National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)
Sigma Theta Tau, International, Inc.
Student Representatives on Nursing Committees


1. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality of health care;
2. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and concerns; and
3. To aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her sense of responsibility for the health care of all people in the walks of life.*
* Taken from “What’s It All About,” NSNA publication #20, 100.

This organization functions at the national, state, and local level. Youngstown State University has an active local chapter in which nursing students may apply for membership. The Ohio Student Nurses Association (OSNA) participates with other states in the NSNA.

The focus of the local chapter of Student Nurse Association (SNA) is the promotion of professional nursing goals. The SNA officers consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Junior and Senior Class Representatives. Various activities such as fund-raisers, social activities, mentorship programs, and extra-curricular programs are conducted by the SNA organizations. The SNA chapter has two faculty advisors. Membership meetings are scheduled throughout the academic year for the SNA membership. Information regarding NSNA, including class officers, is posted on the bulletin board outside the Nursing office.


Sigma Theta Tau International is the only international honor society for nursing. This organization is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. A Nursing Honor Society was initiated in 1990 at YSU in order to meet requirements to establish a local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Under the direction of Diane McDougal, interested faculty and students diligently followed Sigma Theta Tau guidelines to structure this organization, develop by-laws, and select members to achieve its purpose. Sigma Theta Tau approved the establishment of Youngstown State University’s XiXi Chapter and the first chapter induction occurred in June 1994. Sigma Theta Tau, the initials of the Greek words Storga, Tharos, Tima, which mean Love, Courage, and Honor, has as its purpose the following:

1. To recognize the achievement of superior quality scholarship,
2. To recognize the development of leadership qualities,
3. To foster high professional standards,
4. To encourage and support research in nursing, and
5. To strengthen individual commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.

Students, both baccalaureate and graduate, may be inducted into the organization after meeting specific criteria as defined by Sigma Theta Tau and after having demonstrated superior academic performance and leadership potential. Recognition of distinguished members of the nursing profession as well as community leaders who have contributed to nursing are also eligible for membership. Invitations are issued by STTI each academic year.


One student representative and one alternate representative from the junior, senior, and RN track serve on each of the following committees:

1. BSN Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee (AP&G)
2. BSN Curriculum Committee
3. Evaluation Committee
4. BSN Orientation, Honors, and Awards Committee

Students in the junior, senior and RN track classes are given the opportunity to volunteer to serve on the above committees. Members are randomly selected from these lists of volunteer students. The Nominating Committee is responsible for selection and notification of committee appointments. Student representatives/alternates are notified of scheduled committee meetings by the appropriate Committee Chairperson or Co-Chairs. Student representatives are not permitted to attend meetings or participate in discussion of information regarding student grades or confidential data.