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Open Call for Leadership Volunteers

Everything ASHE does is powered by members like you: sharing ideas, shaping programs, and moving the field forward. Whether you are just beginning your research career or are a seasoned leader in the field, there is a place for you to lead, learn, and connect. Our scholarly community thrives when we each dedicate our time and expertise to its growth.

Service in our scholarly community is a career-long pathway of increasing impact. Whether you are looking for a short-term project or a multi-year governance role, there is a place for your voice to shape the future of higher education scholarship.

  • Graduate Student Service & Leadership: Build your professional foundation by co-creating the association’s future alongside peers and mentors.
  • Foundational Service & Leadership: Move from participation to action by helping execute the core programs and policies that sustain our scholarly home.
  • Engaged Service & Leadership: Step into leadership by managing teams, chairing committees, and mentoring the next generation of ASHE volunteers.
  • Visionary Service & Leadership: Dedicate your experience to the long-term governance, ethics, and sustainability of the association and the field at large.

Committee service is where your unique perspectives directly shape ASHE’s operational, conference, and developmental initiatives. By joining a committee, you will collaborate on high-impact projects, expand your professional network, and hone leadership skills alongside peers from across the field.

We actively seek volunteers who represent the full diversity of backgrounds, commitments, and scholarly ideas across higher education. This ensures our work continues to link rigorous scholarship with policy and practice.

A list of current committees, their descriptions, and their current members can be found here.

Timeline & Process

  • Interest forms must be received no later than Monday, September 21, 8:00am Pacific.
  • Respective groups will appoint committee members.
  • Decisions will be sent out in early October.

Compensation
As a volunteer organization, ASHE thrives because our community builds it together through shared time, energy, and expertise. Volunteer positions are unpaid and do not include membership or event registration funding, but they are a vital way we collectively shape and sustain the Association.

Share your Interest

To submit your interest, you can complete the Interest Form, which will ask for the following info:

  • A pdf copy of your CV/Resume
  • A summary of any prior committee experience in ASHE, another scholarly or professional association, an institutional or organizational setting, or in your community. If you do not have any committee experience, please summarize other relevant involvement that positions you to contribute to our Association. (200 words maximum)
  • A list of your previous involvement with ASHE, including service as a reviewer, session chair, session discussant, and/or presenter.
  • A summary of your interest in the committee (1 statement per committee) (100 words maximum)
  • Agreement to ASHE Ethics, Membership, and Conflict of Interest policies

You will submit your interest form through the ASHE Submissions Portal. Prior to doing so, please ensure you have a current membership and that your membership profile is updated through your MemberCompass . Your membership information will auto-populate in the ASHE Submission Portal based on what is provided in your MemberCompass.

 Submit an Interest Form

Do you know someone who'd be great for one of the conference committees? Let us know!

Committee Member Recommendation Form

If you have any questions about submitting your interest or any of the committees, please reach out to ASHE Executive Director Jason Guilbeau.

Upcoming Opportunities: Standing Committees

Shape the foundation of our community. By stepping into a committee role, you help implement core policies that keep ASHE a stable, supportive home for scholars at every career stage. Time commitments vary by committee, offering flexible ways to contribute your expertise.

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Chair. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 2 Graduate Student Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Awards Committee reviews association-wide awards nominations and makes recommendations to the board for recipients.

Time Commitment: 15-20 overall, mostly in July and August

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy reading about colleagues and their outstanding work from across the field;
  • can provide reliable feedback on dissertations; and
  • have time in July and August to review 30-50 award nominations

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 5 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2029

The Bobby Wright Dissertation of the Year Committee sets the criteria for award nominations, reviews nominations, and makes the final recommendation on the award recipient.

Time Commitment: 15-20 overall, mostly in July and August

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy reading dissertations from across the field;
  • can provide reliable feedback on dissertations; and
  • have time in July and August to read 5-8 15-page dissertation abstracts (first round of judging) and 1 full dissertation (final round of judging)

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 3 Graduate Student Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Ethics Committee advances ethical professional and interpersonal conduct through its primary role and responsibility of considering concerns or complaints about alleged misconduct by those participating in or executing the programs of ASHE.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month

Consider joining this committee if:

  • are interested and/or have experience with ethics;
  • are able to maintain the confidentiality of cases that may arise; and
  • are able to intertwine compassion and accountability.

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Fellows Committee reviews Fellows nominations, makes recommendations to the board for recipients, and hosts the Fellows Induction Ceremony.

Time Commitment: 15-20 overall, mostly in July and August

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy reading about colleagues and their outstanding work from across the field;
  • can provide reliable feedback on nominations; and
  • have time in July and August to review 30-50 nominations

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Chair Elect for 11/2026-11/2027 then Chair for 11/2027-11/2029 (Note: The Chair also serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee)
  • 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Inclusion, Equity, and Organizational Diversity Committee is responsible for:

  • the implementation of the Association’s IEOD Statement and Commitments
  • any related policies to implement this statement (including integrating IEOD standards into existing policies)
  • annual reporting of the Association’s IEOD work to the membership
  • convening leaders of ASHE’s Committees and recognized Entity Groups to provide an annual Association-wide report on IEOD initiatives and efforts to the membership as reported by the entity groups and committees

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Outstanding Book Award Committee sets the criteria for award nominations, reviews nominations, and makes the final recommendation on the award recipient.

