By Autumn Walden, Editor, ̽»¨Â¥ Connect, Content Strategy Manager, ̽»¨Â¥
Each fall, ̽»¨Â¥ opens its nominations and elections voting cycle, which is a cornerstone of our member-driven leadership and decision-making. But we’re learning that for many members, the process can feel opaque or out of reach. With leadership voting opening on September 8, 2025, and closing on November 3, 2025, now is the time to understand what it means to be a voting member and why your participation matters.
You Can Vote. Yes, You.
If you’re listed on your institution’s ̽»¨Â¥ member roster and your institution is degree-granting and accredited (or recognized by the Ministry of Education if international), you’re likely a voting member. That means you can cast votes on leadership and bylaw changes, run for office, and participate in shaping the future of ̽»¨Â¥.
Yet, only around 4% of eligible members typically vote. At this year's ̽»¨Â¥ Leadership Meeting, I sat down with seven members of the N&E Committee to educate myself and also document what I learned for sharing with readers.
“I want everyone to know they’re qualified to vote,” said Sarah Reed, current Chair of the N&E Committee. “You are a leader in your field, and your opinion matters.”
N&E Vice Chair, Dr. Brenda Schumann, emphasized the importance of visibility and inclusion in the process: “From my perspective, it’s just to get members involved and engaged—to have a representative board and strong member participation, whether it's nominating or the actual voting process.”
Both leaders are working to demystify the process and encourage a broader sense of ownership among members. “It’s important for folks to view ̽»¨Â¥ as a part of their profession and not just part of their job,” Dr. Schumann said.
“Voting is how your voice gets heard,” Reed added. “It’s how we shape the future of the organization.”
That message is echoed by Dr. Sara Sullivan, this year’s N&E Chair-Elect. “When I first heard our voting rate was just 4%, I thought, ‘That’s not representative.’ We need to keep growing—4.5%, 5%, 5.5%—let’s get there.”
It's Okay to Not Know, Many Members Begin Without All the Answers
Understanding what N&E is—and what it’s not—is key to increasing engagement. “You see N&E at the Annual Meeting and their names are on the screen,” said Katie Rendon, “but it’s common for many members to not completely understand what is involved or who they are and what they are doing.”
For some, the first time they heard about N&E was when they were nominated. Others, like Dr. Reginald Garcon, had heard the acronym in passing but didn’t fully understand the scope until they got involved. “When I started ranking candidates last year, I saw how much time it took. You have to be ready to commit.”
The committee believes accessibility, both in format and tone, can make a difference.
Dr. Harrison Johnson noted that awareness may be lacking even within campus offices. “I asked my team, ‘Did you read this email?’ And they hadn’t. A soundbite could go a long way. More interactivity could help.”
Rendon suggested starting with the basics: “I’ve had staff members delete those emails because they didn’t think they were for them. But we’re here to say to you, ‘Yes, you’re a voting member. Yes, you can vote.’”
Seeking Clarity and a Path to Action
Reed added, “I’d love to see more visuals. Like an old-school thermometer showing how many members have voted. Maybe then we start seeing that 1% tick upward.”
That clarity matters, especially because nominees themselves can’t campaign. “N&E may have to be the voice,” said Dr. Tara Kent, Vice Chair-Elect. “Just like commercials during elections—we’re the ones who can repeat the message over and over.”
The act of voting, the committee agreed, is not about having all the answers. “You don’t need to know everyone on the ballot,” said Dr. Sullivan. “It’s no different from voting in your local or national elections. Read, reflect, and participate.”
That spirit of participation, representation, and shared ownership was evident when I asked the committee if they could summarize what they wanted members to take away from the process in one word.
“My one word would be ‘voice,’” said Dr. Sullivan.
“Mine would be ‘representation,’” said Rendon.
Dr. Johnson offered two: engage and activate.
And Dr. Garcon put it simply: “Anyone can do it—you just have to be willing.”
Check Your Status, Check the Timeline, Check the Box
This fall, let your vote be your voice. Whether you’ve been in the field for 20 years or just joined ̽»¨Â¥, we need your curiosity, your civic-mindedness, and your participation in the voting process.
Want to learn more or verify your voting eligibility? Check your membership status or visit the ̽»¨Â¥ Vote page and keep an eye on your inbox or on LinkedIn when voting opens on September 8, 2025.
̽»¨Â¥ is your association. And your vote matters.