California TSA Newsletter September 2013 | Page 12

TSA DICTIONARY
Are you unsure about what some of the terminology means on our website or in the TSA rulebook? Below are some definitions of things that might trip you up if you are new to TSA. If you don’t see the term below, then go to this page: http://www.californiatsa.org/glossary-of-terms/, ask your question, and you will receive a response and your submission will be posted for others to learn from too! Advisor - A TSA chapter needs at least one teacher to run the chapter. Roles include registering the chapter with state and national TSA, completing any paperwork required by the school, and providing a meeting time and space for students to work on their events (oftentimes this is a classroom or tech lab after school). It is advisable that more than one teacher be an advisor, that way students can learn from people with different expertise, and the teachers can divide up any work that needs to be done. Chapter - The official term that is used to classify a school registered with TSA. Chapter Officer - A student who has been elected to lead his/her chapter. These students work with their fellow officers and advisor(s) to help lead the chapter and support their members. See “Student Officers.” Finalist Interview - Some events require these interviews. The first part of the event is submitted, and a list of the top twelve teams (or individuals) is compiled. These twelve then meet with the judges again to explain their project and answer questions. For speech events, finalists give their speech again. National Officer - A student who has been elected to lead the national delegation. These students work with the national TSA Board of Directors and serve as liaisons to other student members. See “Student Officers.” National Qualifier (in relation to an event) - Some events only allow the top three teams from each state to compete at the national level. On site (event) - An event that is either entirely completed AT the conference, or part of the event occurs while at the competition site. Online affiliation - The process by which an advisor may register a chapter and its student members with national TSA. STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. State Officer - A student who has been elected to lead the state delegation. These students work with the California TSA state advisors and the state Executive Council and help establish goals to further the reach of California TSA. See “Student Officers.” Student Member - Any student that joins TSA at their school is a member of the chapter. Students work on events with fellow members and compete when they go to conferences. During the year they may help with fundraisers or even help lead their chapters. Student Officers - Chapter officers help lead the chapter. These students work to promote the chapter in the school and community and support the student members. It is common for the offices to be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter, and Sergeant-at-Arms. Many chapters also have a Parliamentarian and Historian. Chapter officers are also eligible to run for state office and serve all of California TSA after they have completed their term for their chapter. Voting Delegate - Two representatives from each chapter who vote at the business meeting at the state conference to elect state officers or vote on changes to the bylaws.