Legislative Assembly Meeting, November 20 & 23

 

 

 

Legislative Assembly Meeting Date: November 20 & 23, 2024

New Orleans, Louisiana

Purpose: To provide important Association updates regarding ongoing initiatives towards Strategic Plan and IDEA Strategic Plan goals and to conduct necessary business.

Presiding: Marnel Niles Goins, NCA President

Parliamentarian: Nicole A. Learson

 

 

Legislative Assembly slots: 181

Official roll of voting delegates at the start of the Wednesday session: 103

  • Wednesday session began at 12:15 P.M. Central and ended at 2:57 P.M. Central

Official roll of voting delegates at the start of the Saturday session: 122

  • Saturday session began at 8:10 A.M. Central and ended at 9:15 A.M. Central. 

Legislative Assembly Materials for Wednesday & Saturday Sessions

Land Acknowledgement

 

NCA would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather for the 110th Annual Convention in New Orleans and Louisiana is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Choctaw, Houma, Chitimacha, Tunica, Biloxi, and Bulbancha people, past and present.

Choctaw [chaak·taa]
Houma [how·muh]
Chitimacha [chi·tee·maa·chuh]
Tunica [too·ni·kuh]
Biloxi [buh·luhk·see]
Bulbancha [bull-ban-chah]

NCA acknowledges that it has often gathered upon unceded lands and that those gatherings manifested the exclusions and erasures of many Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge the grave harm that colonialism brought to these lands, in particular, the erasure of both Indigenous and African identities via slavery and racist laws that segregated all peoples into binary classifications of “white” and “black.” This acknowledgment demonstrates our commitment to beginning the process of working to dismantle the ongoing legacies of settler colonialism.

 

2024 Legislative Assembly Members

 

For 2024, there are 181 LA slots, and as of November 6, 174 members have been confirmed.

Members representing two or more slots receive one vote.