Time Commitment: 15-20 overall, mostly in July and August

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy reading books from across the field;
  • can provide reliable feedback on books; and
  • have time in July and August to read 2-3 books (first round of judging) and 1 additional book (final round of judging)

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Nominations Committee manages the elections process for the board through soliciting nominations and recommending a the annual slate of candidates for the Board of Directors.

Time Commitment: 10 hours total, mostly between March and June 

Consider joining this committee if:

  • you are interested in the election process
  • you enjoy outreach and networking with other members 

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Chair. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027
  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2028
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Position Taking Committee manages the position taking process of the association.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours monthly

Consider joining this committee if:

  • you are interested in the connection between research and policy

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2029.
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Professional Development Committee develops and oversees the association's professional development strategy for members as well as supports the association’s professional development events, including Council events, special initiatives, etc.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month

Consider joining this committee if:

  • are interested in learning about and/or have experience with ASHE's professional development events and
  • have experience with developing and/or leading professional development programs.

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Chair. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Publications Committee shall advance the scholarly engagement of members by managing the strategic vision for publications and overseeing the editors of publications as well as maintaining the ASHE Publications Policies.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month

Consider joining this committee if:

  • are interested in learning about and/or have experience with publications, especially scholarly journals

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027

The Site Selection Committee makes recommendations about the sites of future conferences. 

Time Commitment: Committee will begin work in late 2026/early 2027 to review potential locations for 2030 and 2031 conferences. Committee will meet multiple times and each committee member will be asked to visit potential conference locations (with expenses covered by ASHE).

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy event planning and have an understanding or willingness to learn the logistical needs of the ASHE Conference
  • are available to travel to potential locations to conduct site visits (1-2 city visits in 2027)

Upcoming Opportunities: Conference Committee

Be the heart of our annual gathering. As part of this member-led team, you’ll help weave scholarly vision, community engagement, and attendee well-being into an inclusive conference where diverse ideas flourish. Submit your interest form to start shaping our next event.

The Attendee Engagement Committee will develop resources and opportunities for conference attendees to more fully engage with the conference and each other, and serve as ambassadors of the Association for the continuum of first-time attendees to long-time returners to the annual conference.

Committee Members:

  • 2 Committee Co-Chairs
  • 15 Committee Members

This opportunity is open to all Current ASHE Members.

Time Commitment:
This is a one-year commitment beginning in November 2026 and ending at the 2027 Annual Conference in Albuquerque.

  • 1-hour lunch meeting during the ASHE 2026 Annual Conference in San Juan (scheduled for lunch on Friday, November 6)
  • 1-hour monthly meeting with Attendee Engagement Committee
  • 1-2 hours of work outside of meetings per month
  • Attendance and support of committee events during the ASHE 2027 Annual Conference in Albuquerque

Responsibilities:
The Attendee Engagement Committee will specifically be responsible for:

  • Setting the vision for and leading inclusive and accessible events and programming for events which engage attendees within the hotel space, such as animal therapy, art murals, etc.
  • Setting the vision for and leading inclusive and accessible events and programming for wellness, including wellness tips and wellness events, specifically the ASHE Dash and at least one other wellness event.

The Local and Community Engagement Committee (LCEC) will guide ASHE in centering Indigeneity, space, place, and people by engaging with local Indigenous communities, local BIPOC communities, and higher education institutions in the location of the annual conference and by developing resources and opportunities for conference attendees to more fully engage with the conference location

Committee Members:

  • 2 Committee Co-Chairs (2)
  • 15 Committee Members

This opportunity is open to all Current ASHE Members.

Time Commitment:

This is a one-year commitment beginning in November 2026 and ending at the 2027 Annual Conference in Albuquerque.

  • 1-hour lunch meeting during the ASHE 2026 Annual Conference in San Juan (scheduled for lunch on Friday, November 6)
  • 1-hour monthly meeting with Local and Community Engagement Committee
  • 1-2 hours of work outside of meetings per month
  • Attendance and support of committee events during the ASHE 2027 Annual Conference in Albuquerque

Responsibilities:
The Local and Community Engagement Committee will specifically be responsible for:

  • Setting the vision for how conference attendees can engage with local Indigenous communities, BIPOC communities, and higher education institutions and developing relationships with groups and individuals.
  • Setting the vision for and developing inclusive and accessible resources and learning opportunities for members leading up to the conference, specifically a land acknowledgement and a syllabus.
  • Setting the vision for and leading inclusive and accessible events in the local community.
  • Setting the vision for, creating, and facilitating a Presidential Session centering Indigeneity, space, place, and people by engaging with local Indigenous communities, local BIPOC communities, and higher education institutions in the location of the annual conference.

