MSC Student Conference on National Affairs
Chair
Posted
2 days ago
Closing on Mar 2, 2026 5:00 pm
General Position Summary
The Chair of the MSC Student Conference On National Affairs (SCONA) is responsible for leading the board of directors and SCONA committee members in creating, planning, and executing the annual SCONA conference and being the representative officer to the MSC Leadership Team. The Chair serves as the primary representative of SCONA to the MSC Council, university administration, and external partners.
Minimum Requirement
- One year of MSC Leadership experience or equivalent.
Meeting Requirements
| Meeting Type | Meeting Description | Reoccurrence |
| Vice Chair | This meeting is analogous to the Board of Directors meeting, except it is much smaller, only including the Vice Chairs, Chair, and advisor. | Weekly |
| Board of Directors | This meeting is to understand what is happening currently in the organization and to strategically set up what will happen in the coming weeks and months. | Weekly |
| Committee Meeting | This meeting is to gather the entire committee together to learn about current events and for committee members to get assigned tasks. | Weekly |
| MSC Officer Meeting | This meeting is to be involved in the larger MSC organization and discuss committee development and programs. | Weekly |
| Stakeholders | Additional meetings with stakeholders as necessary (Bush School, TAMU Faculty) | As needed |
Significant changes or additional functions for this position in the upcoming year
- No significant changes in the position, unless instituted by the incoming chair
Required MSC Officer Responsibilities
| Duty Title | Description |
| Represent the MSC – Student Programs Office: As a student leader in the MSC Student Programs Office, you are a reflection of the department and our MSC Values. | |
| Attend Weekly Monday Night Meetings: When creating your academic schedule, please be mindful of your requirement to attend Committee Advancement Team meetings every Monday night at 6pm. | |
| Assist with MSC Committee Alignment to Memorial Student Center: Committee Chairs have the responsibility of directing their committees goals and year to meet the needs of the department. | |
| Complete the full Academic Year: MSC Officer positions are meant to be performed for the full academic year from Fall to Spring. | |
| Attend Leadership Launch: Every spring, the MSC hosts Leadership Launch in order to assist with the transition of new leaders. | |
| Represent your committee at Unity Dinner: Unity Dinner is a way to bring all outgoing and incoming officers to gain an understanding and awareness of diversity in leadership. | |
| Understand the Student-Staff Partnership: The MSC Student Programs Office operates under a unique 1:1 relationship between student and advisor | |
Primary Responsibilities
- Attend all MSC Program Assembly meetings (Mondays at 6:00 p.m.) and represent SCONA at other university and MSC-sponsored events
- Lead meetings and maintain strong working relationships with university administration and stakeholders
- Objectively select and appoint the annual SCONA Board of Directors
- Lead and develop agendas for weekly board meetings, executive meetings, and advisor meetings
- Attend and oversee all SCONA general committee meetings, board meetings, and executive meetings.
- Oversee the SCONA budget, including fundraising efforts and financial accountability
- Develop the annual conference theme based on current events with significant national and international policy implications
- Recruit keynote speakers and serve as the primary point of contact for high-level speakers and panelists
- Ensure all conference logistics promote a safe, professional, and well-organized environment for all participants
- Develop leaders within SCONA and pass along guidance and experience to members.
- Protect the reputation and integrity of MSC SCONA and accept responsibility for organizational conduct and risk management
Preferred Experience, Knowledge, and/or Skills
- Previous involvement in MSC SCONA committee
- Understanding of the overall mission and purpose of MSC SCONA
- Interpersonal Skills
- Good time management
- Project Management
- Decisiveness
- Strong personal initiative
- Passionate
- Critical and Strategic, Big-Picture Thinking
- Ability to receive and give constructive criticism
Learning Outcomes
- Higher level of leadership on the management and development of the programs and the organization’s members
- Team selection and management
- Interpersonal skills that cover a diverse set of personalities
- Objective decision-making on multiple levels including the conference and individual programs
- Delegation