As a proudly member-driven organization, much of CASA’s work is completed by our members through committees. CASA’s entire membership meets at four conferences per year, but committees meet on a bi-weekly basis via conference call to conduct work on behalf of the membership. Their smaller size and more focused scope allow each committee to accomplish many of the practical tasks associated with CASA’s governance, research, policy and advocacy efforts. In many ways, CASA’s committees make up the engine that moves the organization forward.
While the membership elects voting members to each committee, all CASA members are welcome, in fact encouraged, to participate in committee meetings and work. Below is an overview of the purpose and functions of CASA’s six standing committees as well as an additional ad hoc committee for the 2018-2019 year:
Federal Policy Committee
The Federal Policy Committee (FPC) is primarily responsible for reviewing CASA’s existing policies (what we advocate for) every three years, and for developing new policies that would improve the lives of post-secondary students across the country. Policy work at CASA is member-led, and this committee provides a forum for delegates to regularly discuss and debate policy ideas and ensure that CASA’s new and existing policies are evidence-based, up-to-date, and of the highest quality.
Who is on this committee:
- Chaired by the Director-at-Large, Policy
- Seven permanent members as elected by CASA’s membership, of which two are elected by the committee to fill the roles of Vice-Chair and Recording Secretary
- One seat is reserved for a student representing graduate students, when possible
- One seat is reserved for a student representing college or polytechnic students, when possible
- CASA’s Policy and Research Analyst (staff) acts in a non-voting, advisory capacity
- All other CASA delegates are welcome to participate in a non-voting capacity
National Advocacy Committee
The National Advocacy Committee (NAC) works to enhance CASA's advocacy efforts by organizing campaigns across CASA's member campuses, and developing lobbying tools and training to help empower members to meet with their local Members of Parliament.
Who is on this committee:
- Chaired by the Director-at-Large, Advocacy
- Seven permanent members as elected by CASA’s membership, of which two are elected by the committee to fill the roles of Vice-Chair and Recording Secretary
- One seat is reserved for a student representing graduate students, when possible
- One seat is reserved for a student representing college or polytechnic students, when possible
- CASA’s Government and Stakeholder Relations Officer (staff) acts in a non-voting, advisory capacity
- All other CASA delegates are welcome to participate in a non-voting capacity
Governance and Internal Review Committee
The Governance and Internal Review Committee (GIRC) is responsible for reviewing and amending the documents that govern CASA. The committee is tasked with conducting an annual review of the organization's operating procedures, and, every three years, has the opportunity to develop an entirely new strategic plan for CASA. This committee also makes recommendations to improve reporting and accountability within CASA.
Who is on this committee:
- Chaired by the Secretary
- Five permanent members as elected by CASA’s membership, of which two are elected by the committee to fill the roles of Vice-Chair and Recording Secretary
- One seat is reserved for a student representing graduate students, when possible
- One seat is reserved for a student representing college or polytechnic students, when possible
- CASA’s Executive Director acts in a non-voting, advisory capacity
- All other CASA delegates are welcome to participate in a non-voting capacity
Member Relations Committee
The Member Relations Committee (MRC) works to improve the membership experience at CASA through a variety of creative projects. The committee’s mandate includes fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at CASA’s conferences, helping to build CASA’s brand and attract new members, and finding ways to empower current member associations and delegates to involve themselves with and lead the organization. Two members of this committee may volunteer to also be CASA's Code of Conduct Officers, in charge of handling any Code of Conduct violations that arise during conferences in a respectful and confidential manner.
Who is on this committee:
- Chaired by the Director-at-Large, Membership
- Five permanent members as elected by CASA’s membership, of which two are elected by the committee to fill the roles of Vice-Chair and Recording Secretary
- One seat is reserved for a student representing graduate students, when possible
- One seat is reserved for a student representing college or polytechnic students, when possible
- CASA’s Communications and Public Relations Officer (staff) acts in a non-voting, advisory capacity
- All other CASA delegates are welcome to participate in a non-voting capacity
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
This committee was struck in July 2018 with the purpose of ensuring that CASA takes an intersectional approach to understanding student issues and that its policy development and advocacy efforts are reflective of diverse student experiences.
Who is on this committee:
- Chaired by the Director-at-Large
- Five permanent members as elected by CASA’s membership, of which two are elected by the committee to fill the roles of Vice-Chair and Recording Secretary
- CASA’s Executive Director (staff) acts in a non-voting, advisory capacity
- All other CASA delegates are welcome to participate in a non-voting capacity
Graduate Advisory Group
The Graduate Advisory Group serves as a forum for graduate student concerns, and is a direct channel between graduate students and the Board of Directors on matters of importance to the organization.
Who is on this committee:
- Chaired by a member of CASA's Board of Directors
- Three permanent members who represent graduate students, as elected by CASA’s membership
College and Polytechnic Advisory Group
The College and Polytechnic Advisory Group serves as a forum for student concerns at college and polytechnic institutions, and is a direct channel between college and polytechnic students and the Board of Directors on matters of importance to the organization.
Who is on this committee:
- Chaired by a member of CASA's Board of Directors
- Three permanent members who represent college or polytechnic students, as elected by CASA’s membership
National Indigenous Advocacy Committee
The National Indigenous Advocacy Committee shall serve as a forum for Indigenous students. The National Indigenous Advocacy Committee will be a direct form of contact between Indigenous students, the Membership and the Board of Directors on matters of importance to the organization
Who is on this committee:
- The National Indigenous Advocacy Committee shall be populated by Indigenous Students from CASA Membership. Indigenous Students may join the National Indigenous Advocacy Committee at any time throughout the year by contacting the Co-Chairs of the National Indigenous Advocacy Committee.
- The National Indigenous Advocacy Committee shall consist of:
- Two Co-Chairs selected by consensus from the delegates of the National Indigenous Advocacy Committee,
- Indigenous student representatives put forward by individual Members, with one (1) voting delegate per Member,
- A member of the Board (non-voting),
- Executive Director or designate (non-voting).