Unveiling the Benefits of the Student Academy of Audiology
The Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) represents the collective voice of audiology students, playing a crucial role in advancing the profession. For students enrolled in Au.D. programs, undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate students, the SAA offers a multitude of advantages. This article explores the tangible benefits, opportunities, and overall impact of SAA membership.
The Core Mission of the National SAA
The national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is committed to serving students of all backgrounds pursuing careers in audiology including advancing their rights, interests, and welfare. Through lifelong involvement, audiology students and national SAA can help promote and advance the profession of audiology. From providing services and information to educating and representing the industry, as well as building an inclusive community, advocacy for the profession and consumers is essential.
Why Join the SAA?
Joining the SAA is an investment in your future as an audiologist. The Academy gives audiologists a clear identity and provides a means by which we can deal rapidly and effectively with audiology issues.
Membership Structure and Benefits
The national SAA is for students enrolled in Au.D. programs, undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate students. Membership dues are paid to the national organization annually. The dues are $60 for graduate students and $40 for undergraduates. A national chapter membership is not required in order to attend meetings.
Tangible benefits students receive upon becoming a member include membership in the local Western Washington University’s SAA chapter, subscriptions to journals, weekly newsletters, research/scholarship opportunities, and much more! If you are interested in joining SAA, please visit saa.audiology.org.
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Types of CAA Memberships
To fully understand the SAA landscape, it's helpful to consider the broader context of audiology organizations like the California Academy of Audiology (CAA), which offers various membership tiers:
- Professional Fellow Membership: Open to individuals holding a degree in audiology from an accredited institution, and/or are licensed to practice audiology in the United States. ($335.00 annual dues)
- Student Membership: Open to students of audiology, hearing science, or allied studies, and who are not eligible for Professional Fellow Membership. Student members enjoy all of the privileges of being a Professional Fellow Member, except the right to vote in CAA elections. ($35.00 annual dues) *An individual who holds a state license and is completing an AuD or PhD degree on a part-time basis or via continuing or distance education must join CAA as a Professional Member.
- Recent Graduate: Half off the price of Professional Fellow Membership for individuals for two years following their graduation.
- Patron Membership: Patron members may not vote or hold office, but shall receive all Academy publications and materials and are entitled to all other benefits of membership. ($255.00 annual dues)
- Life Membership: Open to current Professional Fellow Members who are 65+ years old and have maintained good standing as a Fellow for 5 or more consecutive years. A Fellow may apply for Life Membership by submitting a written request to the Membership Committee. Life Members hold all rights and obligations of Professional Fellow Membership, but receive a reduction in annual dues.
- International Membership: Open to individuals who have a post-secondary academic institution and/or have clinical or research experience in the area of audiology or hearing science, although there is no restriction placed on the type of degree held. International members may not vote or hold office, but shall receive all Academy publications and materials and are entitled to all other benefits of Professional Fellow Membership. ($255.00 annual dues)
- Honorary Fellow Membership: Granted by the CAA Board of Directors to a person for exceptional professional or scientific achievement in the field of audiology or hearing science. Candidates for Honorary Fellow Membership must not be eligible for Professional Fellow Membership. Honorary Fellows may apply to or be nominated by the Membership Committee. Honorary Fellow Membership will be granted by a two-thirds vote of approval of the Board of Directors. An Honorary Fellow Member holds all rights and obligations of Professional Fellow Membership, including payment of annual dues.
SAA Chapter Activities
Western's SAA chapter holds general meetings for all national SAA members once per month. These general SAA meetings consist of informational sessions, graduate student panels, and guest speakers who share their experiences within the field of audiology, or their personal experience with hearing loss. Typically, the SAA board consists of a Western faculty advisor and graduate students who hold the following titles: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and public relations personnel. Additionally, one undergraduate student who demonstrates an interest in audiology is appointed as the undergraduate student liaison. This individual serves as the primary communication line between the graduate student officers and undergraduate involvement.
Advocacy and Professional Development
Ensure your voice is heard and join your peers, and the Academy, on Capitol Hill. The national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) represents the collective voice of audiology students.
SAA as a Platform for Growth
The national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is committed to serving students of all backgrounds pursuing careers in audiology including advancing their rights, interests, and welfare. Through lifelong involvement, audiology students and national SAA can help promote and advance the profession of audiology. From providing services and information to educating and representing the industry, as well as building an inclusive community, advocacy for the profession and consumers is essential.
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