developmental process that includes specific knowledge and behaviors. In order for a profession to grow, practitioners and academicians have an obligation to guide and support those developmental activities. When we look into the heart of successful associations, the power and effectiveness of a mentoring relationship between the wisdom of experience and the idealism of the novice becomes apparent.

• Provide the basic organizational structure, based upon the National Association, which serves to enhance and promote professional communication and interaction.

• Include a Student Representative on the State Branch Board of Directors.

• Encourage students from each university with a Rehabilitation Counselor Education program to attend board and membership meetings.

• Develop an individual mentorship program (a mentor program model is provided in Appendix A.)

• Develop a student scholarship award to promote and validate the academic experiences of student members.

• Appoint a State Board liaison to the Student Branch. This liaison can make suggestions to the students on how to become involved in the activities of the State Branch.

• Organize practicing rehabilitation professionals to participate in the academic programs from which their future colleagues will graduate.

  Obviously, the previous list is not inclusive. The role of the interaction between student and practitioner is to valid academic and professional experiences and to stimulate the future growth of each.

Student Branch Advisor/Committee

Just as possessing a variety of alternatives promotes more creative problem-solving, so will an Advisory Committee composed of a variety of practicing professionals enhance the positive experience and development of a Student Branch. When possible, a committee might be composed of the following:

Faculty in the Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program


o       The faculty member acts as a historian to the group. Because student turnover in programs is high, most students only remain in program for 2-3 years, it is essential that the faculty member be the historian for the group and provides continuity from year to year. The faculty member can share with students, which activities have and have not been successful in the past.

Doctoral student in the Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program


o       The doctoral student can provide the student branch with technical assistance and organizational expertise about the University and community. The doctoral student should know which organizations on campus fund graduate student activities and ideally would be a member of the graduate student organization on campus.

Members of the State Chapter


o       A board member of the state chapter of NRCA can provide the student branch with professional experience and provide an important link to the professional organization and its activities.

Members of consumer groups, organizations, Centers for Independent Living


o       A member of a consumer organization can help the student branch with finding worthwhile advocacy activities to become involved in.  This individual can provide an important link to consumer groups and activities.

Establishing a Student Branch

NRCA Guidelines for Campus Branch Affiliations

The establishment of a Student Branch, subsumed within parameters governing establishing Local Chapters, is delineated within Article X of the NRCA Bylaws (see NRCA Policies and Procedures Manual). The following list reflects the basic tenants for starting a local chapter.

• Sec. 2B    –Student Branches contingent upon the approval of the State Branch, may petition that organization for organizational status. In the absence of an organized State Branch, for organization purposes, the National Board of Directors may be petitioned.

• Sec. 3    Procedures for Affiliation: A group of members wishing to be approved as a State or Local Chapter of NRCA shall:
  

  o       Submit for approval by the NRCA Board of Directors, written Bylaws not in conflict with the NRCA Bylaws (see Appendix B for sample Bylaws).

  o       Promote the purposes of NRCA.

  o       Advance the rehabilitation of the persons with disabilities at the National, State and/or Local level.

  o       Provide the geographical or other boundaries of the Branch.

• Sec. 6    Reports: Each Regional, State and Local Chapter shall submit to the NRCA an annual report covering the activities of the chapter for the preceding year and a financial report covering the budget and expenditure of funds of the Chapter. The annual report forms will be provided to the Chapter by the NRCA office.

  o       This report is due to the NRCA office no later than January 31.

  o       An annual branch report is required by each Region, State, and Local Branch prior to the issuance of any rebate to any Branch.

• Sec. 7    Refund of Dues: Each Branch, which is duly organized, whose bylaws have been approved by the Board of Directors of NRCA, and has complied with all other requirements of NRCA, shall receive a refund of its membership dues paid during the membership year.