Name Position Organization
Austin, Jasmine T. Activism and Social Justice Division Texas State University
Espinoza, Jonathan Activism and Social Justice Division University of Texas at Austin
Hernandez, Leandra Hinojosa Activism and Social Justice Division University of Utah
Watkins-Dickerson, Dianna African American Communication and Culture Division University of Memphis
NA African American Communication and Culture Division  
Lewis, Derek American Studies Division Northland Community and Technical College
Washington, Demi American Studies Division Lane College
Braddock, Kurt Applied Communication Division, Political Communication Division American University
Haislett, Robin L. Applied Communication Division Weber State University
Pyle, Andrew Applied Communication Division Clemson University
Walters, Heather L. Argumentation and Forensics Division Missouri State University
Wideman, Stephanie L. Argumentation and Forensics Division University of Indianapolis
Ban, Zhuo Asian / Pacific American Caucus University of Cincinnati
Chuang, Andy Kai-chun Asian / Pacific American Communication Studies Division La Guardia Community College
Kanemoto, Emi Asian / Pacific American Communication Studies Division Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
NA Association of Communication Administration  
Snitko, Jessica R. Basic Course Division Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Tatum, Nicholas T. Basic Course Division University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Rudrow, Keven James Black Caucus, NCA Elected--At-Large Syracuse University
Baker-Brown, Clover M. Caribbean Communication Caucus Prince George's Community College
Johnson, Deryl Caucus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Concerns Kutztown University
Denker, Katherine J. Central States Communication Association Ball State University
Scharp, Kristina M. Central States Communication Association Rutgers University
Wang, Tiffany R. Central States Communication Association University of Montevallo
Ball, Hannah Communication and Aging Division Chapman University
Gettings, Patricia Communication and Aging Division University at Albany, SUNY
Lee, Edwin S. Communication and Law Division University of Alabama
O'Donnell, Kelly M. Communication and Law Division University of Pittsburgh
Rossetto, Kelly R. Communication and Military Division Boise State University
Scott, Amber Lynn Communication and Military Division University of Kentucky
Fisher, Jacob T. Communication and Social Cognition Division Michigan State University
Hahn, Lindsay Communication and Social Cognition Division University at Buffalo, SUNY
Boatwright, Brandon C. Communication and Sport Division Clemson University
Richmond, Julia C. Communication and Sport Division Rowan University
Merrill Jr., Kelly R. Communication and the Future Division University of Cincinnati
Rainear, Adam Michael Communication and the Future Division West Chester University
Horn, Dakota Communication Anxiety and Apprehension Division,  Bradley University
NA Communication Anxiety and Apprehension Division  
Hastings, Sally O. Communication as Social Construction Division University of Central Florida
Watson, Jacob Ryan Communication as Social Construction Division Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
LeBlanc, Sarah S. Communication Assessment Division Purdue University Fort Wayne
Rhea, David M. Communication Assessment Division, NCA Appointed -- At-Large Governors State University
Knight, Misty L. Communication Centers Section Shippensburg University
Riesberg, Casey Lea Communication Centers Section University of Nebraska-Omaha
Sudnick, Kati E. Communication Ethics Division University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Tinker, Andrew Communication Ethics Division, Philosophy of Communication Division Pellissippi State Community College
Byrnes-Loinette, Kerry Community College Section Collin College
Pettigrew, Amanda Community College Section Moraine Valley Community College
Celeste, Manoucheka Critical and Cultural Studies Division University of Illinois at Chicago
Levina, Marina Critical and Cultural Studies Division University of Memphis
Mejia, Robert Critical and Cultural Studies Division University of Southern California
Sandras, Dakota Critical and Cultural Studies Division University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bruns, Laura Death and Dying Division Florida Atlantic University
Campbell Pendleton, Colleen Death and Dying Division University of Colorado, Boulder
Gan, Ivan Disability Issues Caucus University of Houston, Downtown
Holden, Tracey Quigley Eastern Communication Association University of Delaware
King, Mary E. Eastern Communication Association Bloomsburg University
Putman, Angela L. Eastern Communication Association Penn State University, Brandywine
Colombini, Crystal Economics, Communication, and Society Division Fordham University
McDonald, Robert Olen Economics, Communication, and Society Division University of Kansas
Crisson, Roberta Emeritus/ Retired Members Section Kutztown University
Tickton, Stanley D. Emeritus/ Retired Members Section Norfolk State University
Ittefaq, Muhammad Environmental Communication Division James Madison University
Thomas, Mariko Oyama Environmental Communication Division Central New Mexico Community College
Arnold-Patti, Abby Marie Ethnography Division University of Memphis
Huff, Billy G. Ethnography Division University of Illinois at Chicago
Doss, Erin F. Experiential Learning in Communication Division Indiana University Kokomo
Pawlowski, Donna Experiential Learning in Communication Division Bemidji State University
Horstman, Haley Kranstuber Family Communication Division University of Missouri
Phillips, Kaitlin Family Communication Division Baylor University
Bahrainwala, Lamiyah Feminist and Gender Studies Division Southwestern University
Dasgupta, Satarupa Feminist and Gender Studies Division Ramapo College of New Jersey
Upton, Sarah Feminist and Gender Studies Division University of Texas, El Paso
Medeiros, Ben Freedom of Expression Division State University of New York, Plattsburgh
Thorpe, M. Elizabeth Freedom of Expression Division State University of New York Brockport
Anderson, Sky LaRell Game Studies Division University of St. Thomas
Smith, Courteney Game Studies Division University of Louisville
Asante, Godfried Agyeman Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies Division San Diego State University
Tristano Jr., Michael Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies Division Towson University
Koschmann, Matthew A. Group Communication Division University of Colorado, Boulder
Zanin, Alaina Group Communication Division Arizona State University
Barrett, Ashley K. Health Communication Division Baylor University
Brannon, Grace Ellen Health Communication Division University of Texas, Arlington
No rep for 2024 Health Communication Division  
No rep for 2024 Health Communication Division  
High, Andrew C. Human Communication and Technology Division Pennsylvania State University
Pennington, Natalie Human Communication and Technology Division Colorado State University
Punyanunt-Carter, Narissra M. Human Communication and Technology Division Texas Tech University
Atkinson, Jordan Tyler Instructional Development Division University of Kansas
Chandrashekar, Santhosh International and Intercultural Communication Division University of Denver
Pindi Nziba, Gloria International and Intercultural Communication Division California State University San Marcos
Sun, Wei International and Intercultural Communication Division Howard University
Aloia, Lindsey Susan Interpersonal Communication Division University of Arkansas
Faulkner, Sandra Lea Interpersonal Communication Division Bowling Green State University
Manning, Jimmie Interpersonal Communication Division, NCA Finance Committee University of Nevada, Reno
Owlett, Jennifer S. Interpersonal Communication Division William Paterson University
Gomez, Stephanie L. La Raza Caucus Western Washington University
Mikesell, Lisa Language and Social Interaction Division Rutgers University
Wingard, Leah Language and Social Interaction Division San Francisco State University
Gutierrez-Perez, Robert Latino/Latina Communication Studies Division California State University San Marcos
Leon-Boys, Diana Latino/Latina Communication Studies Division University of South Florida
Hefner, Veronica Mass Communication Division Saint Mary's College of California
Kretz, Valerie Mass Communication Division St. Norbert College
Lapierre, Matthew A. Mass Communication Division University of Arizona
LaFreniere, Jenna Master's Education Section Texas Tech University
Neville-Shepard, Ryan Master's Education Section University of Arkansas
Tomasovic, Susan National States Advisory Council George Mason University
Niles Goins, Marnel NCA President American University
Sims, Jeanetta D. NCA First Vice President University of Central Oklahoma
Harris, Tina M. NCA Second Vice President Louisiana State University
Afifi, Walid NCA Immediate Past President University of California, Santa Barbara
Danowski, Justin  NCA Executive Director (Non-Voting) National Communication Association
Lachlan, Kenneth A. NCA Finance Committee University of Connecticut
Thomas-Maddox, Candice NCA Finance Committee Ohio University, Lancaster
Cherney, James L. NCA IDEA Council Chair University of Nevada, Reno
Lewis, Laurie NCA Mentorship and Leadership Council Chair University of Texas, San Antonio
Sloop, John M. NCA Publications Council Chair Vanderbilt University
Sastry, Shaunak NCA Research Council Chair University of Cincinnati
Thweatt, Katherine S. NCA Teaching and Learning Council Chair State University of New York, Oswego
Allen Catellier, Jennifer Renae NCA Appointed -- At-Large Gannon University
Fedd, Andre NCA Appointed -- At-Large University of Georgia
Guha, Pallavi NCA Appointed -- At-Large Towson University
Listach, Natonya NCA Appointed -- At-Large Middle Tennessee State University
Mutua, Eddah Mbula NCA Appointed -- At-Large St. Cloud State University
Bagley, Meredith M. NCA Elected--At-Large University of Alabama
Martínez, Diana I. NCA Elected--At-Large, Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division Pepperdine University
Zoffel, Nicholas NCA Elected--At-Large Global Forum for Civic Affairs
Daniel, Emory S. NCA Elected--At-Large Appalachian State University
DiTirro, Lindsey J. NCA Elected--At-Large Gannon University
Harris, Melissa Renee NCA Elected--At-Large Marymount University
Long Anderson, Mia NCA Elected--At-Large Sam Houston State University
Self, Rico NCA Elected--At-Large North Carolina State University
Bernard, Daniel R. Nonverbal Communication Division Cal Poly
Lane, Brianna L. Nonverbal Communication Division Christopher Newport University
Malvini Redden, Shawna Organizational Communication Division California State University Sacramento
Reutlinger, Corey Organizational Communication Division Arizona State University
Kee, Kerk Organizational Communication Division Texas Tech University
Hajjaj, Noura Ahmad Peace and Conflict Communication Division Duquesne University
Warshel, Yael Peace and Conflict Communication Division American University
Gratch, Ariel Performance Studies Division Utica College
Parrott, Charles T. Performance Studies Division Kennesaw State University
D'Souza, Ryan A. Philosophy of Communication Division Chatham University
Peacock, Cynthia Political Communication Division University of Alabama
Scacco, Joshua Political Communication Division University of South Florida
Hallsby, Atilla Public Address Division University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Kuehl, Rebecca A. Public Dialogue and Deliberation Division South Dakota State University
Wolfe, Anna Wiederhold Public Dialogue and Deliberation Division Texas A&M University
Lemon, Laura L. Public Relations Division University of Alabama
Woods, Chelsea Public Relations Division Virginia Tech
Chatham-Carpenter, April Southern States Communication Association University of Arkansas, Little Rock
Gilchrist-Petty, Eletra Southern States Communication Association University of Alabama, Huntsville
Metcalf, Laurie Southern States Communication Association Blinn College
Elkhalid, Amnee South West Asian/North African, Middle East Caucus University of Arkansas
Brandley, Ben Spiritual Communication Division Arizona State University
Khamis, Sahar Spiritual Communication Division University of Maryland
Kuijpers, Katelynn Louise Student Section University of Delaware
Pfender, Emily Jo Student Section University of Delaware
Repay, Nathaniel Ryan Student Section University of Texas, Austin
Crooks, Vicki L. Theatre, Film, and New Multi-Media Division Oregon Institute of Technology
Endres-Parnell, Prairie A. Theatre, Film, and New Multi-Media Division Tarleton State University
Stratton, Casey Michael Training and Development Division Salisbury University
Zirulnik, Michael L. Training and Development Division The Varsity Project
Daggs, Joy L. Undergraduate College and University Section Northwest Missouri State University
Richards, Riley Undergraduate College and University Section Oregon Institute of Technology
De la Garza, Sarah Amira Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division Arizona State University
Enck, Suzanne Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division University of North Texas
Hill, Theon Edward Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division Wheaton College
Ohl, Jessy J. Visual Communication Division University of Alabama
Pruden, Meredith L. Visual Communication Division Kennesaw State University
Carroll, Darrian Robert Western States Communication Association California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Givens, Ashley L. Western States Communication Association Salt Lake Community College
Van Gilder, Bobbi J. Western States Communication Association Suffolk University
Mercado Jones, Rebecca Women's Caucus Oakland University

