We have very active chapters of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), as well as Speech-Language and Hearing Cats of Color (SHCC) for both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Arizona. Our student groups provide opportunities for all undergraduate and graduate students to engage in educational, philanthropic and leadership activities that complement the academic and clinical programs in SLHS.
NSSLHA
Our local chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association's mission is to create meaningful and engaging campus and community experiences for future professionals in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. It works to promote advocacy within local and statewide systems to increase awareness of communication difficulties in our communities. NSSLHA meets these objectives through educational, philanthropic, and social activities. Recent collaborations include local chapters of the ALS Society, Autism Society Southern Arizona, and the Apraxia Walk. NSSLHA has recently donated over $1000 to the UA Speech and Language Clinic for pediatric therapy scholarships. Mentoring opportunities, as well as group learning activities, are available throughout the academic year.
You can follow UA NSSLHA on Facebook and on Instagram (uansslha).
SHCC
Speech-Language and Hearing Cats of Color (SHCC) is a student-led organization that aims to provide students interested in careers related to speech, language, and hearing sciences with academic support and career development resources (e.g., tutoring, career speakers, resume building, community involvement for its members) in order to encourage student engagement and success. SHCC also aims to create solidarity between underrepresented students in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences department, offering social support and representation for the cultural groups within the major as well as fostering a space of security, networking, and connecting these students to one another. Any undergraduate student at the University of Arizona majoring or minoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, undergraduate individuals interested in learning more about the field, individual/recent graduates intending to pursue a graduate degree in SLHS are welcome to join the club and may join through associate membership.
You can follow SHCC on Instagram at azshcc or contact them at azshcc@gmail.com.
SAA
The Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is the national student organization of the American Academy of Audiology that serves as a collective voice, and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of students pursuing careers in audiology. The SAA introduces students to lifelong involvement in activities that promote and advance the profession of audiology, and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy for the profession and the public we serve.
The SAA chapter at the UA was established in January 2012. Our focus is to promote the education and pre-professional development of AuD students, as well as to serve the Tucson community by engaging in philanthropic events that promote hearing health. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month.
Our current community outreach activities involve the El Rio Health Fair, Special Olympics, and Turn Down the Volume.
Grad SHCC
- Support and celebrate BIPOC, disabled, and LGBTQ+ graduate students in the SLHS department by providing resources in way of fellowship, networking opportunities, and discussion of the hidden curriculum.
- Host information sessions that promote awareness of the experiences and issues facing the diverse communities represented within the SLHS department.
- Provide mentorship to underrepresented and first-generation undergraduate students within the SLHS department.
- Advocate for and educate underrepresented groups in the community about opportunities in the fields of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences.