This website uses cookies to improve the functionality and performance of the website, to better understand how you use AAPA’s website and services, and to provide you with a customized experience. By continuing your use of this website, you consent to this use of cookies. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

AAPA is seeking student candidates for the Student Academy Board of Directors. There are 10 positions open for the 2026-2027 term. These positions include President-elect, Student Chief Delegate, and eight Directors.

Learn about the Student Academy Board of Directors positions below and consider submitting your application today. