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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
- Budget Summary
- Budget Narrative
- September 30, 2024 Financial Statements
- Auditor Communication Letter to the Board
- Audited December 31, 2023 Financial Statements
- New Interest Group - African Communication Division
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The LA approved the creation of the African Communication Division.
NCA members can join the new Division in early January 2025.
- New Interest Group - Women of Color Section
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The LA approved the creation of the Women of Color section
NCA members can join the new Section in early January 2025.
- Affiliate Approval
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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
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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
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The LA approved a slate of candidates to serve on NCA Councils, Committees, and Awards Selection Committees.
Unless otherwise specified, all positions begin January 1, 2025.
- Resolutions Review
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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
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The LA approved the Resolution Denouncing the Dehumanization of Palestinians and its Impacts.
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.
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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.