The North American Association of Summer Sessions is an association of deans and directors of college and university summer programs located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Founded in 1964 as the National Association of College and University Summer Sessions, NAASS evolved because of a perceived need for a forum by which summer session administrators could share common experiences and problems associated with their responsibilities, and one which could speak for summer sessions in higher education.
The purposes of the Association are:
For the more experienced dean or director, NAASS provides the opportunity to exchange information, discuss mutual problems and seek solutions among colleagues.
Three types of Membership are available in NAASS:
Institutional Membership (Annual dues $175)
Open to all nonprofit colleges and universities located in North America conducting summer programs and that maintain accreditation by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency. The designated Institutional Representative votes on all issues brought before the membership, representing his or her institution.
Extra-Institutional Membership (Annual Dues $45)
Because of the administrative organization at a given college or university, it may be desirable to have additional people receive NAASS materials. Additional memberships may be requested for as many people as needed, but only the designated Institutional Representative is eligible to vote.
Individual Membership (Annual dues $45)
Open to anyone who has a professional interest in the purposes of the Association, but who is not affiliated with a college or university eligible for Institutional Membership (see above). Individual members enjoy all the privileges of membership - except voting.
Access
Membership provides immediate access to over 450 summer session deans and directors throughout North America. Association members represent the broad spectrum of today's higher education, and they provide a ready source of information and assistance.
Networking
In addition to postings on this website, NAASS has established a listserv whereby members can pose questions to their colleagues and receive immediate feedback from a wide variety of respondents across the country.
Creative Programming
Abstracts of successful, creative and innovative programs, conducted on member campuses during summer, are distributed to serve as a stimulus for your own faculty and administration.
Mail Lists
Mailing lists of prospective summer session students, compiled by professional suppliers, are available through the Association at savings of up to 20% off the base price.
Research
Financial resources are allocated each year to fund research. Additionally, the Association serves as a clearinghouse for information and research in all phases of higher education that affect summer session administration.
Assistance
For the newer summer session administrator, an all-day workshop is conducted each year in conjunction with the Annual Conference. Budgeting, program development, faculty issues, marketing and program evaluation are topics typically addressed.
NAASS meets annually in late October or early November. In addition to the national conference, several regions conduct spring meetings for their local members.
Membership Directory
An annual printed publication that includes the names, titles, addresses , telephone and fax numbers, and email addresses of all current institutional and individual members as well as member colleges and universities. The directory is also published online, where it includes the websites of member organizations, searches for members according to their institutional profile (location, size, Carnegie classification, etc.) and mailing list features to facilitiate networking among the members.
NAASS Newsletter
A quarterly periodical used to disseminate ideas and information about summer sessions and the Association. Material is furnished by members and gleaned from a variety of other sources.
Summer Academe: A Journal of Higher Education
A bi-annual publication that provides summer administrators and faculty with recent research, case studies and information about administrative issues. Summer Academe welcomes scholars of different viewpoints, methodologies, disciplines and cultures and encourages individuals to submit article manuscripts.
Proceedings
Proceedings of the annual conference are published and distributed to serve as a valuable resource for members, as well as a means of bringing the benefits of meetings to other administrators on the campus of member institutions. These Conference Proceedings were published in print from 1964 through 1998. Proceedings since 1999 are available to members via the Association's website.
Joint Statistical Report
An annual compilation by the Research Committee in which the following topics are regularly discussed and displayed:
For additional information, including membership information, email Michael Nelson, Executive Secretary: naass@aol.com