The Role of a Steering Committee

Establishment of a student branch begins with an orientation. The orientation of interested students takes place to discuss who will be asked to be an advisor, outlining the steps to become a registered student organization on campus and to begin to build enthusiasm for the Student Branch. The orientation can include assigning responsibility for contacting NRCA for organizational materials and for an application for seed monies.

The Steering Committee

• sets up pro tem officers for President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.

• is responsible for obtaining the NRCA Student Branch Development Handbook from the NRCA national office.

• is also responsible for planning initial general meetings.

Organizational Activities

       Summer

o       The existing executive board should send a letter to the new students welcoming them to the program.

o       The letter should also express a desire to help them make sense of and become involved in the program.

       Fall Orientation

o       If there is a program orientation, the Student Branch should extend an invitation to new students and encourage current students to be involved.

o       Announcements should be made at the beginning of each semester regarding SRCA and the time and date for the first general meeting.

o         The executive board should make a brief announcement during all first year classes.

o         It is wise for SRCA to enlist the support of their professors.

Meetings

        Meetings should include an agenda with planned activities, old business, new business and an update of state and national activities. Attendance records and minutes should be kept.

        The first meeting of the year should include election of second year officers. This has been found to be an effective way of insuring the continuity of information and leadership from year to year by having officers in training their first year to take over their second year.

        At the first meeting, students should discuss what activities they plan to participate in.

Common problems with activities

Possible Solution:

• When the activity is being planned, set deadlines for each stage of the project.

• Do not plan the activity too far in advance so that people lose interest.

• Plan step-by-step what needs to be done and assign responsibility to more than one person.

• Follow up to make certain the activity is on track.

Lack of funds:
Some activities require there to be a substantial financial base to get off the ground, without these funds frustration sets in and the group can decide that it is impossible to do that activity.

Possible Solution:

• Make certain that creative funding ideas have been tried.

• Have you asked people to donate their time/space/talents for free advertising and publicity?

• Is there anyone in the organization who can provide what is needed at a reduced rate?

• Have you petitioned the university activity board or graduate student organization for funds?

• Have you asked the professional organization to donate funds?

• Can you do the activity with another student organization and share the costs?

• Are there alternatives to the original idea that cost less?

• Has a fund raiser been tried?

Lack of interest and participation:
Sometimes the best of activities are not attended and hours of hard work can go to waste.

Possible Solution:

• Make certain that you are asking students in the program what they want to do, never assume that what the Executive Board wants everyone wants.

• Make certain that students are told far in advance what is being done so that they can get excited about the event and arrange time in their schedule.

• If an event does go with little participation ask why people didn't attend, was it the time, the place or the event itself, include this information in the program evaluation.

Appendix A

Potential Mentor Program

Goals of the Mentor Program.

        To develop a line of communication between professionals in the field and incoming students that encourages and supports students in academics, professional networking and professional development.

        To keep students active as student members of the national and state associations in order to encourage them to remain active as professional members.

        To facilitate joint ventures between State Branch members and students.

        To encourage student leadership in NRCA and State Branches.

Role of the State Branch Mentor.

        To establish a relationship with their student.

        To reach out to student professionally and personally to involve them in state, regional and national NRCA activities, committees, conferences, trainings, etc.

        To encourage student to explore and discuss professional viewpoints and perspectives.

        To encourage students to publish good and innovative ideas in professional journals and newsletters.

        To adhere to a two year commitment.

        To brainstorm with students and show them how they can best be involved.

        To help students with internship and job placement ideas.

Role of the Student.

        To apply and maintain active membership with NRA and NRCA.

        To make a two year commitment to the mentor.

        To establish rapport and a relationship with the mentor.

        To use this opportunity for professional and growth.

        To get involved and stay involved by attending and participation in professional development activities.

Mentor Program - Implementation

Phase 1:  Development - Spring

        A departmental/SRA introduction letter is sent to State Branch and its individual members outlining and detailing the Mentor Program.

        The Mentor Program is highlighted and discussed at a Spring State Branch meeting for suggestions and feedback from members and preparation for implementation.

