Student Involvement in OSLHA

from OSLHA's Student Interest Representative
 Colleen Visconti, Ph.D. 
cviscont@bw.edu 

One of OSLHA's priorities is providing students with many opportunities to become involved as an active member within the Association.  I invite all student members to get involved by contacting me to discuss your interests.

Involvement should serve to enrich the student's educational experience as well as capture many of our future leaders a bit earlier.

Click Here for
OMNIE Scholarship -Information and Application

Click Here for:
OSLHA Presentation: 
NSSLHA 2007 Convention

OSLHA:
What's In It For STUDENTS:

Click here for printable pdf flyer useful for distribution to students

• Mentorship Program:
  OSLHA will pair students with experienced professionals to work on committees in your area of interest.  Student to student mentoring is also available.  This work will allow you to network with professionals and students in the field and will also enhance your awareness, knowledge and skills about timely professional issues.
  Go to: Mentorship Program
   

• Ensure a Secure Employment Future:
  Your membership dues help to support employment of a lobbyist to ensure that Ohio legislators understand our position on the issues that affect our future, such as:
  * Salaries
  * Workload issues (caseload sizes)
  * Insurance reimbursement in health care
  * Hiring laws (licensure laws)
  
  Students have an opportunity to volunteer at the registration table at the annual Legislative Breakfast at the State House in Columbus.  This breakfast allows students to observe how OSLHA professionals educate Ohio legislators on issues so they can promote change in laws that regulate our profession.  Students are provided with free registration for the annual Legislative Breakfast at the State House in Columbus.
   

• Build Your Resume:
  OSLHA offers students the opportunity to co-write, with the OSLHA Past President, a brief message in Communication Matters, the Association's newsletter.  Also, don't miss the opportunity to present at Convention-student posters and presentations are encouraged.  Finally, you can develop your leadership skills by joining an OSLHA committee.
  

• Legislative Council:
  Attend a Legislative Council meeting in Columbus to observe the governance of the state association and to listen to the timely professional topics that are being addressed.  You will sit along side the Legislative Councilors and interact with many of Ohio's leaders.  For LC meeting dates,  Click Here
  

• Annual Convention:
  Attend OSLHA's Annual Convention in Columbus in March and attend the student related and professional seminars at a reduced member rate.  Take advantage of seeing nationally-recognized speakers present in all specialty areas.  The Convention also offers student-related seminars, as well as job interview programs.
   

• Representation:
  Students have representation within OSLHA.  Your Professional Practice Representative is elected to represent you in you.  Colleen Visconti, current  University and Student Affairs Representative acts as a liaison between students and the OSLHA Legislative Council.
   

• Search for Job Openings:
  Once you re nearing graduation and searching for a job, look no further than Communication Matters (7 issues published per fiscal year) newsletter or this website.
   

• Obtain Professional/ Student Liability Insurance:
  OSLHA offers reasonably-priced professional liability insurance to members, including students.
   

• Conduct a Survey:
  OSLHA Members have free access t Survey Monkey, a simple survey program that will allow you to obtain information electronically from your chosen audience.

It is my hope that you will be interested in taking advantage of the several opportunities that OSLHA offers to you.  Make the time to become a member and get involved; you will not be sorry that you did! 

Contact me to find out more of what your professional organization can offer.  Experiences will be guided and you will benefit from the interaction with professionals.  Students who have participated during the past have expressed that the experience was invaluable!

If you are a student who is interested in your profession, contact me at cviscont@bw.edu  to explore the many possibilities.