The Program Committee will be responsible for crafting the content for the peer-reviewed portion of the program for the annual conference by soliciting proposal submissions through the Call for Proposals and facilitating the peer review process including soliciting and selecting volunteers, and reviewing, and selecting proposals for the Annual Conference.

Committee Members:

  • 2 Committee Co-Chairs
  • ~40 Section Chairs
  • 8 Pre-Conference Chairs (Pre-Conference Chairs serve on the Program Committee and are elected or appointed by their respective Council)

This opportunity is open to all Current ASHE Members who have earned a terminal degree.

Time Commitment: (This is estimated and may vary depending on the number of submissions by section)

To better support committee members, beginning in 2026, Program Committee members will serve a two-year term.

  • 1-hour lunch meeting during the ASHE 2026 Annual Conference in San Juan (scheduled for lunch on Friday, November 6
  • 1-hour training meetings in April, May, and June
  • 5-8 hours during the reviewer assignment period between April 30-May 15, 2027
  • 2-3 hours during the review period between May 15-May 30, 2027
  • 5-8 hours after the review period to make initial decisions between June 1-June 15, 2027
  • 3-day virtual Program Committee Meeting, week of June 14, 2027

Responsibilities:
The Program Committee will specifically be responsible for:

  • Assigning qualified reviewers to each proposal and ensuring each review is completed.
  • Making final accept and not accept decisions on each proposal.
  • Creating sessions and assigning session chairs and discussants.

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Upcoming Opportunities: ASHE Foundation Committees

Build a lasting legacy for higher education research. Foundation committees centralize our philanthropic efforts to expand scholarly inquiry, deepen understanding in the field, and ensure ASHE remains a vibrant home for future generations of scholars.

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027.

The Grants Committee reviews grants applications and decides on recipients.

Time Commitment: 15-20 overall, mostly in August-October

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy reading about colleagues and their outstanding work from across the field;
  • can provide reliable feedback on applications; and
  • have time in July and August to review 20-30 applications

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • 1 Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2029
  • 1 Graduate Student Member. Term: 11/2026-11/2027.The Scholarship Committee reviews association-wide scholarship applications and makes decisions on recipients.

Time Commitment: 15-20 overall, mostly in June-July

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy reading about colleagues and their outstanding work from across the field; and
  • can provide reliable feedback on scholarship applications

Upcoming Opportunities: Entity Committees

Drive progress through focused action. ASHE’s specialized entities center on distinct research areas and professional roles in higher education, offering member-driven opportunities to guide awards, lead nominations, and shape program planning.

Entity  Awards Committee Nominations Committee Pre-Conference Committee Professional Development Event Committees Membership Committee
ASHE Faculty Affairs Network (AFAN) N/A 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 N/A N/A N/A
Council on Athletics in Higher Education (CAHE) N/A 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 1 Chair/2 Co-Chairs & 2-3 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 N/A N/A
Council for the Advancement of Higher Education Programs (CAHEP) 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027  1 Chair. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 N/A N/A
CEP- Council for Racial Equity, Praxis, and Presence 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027  1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 1 Chair/2 Co-Chairs & 2-3 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 CEP Mentor-Protege Program: 2 Co-Chairs. Term: 11/2026-11/2028 N/A
Council on International Higher Education (CIHE) 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027  1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 CIHE Networking Roundtables: 2 Co-Chairs. Term: 11/2026-11/2028 N/A
Council on Public Policy in Higher Education (CPPHE) 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027  1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027  1 Chair. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 Graduate Student Policy Seminar: 2 Co-Chairs. Term: 11/2026-11/2028 N/A
Council on Undocumented Immigrants in Higher Education (CUIHE) N/A 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027  N/A N/A N/A
Graduate Student Network (GSN) N/A 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027  N/A N/A 5 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027 
Scholar-Practitioner Network (SPN) N/A 1 Chair & 2 Members. Term: 11/2026-11/2027  N/A N/A N/A

The Awards Committee reviews Entity-Specific awards nominations and selects the recipient(s).

Time Commitment: 15-20 hours overall, mostly in July and August

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy reading about colleagues and their outstanding work from across the field;
  • can provide reliable feedback on dissertations; and
  • have time in July and August to review

The Nominations Committee solicits Entity-Specific nominations and recommends a slate of candidates for the annual election.

Time Commitment: 10 hours total, mostly between March and June 

Consider joining this committee if:

  • you are interested in the election process
  • enjoy outreach and networking with other members 

The Pre-Con committee supports the Pre-Con Chair(s) in creating the programming and schedule for your Entity Pre-Con.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy event planning and have an understanding or willingness to learn the logistical needs of the ASHE Conference

The  Membership Committee works with the Entity Leadership Team to recruit and engage members.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month

Consider joining this committee if:

  • enjoy connecting with members and networking