        Accepted incoming students are asked to submit a brief, one paragraph summary of their goals and objectives for professional development and involvement at the student level.

Phase 2:  Student Contact-Summer.

        Student descriptions are given to State Branch members during a summer board meeting.  Members are asked to choose one or two students to form a mentoring relationship.

        Students can be selected based on their professional objectives, interests, and geographical location, etc.

        Participating State Branch members send letters or make phone calls to their perspective student(s)  and introduce themselves and notify student(s) of the Fall Orientation Meeting when mentors will meet their students.

Phase 3:  Implementation-Fall Orientation Meeting

        Each participating State Branch member will be introduced to the students during either the annual fall orientation meeting that the rehabilitation counseling program has or during the first State Branch meeting following the start of the academic year.

        Students are given a schedule of the remaining State Branch meetings for the calendar year.

Phase 4:  Semester Wrap-Up.

        All participating students, mentors, and faculty will attend a gathering at the end of the semester or school year. 

        If so desired some type of recognition could be given to an outstanding mentor at the time.

Mentorship Program – Student Information

Name:  ________________________________________

School Address:  _________________________________________________________________

Phone:  ______________________________

Please Circle All That Apply

I am interested in learning more about the following settings:

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centers

Hospitals

Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Facilities

Private Rehabilitation Companies

State/Federal Rehabilitation Services

Schools

Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Community Mental Health Centers

Private/ Non-Profit Rehabilitation Facilities

Independent Living Centers

Employee Assistance Programs

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs

Industry (Disability Management)

Other (Please Describe) _____________________________________

I am interested in learning more about the following disabilities:

Spinal Cord Injury                                HIV/AIDS

Head Injury                                          Learning Disabilities

Visual Impairment                                 Neuromuscular Diseases

Mental Illness                                       Developmental Diseases

Substance Abuse                                  Hearing Impairment

Injured workers

Other(Please Describe) _______________________

Is there a specific geographic area that you are interested in?  If yes, where is it?

________________________________________

Please write a brief, one paragraph description of what your plans are for professional involvement both as a student and a professional. Are there any specific areas you are interested in (lobbying, legislative affairs, advocacy) etc.

Appendix B

Sample ByLaws

STUDENT REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

DEFINITIONS

(A)       The Student Rehabilitation Association (S.R.A.) shall mean the association of students in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at Michigan State University.

(B)       "Member" shall mean a person who has paid membership dues in the manner provided for in these bylaws.

(C}      "Officer" shall mean those elected officials who comprise the executive board of S.R.A. and is a second year student.

(D)       "Advisor shall mean the faculty representative who is responsible for advising S.R.A.

(E)       "Second year student" shall mean any student who has completed two semesters of full time study in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.

(F}       "Co-officer" shall mean those elected officials who compromise the executive board of S.R.A and are elected as a first year student.

ARTICLE I:  NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1.

The name of this organization shall be The Student Rehabilitation Association, (S.R.A).

Section 2.

The purpose of S.R.A is to be an organized support group for all students in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program. The organization will provide a student liaison among faculty and students, and will provide the opportunity for networking among students and rehabilitation professionals. S.R.A shall remain a very close and active affiliation with MRCA. S.R.A will be an advocacy group in the support of disabilities rights in the MSU Community and community at large.

As often as possible S.R.A's activities will provide the opportunity for "experience sharing" among students by highlighting relevant practicum, internship or work experience with S.R.A members.

S.R.A's commitment to issues of rehabilitation within the University community and the community at large is a fundamental priority within all aspects of S.R.A. Meetings, newsletters and other social activities shall strive to provide avenues through which the academic, personal, social and professional needs of its members may be met. The grassroots structure of S.R.A encourages and depends upon the participation of its members at every level in order to realize the overall goal: the development of highly competent, ethical and creative rehabilitation professionals.

ARTICLE II.  MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

S.R.A will not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnic origin, sex, age, political persuasion, sexual orientation, handicapper status, mental status, or marital status.

