Board of Directors

Responsibilities of the Vice President for Science and Research

Description of Office

The Vice President for Science and Research is charged with:

1. I dentifying issues and forecasting needs and trends;
2. Initiating and directing recommendations to promote the scientific investigation of normal, disordered, delayed, and different human communication, including research in the area of multicultural and multilinguistic issues;
3. Monitoring the emergence of new science and research data pertaining to communication disorders and promoting its application to the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology and to the development of further research;
4. Monitoring and facilitating the activities of the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee, which is charged with developing, promoting, and periodically updating a Research Agenda for the Association;
5. Monitoring and facilitating the activities of the Advisory Committee on Evidence-Based Practice, which is charged with establishing a set of terminology and definitions related to evidence-based practice for consistent use throughout ASHA;
6. Monitoring and facilitating the activities of Publications Board, which is charged with planning, coordinating, and publishing scholarly publications of the Association;
7. Monitoring and facilitating the activities of the Science Advisory Board, charged with monitoring, assessing, and providing leadership regarding the discipline's research needs, challenges, and opportunities; and
8. Monitoring and facilitating other activities of the Association in promoting the understanding of research procedures, findings, and new technologies in the professional preparation of students, continuing education, and the general dissemination of such information to members of the profession, other professions, and the general public.

Term

• Three years

Desired Personal and Professional Characteristics

• Ability to listen, analyze, think strategically and creatively, and work well with people individually and in a group
• Ability to consider multiple viewpoints about controversial issues and to communicate ASHA's perspective effectively with members and stakeholders
• Ability to prepare for, attend, and participate in board and committee meetings (including conference calls), ask questions, take responsibility, follow through on a given assignment, and evaluate oneself
• Willingness to develop certain skills if one does not possess them, such as understanding financial statements and learning more about the substantive program areas of the Association
• Honesty; sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views; a friendly, responsive, and patient approach; community-building skills; personal integrity; a developed sense of values; and concern for the Association's development
• Significant experience with scientific research in the discipline

Primary Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors
• Be informed about the Association's mission, services, policies, and programs
• Assist the Board of Directors in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings and conference calls
• Represent ASHA on behalf of the President as needed
• Attend the annual ASHA Convention
• Annually review and vote on the Association's budget
• Attend the annual meetings of both the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Advisory Councils
• Monitor and facilitate activities of assigned boards, committees, and councils; serve as liaison between assigned boards, committees, and councils, and the Board of Directors
  Contribute to a review of the Executive Director
• Appoint a Coordinating Committee to consult on scientific and research topics as needed
• Prepare and present information at meetings on behalf of the Association as needed

Time Commitment

• Approximately 16 hours per week (excluding travel)

Financial Support

The Association provides the Vice President for Science and Research with support in a number of ways: financial support for required functions of the office; assistance with office expenses, including some limited personnel support; and an equipment budget.

A stipend is provided to the Vice President's institution.