FORUM 2019 in Toronto is just a few weeks away, and that means we’re rapidly approaching the elections cycle for the 2020-2021 AIAS National Board of Directors!
The American Institute of Architecture Students holds elections each year at FORUM to fill vacancies on the National Board of Directors. The National Board is comprised of a total of eleven positions which include President; Vice President; four regional Quad Directors; ACSA, NCARB, and AIA Liaisons (appointed by their respective organizations); the Past President; and the Executive Director (who is an ex officio member of the Board). Student members are eligible to submit candidacy for the President, Vice President, and Quad Director positions.
Members on the National Board help steer the course of the organization and connect with chapter leaders and students throughout the AIAS network. It is a great opportunity to further develop leadership abilities, build a solid national and international network with fellow students and professionals, and be a part of directing the AIAS toward a bright future just as student leaders have done for the past 60+ years! These positions are crucial to the success of the AIAS, and we rely on your input and vote to select the most qualified candidates. During FORUM, members and delegates of the Council of Presidents will have several opportunities to hear from each candidate and ask questions about their vision for the organization.
Your Chapter’s Delegate is, by default, the Chapter President. If your Chapter President is not attending FORUM, they can appoint another member of their Chapter as the delegate by contacting the Vice President at vicepresident@aias.org. If no member of your Chapter is attending FORUM, your Chapter President can appoint a proxy Chapter to cast their Chapter’s vote, provided you are a Chapter In Good Standing. You can still register for FORUM at here.
Should you have any questions regarding the elections process, please reach out to the Past President at pastpresident@aias.org.
Please find below the complete list of Certified Candidates for the 2020-2021 AIAS National Board of Directors! Please click on the individual headshot to view the candidacy packet.
Presidential Candidates
Vice Presidential Candidates
West Quad Director Candidates
Midwest Quad Director Candidates
Northeast Quad Director Candidates
South Quad Director Candidates
Please note: There is a single candidate in the uncontested race for Vice President. In an uncontested race, or one with fewer than two Certified Candidates, members may run as undeclared candidates from the floor as per Bylaw 6.22 (see below).
Running from the floor:
An undeclared candidate for an uncontested race does not need to submit a candidacy packet prior to FORUM. However, any members thinking about running from the floor for Vice President are encouraged to reach out to the Past President, such as to ensure their eligibility prior to FORUM.
Undeclared candidates must declare their candidacy at the first FORUM General Session when the Past President calls for “Candidates from the Floor”. Then, a CoP Delegate from a different chapter than the potential candidate must make a statement of nomination: “I nominate _______ for the position of Vice President.” Finally, another CoP delegate from a third chapter must then “second” the nomination. Any questions about the process of declaring from the floor, for both uncontested and contested races, can be directed to the Past President at pastpresident@aias.org.