Section 2.

1.         Membership in S.R.A should be open to Rehabilitation Counseling students at Michigan State University.

2.         Any MSU student who desires to become a member of S.R.A shall pay membership dues of $5.00 per year in order to have privileges to vote.

3.         Membership privileges, which will realize the purpose and goals of S.R.A are as follows:

A. Voting rights in all elections and proposals.

B. Formal representation to the faculty and academic programs.

4.         Membership in S.R.A shall terminate in respect of a person who ceases to be a student of Michigan State University prior to graduation.

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS

Section 1 – The Executive Office

The Executive office shall comprise of the following officers and co-officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer as well as Co-President, Co-Vice-President, Co-Secretary, and Co-Treasurer. Officers are second year students in the Rehabilitation Counseling program who may, or may not, have been in a co-chair position as a first year student. Co-Officers are first year students in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.

The term of office begins as a first year student where he or she is elected as a co-officer for that full academic year. Upon completion of that title as co-officer, that individual will take on the position of officer for" his/her respective title for the second academic year.

Section 2 - Officer Elections and Nominations

Elections for office will be held every fall term by the 8th day of classes. New officers will take office immediately upon election. Verbal nominations will be made during the S.R.A general meeting. Elections will be by secret ballot of majority vote at that meeting. The S.R.A Secretary will be responsible for the counting of votes.

Section 3 - Duties of Officers and Co-Officers

The President shall preside over all S.R.A member meetings and board meetings following the agenda presented in the bylaws. The President will attend local MRCA meetings as well as the Rehabilitation Counseling Program Advisory Committee. The Co-President shall be an officer in training under the President and should work side by side with the President in carrying out Presidential responsibilities. The Co-President will fulfill the duties of the President in his/her absence.

The Vice-President will designate "and govern the following committees of S.R.A: Programming, Service, Social, Fundraising, and Public Relations.

The Co-vice President shall be an officer in training under the Vice-President and should work side by side with the Vice-President in carrying out Vice-President responsibilities. The Co-vice President will fulfill the duties of the Vice-President in his/her absence.

The Secretary will keep the minutes for all meetings and will be responsible for keeping the S.R.A activity reports detailing events and activities of the organization. The secretary will make copies of the minutes or any changes and distribute them to all members. The secretary will also keep attendance on file of all member meetings and executive board meetings.

The Co-Secretary shall be an officer in training under the Secretary and should work side by side with the Secretary in carrying out Secretary duties and responsibilities. The Co-Secretary will fulfill the duties of Secretary in his/her absence.

The Treasurer will be responsible for the collection of membership dues, paying of bills and keeping track of all financial transactions performed by S.R.A.

The Co-Treasurer shall be an officer in training under the Treasurer and should work side by side with the Treasurer in carrying out Treasurer duties and responsibilities. The Co-Treasurer will fulfill the duties of Treasurer in his/her absence.

Joint Responsibilities of the Executive Board

Although each office and co-office has its specific duties and responsibilities, jointly the executive board will:

1. Act as liaisons between students and faculty on matters concerning curriculum and student affairs/relations.

2. Act as Representatives to the MSU Rehabilitation Counseling Advisory Council.

3. Have Administrative input into agendas for general and executive S.R.A meetings.

4. Ensure the appointment/election of vacant offices and co-offices.

Section 4 – Specifics of Office

Vacation of Office and Co-Office -The office or co-office position shall be ipso facto vacated if:

1. The person ceases to be a student at MSU

2. The person ceases to be in good standing with S.R.A

3. The person is found to be ethically or mentally incompetent.

4. If by notice in writing to the S.R.A Executive Board of individual resignation.

Good Standing Removal - Any officer or co-officer may at any time be removed from office and another appointed by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of S.R.A members. at the general meeting duly called for that purpose.

A person is considered to not be in good standing if he/she fails to carry out the duties of office and/or fails to actively participate in the association.

