VISION
The vision of the national Student Academy of Audiology is to be essential in the lives of audiology students by equipping them with the knowledge to begin a patient-centered career that promotes the profession and advances research in audiology.
MISSION
The national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is the national student division of the American Academy of Audiology that serves as a collective voice for students and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of students of all backgrounds pursuing careers in audiology through the promotion of diversity and inclusivity. The SAA introduces students to lifelong involvement in activities that promote and advance the profession of audiology and provides services, information, education, representation, and advocacy for both the profession and consumers of audiology services.
National SAA History
National SAA was founded in 2009 after NAFDA (National Association of Future Doctors of Audiology) approached the American Academy of Audiology (the Academy) for support. Various professional healthcare organizations have affiliated student institutions, such as the American Medical Association-Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS) as well as the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Nurses Association (ANA), and the American Veterinary Association (AVA).
All have student sections that work together with the parent organization to achieve common goals. In October 2008, Brian Vesely, AuD, Past NAFDA President, and Past Academy President Patrick Feeney, PhD, signed an agreement that merged NAFDA into the Academy's student organization, the national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA). The ultimate goal of the merger was to maintain an independent student voice while maximizing the opportunities that come with joining the Academy.
National SAA Membership
National SAA membership consists of students enrolled in AuD, PhD, or other accredited audiology doctoral programs for a first professional degree in audiology as well as undergraduate/post-baccalaureate students interested in audiology. The national SAA currently recognizes 79 local SAA Chapters across the nation including Puerto Rico.
Interested in becoming a chapter? Visit the Become a Chapter web page for more information.
Students Are Our Future!
By Past Academy President Alison Grimes, AuD
At the January 2008 Board of Directors meeting, the board unanimously affirmed its commitment to the student members of our Academy by pledging to create a new student academy within the American Academy of Audiology. This is an exciting development, a long time in coming, and recognizes that from our current students come the future leadership.
Why and Why Now?
By Past Academy President Alison Grimes, AuD
“I firmly believe that the Academy is on the right track.” So begins a letter that I received last week from a student member of our organization. The excitement, enthusiasm, and interest in being part of the formation of the organization is gratifying and wonderful.
Historic Merger of NAFDA with National SAA
The National Association of Future Doctors of Audiology (NAFDA) agreed to merge with the Academy's newly formed Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) in this letter from Past Academy President M. Patrick Feeney, PhD and Past NAFDA President, Brian Vesely, AuD.
Leadership
The national SAA is overseen by a student-led, nationally elected Board of Directors supported by student volunteers assigned to national SAA committees and subcommittees. All current national SAA members are eligible to serve on national SAA committees and subcommittees. A main call for student volunteers is made in March of each year. Opportunities for the national SAA State Ambassador program are open year-round. Visit the Get Involved web page and find out how you can be a part of the national audiology student community.