About NODA

Mission

The mission of the National Orientation Directors Association is to provide education, leadership and professional development in the fields of college student orientation, transition and retention

History & Structure

The National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) was chartered in 1976 and continues the tradition of orientation, retention and transition professionals who have met annually for over 40 years. The Association is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of regional representatives and officers. Editors for the various NODA publications, regional coordinators, and other appointed positions work closely with the Board to plan and implement activities and services. National and regional networks address special interests such as the nontraditional students, two-year and small colleges, Canadian colleges, multi-ethnic affairs, GLBT issues as well as transfer and parent services.

At the regional level, a well established structure serves all the United States and Canada through newsletters, conferences, and drive-in workshops.

Through its awards, scholarships and internship program, NODA further encourages excellence in orientation, retention and transition programming. Awards are given annually to outstanding professionals and contributors to the field, as well as for excellence in publications. Student leaders are honored in each region. The Norman K. Russell Scholarships provide financial support to graduate students pursuing careers in orientation.

Core Values

Community, Diversity, Integrity, Learning, Scholarship, Service

NODA is an international association comprised of professional administrators, students, faculty and related organizations. The Association strives to attract a pluralistic membership and leadership and endeavors to facilitate the professional development of its members. NODA is further dedicated to interassociation cooperation, the advancement of professional and ethical standards, and the production of scholarly works.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

The National Orientation Directors Association declares a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in the provision of services to the membership and the public. In recognition of responsibility to the membership, NODA reaffirms its policy of fair and equal treatment in all practices to all persons regardless of race, color, age, marital status, sex, gender identity and/or gender expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual/affectional orientation, disability, or veteran status. NODA complies with all applicable federal, provincial, and state regulations regarding affirmative action and nondiscriminatory practices.

Strategic Priorities

Vision 2007 Strategic Priorities Brochure (PDF format)

Strategic Priority One

NODA seeks to expand collaboration and partnerships with both internal and external communities

Vision: NODA encourages active partnerships that benefit its members, the institutions we represent, and the learners whom we serve. The Association will strengthen such partnerships internally by fostering opportunities for shared expertise that exist within its membership. Establishing and maintaining relations with external entities will enhance the knowledge of the membership on current issues facing higher education and how they relate to orientation, transitions and retention. Such collaborative relationships result in creative, multifaceted approaches to both internal and external challenges.

Strategic Priority Two

NODA seeks to provide greater learning opportunities and services to students, staff and faculty in the areas of student transition and retention.

Vision: NODA encourages and supports the creation of opportunities and a venue to provide dialogue, involvement and increased education in the fields of student transition and retention. NODA further understands that issues related to successful transitions and retention are a major focus on college campuses and seeks to broaden its membership base by providing greater learning opportunities and services to student, staff and faculty with particular interest or expertise in these areas.

Strategic Priority Three

NODA seeks to centralize the Association's business operations and services.

Vision: NODA has adopted a core value of "service" to internal and external constituencies. We are committed to enhancing and improving services to current and future NODA members, colleague and friends through such initiatives as the creation of a permanent home office and improvement of technological operations.

Strategic Priority Four

NODA seeks to maintain and expand the stable, diverse funding base for the Association's current and future needs.

Vision: NODA will continue in its pattern of sound fiscal management and entrepreneurial approaches to identifying, securing and allocating resources necessary to achieve its goals. Through strategically negotiated partnerships, grant funding, increased membership, fiscally successful annual and regional conferences, publication of scholarly works that are useful resources for professional in the field, and other innovative initiatives, NODA will lead the industry in exemplary programs and service that promote and contribute to excellence in scholarship, teaching and service.

Ethical Standards

Click here for NODA's professional and student ethical standards.