Second year students and other senior part-time students may run for office and take part in the election of a second year officer in the event a vacancy occurs.

First year students and first year part-time students may run and take part in the election of a co-officer position in the event a vacancy occurs.

Internship Period - Officers shall resign their office in the second year when they have confirmation that due to long distances of their internship site, they will be unable to fulfill the responsibilities of office. Should an officer have confirmation of this predicament prior to election at the fall of each year, the individual is obliged to announce his/her resignation. At that time the election of a new officer to fill the vacancy will occur at the fall election meeting.

Election and Removal - All officers should retire upon the completion of two consecutive academic years in office.

Accountability - Officers and co-officers shall be fully accountable for their designated areas. However, they may oversee their responsibilities directly or indirectly by appointing and monitoring a committee.

Presidential Signature - On such occasion that the Presidential signature is required on any form or document, the President shall recognize that it is solely for administrative purposes and not in terms of ultimate authority over S.R.A.

ARTICLE IV: OPERATING PROCEDURES

Section 1 – Executive Board Meetings

Place of Meeting- The executive board meeting may be held at any place at any time without formal notice if all officers and co- officers are in consent. Should full consent not be given, a notice of three (3) days will be issued to all officers and co-officers who must make every effort to attend such meetings.

Voting- Any major decision at the executive level must have all officers in attendance. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by majority vote. In case of an equality of votes, the question shall be resolved by the general membership.

Authority- Decisions regarding major policy changes, project support and objectives, and other decisions of major consequence to S.R.A shall be decided by the general membership. Financial decisions over twenty dollars ($20.00) must be approved in a membership meeting.

The planning of an agenda for such meetings will be the responsibility of all officers and co-officers.

Section 2 - General or Member Meetings

1.         General member meetings shall be held at such time and place as may be prescribed by S.R.A in the general meetings.  The first meeting of each academic year shall be held no later than the 8th day of fall semester classes for the purpose of electing officers and registering the organization by the deadline.

2.         At least (7) days notice of any general meeting, specifying the place, the day and the hour of meeting and the general or special nature of business shall be communicated to the members at large (the non-receipt of such notice by any member shall not invalidate the proceedings with consent of two-thirds of the members.)

3.         A general meeting may be convened on shorter notice than ten (10) days in any manner that such members think fit at any general meeting.

4.         Each Officer shall be responsible for giving a report and addressing questions regarding the relevant delegated areas, during meetings at which this is deemed suitable and at the Executive meetings.

5.         The presence in person of one-fourth (1/4) of the regular members shall be the necessary amount to constitute a quorum at general meetings for the purpose of passing resolutions or conducting business (decision making process).

6.         Each regular member shall have one vote.

Section 3 – Format for Meetings

All meetings shall adhere to the following format:

B. Agenda (including but not limited to)

1. Reading of last meeting minutes

2. Treasurer's report

3. Committee Reports

4. Discussion

a. old business

b. new business

c. open floor

Section 4 – Committee Structures

Programming Committee-- Shall include but not be limited to the organization and implementation of S.R.A speakers, presentations and other related activities during meeting times.

Service Committee---Shall include but not be limited to the assessment of significant community needs vis-a-vis the association mandate to provide services to or advocacy role towards satisfying that need.

Social Committee---Shall organize and implement special occasion events such as socials an holidays.

Public Relation---Shall inform both MSU and outside community at large of special events, who we are and what we do. Forms of communications should be Posters, Newspaper, MSU TV channel, Radio, State News and word of mouth, etc.

Fundraising---Shall be responsible for developing and organizing fundraising events to generate funds to support S.R.A and its activities.

ARTICLE V: AMENDMENTS

1. Amendments to these Bylaws shall be initiated by the general membership by a two-thirds vote, at a general meeting or by petition bearing the signature of twenty percent of the members.

2. Amendments shall be considered ratified by a two-thirds affirmative vote at a general meeting.

3. An amendment shall become effective immediately following its ratification.

Revised 9/9/92