 

Indigenous Caucus Ogimaa

Name

 Institution 
La Royce Batchelor NA
Ashley Cordes University of Utah
Sarah Amira De la Garza Arizona State University
Sarah Dweik Pennsylvania State University
Danielle E. Endres University of Utah
Eean B. Grimshaw Oregon Institute of Technology
Michael Lechuga University of New Mexico
Dalaki Jym Livingston University of Oklahoma
Amy May University of Alaska Fairbanks
Margret A. McCue-Enser St. Catherine University
Colby Y. Miyose University of Hawaii, Hilo
Liahnna Stanley University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Naaman Wood NA

 

Orientation Materials

 

The Legislative Assembly (LA) meets at least once a year at NCA’s Annual Convention. There is typically a four-hour afternoon session the day before the convention begins, and a two-hour morning session on the third day of the convention.

The business at the LA meeting is governed by NCA’s Bylaws, and its decisions are guided by NCA’s strategic plan. Per the NCA Bylaws, the Legislative Assembly meeting is governed by parliamentary procedure, and the following pages provide some relevant information in that regard.

There is always some standard introductory business that is addressed by the LA at the start of the meeting. Members of the LA also participate in elections of members of the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) and vote on a slate of candidates brought to the group by the LDC. In addition, each year members are invited to submit resolutions to the Resolutions Committee for ultimate consideration by the LA. If resolutions are submitted by the relevant deadline, they are put on the agenda for discussion by the LA at the annual meeting.

Process and format for submitting proposals

The Executive Committee asked each council/committee to review proposals and provide feedback prior to each EC meeting. The chair had the option to circulate a proposal to other council/committee members for comment. Chairs were also able to respond with comments, questions, and recommendations. Please note, a council/committee was not obligated to comment on each proposal. 

All proposals to the EC and LA should include:

Summary  Strategic Priorities Fanancial Implications Recommendation Main Motion Exhibits

 

Alternates (Proxies)

Specific language regarding proxies is not present in NCA’s Bylaws but does specify how a replacement can be established.

According to Article III, Section V(D), “Vacancies among the representatives of Interest Groups, the four regional associations, the National States Advisory Council and the Association of Communication Administration Executive Committee may be filled in the same manner as the original representative was appointed”.

For example, if a group’s bylaws stipulate that the Chair is also the group’s LA representative, and the chair cannot fulfill their LA member responsibilities or attend the annual LA meeting, the chair must resign their position as chair and the newly elected chair may participate in the LA meeting. In short, a vacancy in the position must exist for an alternate person to represent the group; that person must be elected in the same manner as originally prescribed by the group’s bylaws.

Everyone at NCA appreciates your willingness to serve on the Legislative Assembly and spend time working on the association’s business. You serve in a vital leadership role for NCA—thank you!

Standing Rules

 

Legislative Assembly representatives shall sign the roll. 

New agenda items that are not on the published agenda may only be considered after all other agenda items have been taken up and following a two-thirds vote to consider. Prior to such vote, the maker of a substantive motion may have up to two minutes to explain (not debate) the proposed motion to the body.

Motions derived from discussion items may be heard at the time of the discussion.

Other Standing Rules:

  • Only Legislative Assembly members shall offer motions and vote.
  • LA members must be signed in and in person to vote. 
  • The Executive Committee (EC) at an EC meeting following a convention and before the next annual convention shall review and approve the minutes of LA meetings. Copies of minutes reviewed by the EC shall be distributed to LA members serving at the next NCA convention.
  • The Resolutions Committee may not change the substance of motions submitted to the committee without consent of the submitter.
  • Each NCA member who offers a resolution shall have the right to explain their resolution to the Resolutions Committee.
  • The Resolutions Committee may (1) endorse, (2) oppose, or (3) offer no recommendation regarding resolutions submitted to the committee.
  • The presiding officer may invite the members and guests to consider a motion for a specified length of time informally. During such time, members will be recognized to speak and will be allowed additional opportunities at the discretion of the chair. When the set time expires, the chair may take a straw poll if no motion is offered for formal consideration.
  • When recognized, delegates may speak for up to two minutes. Non-members of the LA may address the LA with the permission of the presiding officer.
  • During debate on a motion, affirmative and negative sides will alternate speaking turns.
  • No delegate may move the previous question (close debate) prior to an opportunity for one affirmative and one negative speech on a motion. Delegates shall state their name and the constituency represented prior to starting to speak. Motion forms shall be used for substantive motions and amendments and when requested by the presiding officer.

 

 

Wednesday Session Highlights

Adoption of the 2025 Budget

Summary

The Legislative Assembly approved the 2025 proposed budget for NCA.

Pursuant to the NCA Bylaws and NCA’s policies and procedures the National Office prepared the 2025 Budget Narrative and Summary of specific budgeted items located in detail in the exhibits section.

The 2025 budget summary reflects realistic and informed projections of both revenue and expenses for the coming year. The 2025 budget adheres to very conservative assumptions regarding likely revenues for the Association while also working to adjust expenses to accurately reflect anticipated needs and expectations. The budget was also constructed to reflect the Association’s actual, material operating revenues and expenses and removes from operating projections items and/or funds that do not factor into the operations, such as investment income and investment fees. This is consistent with the prior year's budgeting. Lastly, the 2025 budget shows our investment reserve funding needed to fund the 2025 budget. NCA has used the investment reserves to supplement our anticipated operating loss for the organization for over 10 years.

Items for Review

 

New Interest Group - African Communication Division

The LA approved the creation of the African Communication Division. 

Proposal

NCA members can join the new Division in early January 2025.

 

New Interest Group - Women of Color Section

The LA approved the creation of the Women of Color section

Proposal

NCA members can join the new Section in early January 2025.

 

Affiliate Approval

The LA approved 32 affiliates who were up for renewal. Affiliate effective date is January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2029. 

List of approved affiliates:

  • American Debate Association
  • American Forensic Association
  • American Society for the History of Rhetoric
  • Association for Business Communication
  • Association for Communication Administration
  • Association for the Rhetoric of Science, Technology, and Medicine
  • Central States Communication Association
  • Communication Association of Eurasian Researchers (CAER)
  • Cross Examination Debate Association
  • Eastern Communication Association
  • Institute of General Semantics
  • International Chinese Communication Association
  • International Forensics Association
  • International Listening Association
  • Japan-U.S. Communication Association
  • Kenneth Burke Society
  • Korean American Communication Association
  • Media Ecology Association
  • National Federation of High School, Debate, & Theatre Association
  • National Forensic Association
  • National States Advisory Council
  • New York State Communication Association
  • Partnership for Progress on the Digital Divide
  • Religious Communication Association
  • Rhetoric Society of America
  • Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction
  • South African Communication Association
  • Southern States Communication Association
  • The Association for Chinese Communication Studies
  • Urban Communication Foundation
  • Western States Communication Association
  • World Communication Association

 

 

Saturday Session Highlights

Leadership Development Committee Election

The LA elected two members of the body to serve on the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) for a two-year term.

The following LA members will serve on the LDC starting January 1, 2025. 

  • Melissa Harris 
  • Narissra M. Punyanunt-Carter

 

Approval of Leadership Development Committee Slate

The LA approved a slate of candidates to serve on NCA Councils, Committees, and Awards Selection Committees.

LDC Slate 

Unless otherwise specified, all positions begin January 1, 2025.

 

Resolutions Review

The LA approved five resolutions that are currently active under NCA's Public Statement Platform.

The Resolutions Committee reviewed each resolution and recommended revisions for LA consideration.

Resolutions under consideration:

Resolution Regarding State Legislative Limits on Diversity and Inclusion

Credo for Ethical Communication

Credo for Free and Responsible Communication in a Democratic Society

High School Communication Education (Speaking, Listening, & Media Literacy) as a Graduation Requirement

Policy on Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination

 

New Resolution Approval - Resolution Denouncing the Dehumanization of Palestinians and its Impacts

The LA approved the Resolution Denouncing the Dehumanization of Palestinians and its Impacts.

View the statement

 

 

 

Per NCA Bylaws:

Article III, Section 3: The Legislative Assembly shall exercise fiduciary responsibility over the affairs of NCA and is responsible for the overall strategic direction and policymaking of the Association.

*****

Business conducted at Legislative Assembly meetings follows Robert's Rules of Order and is legally governed by NCA's bylaws and its decisions are guided by NCA's Strategic Plan and IDEA Strategic Plan.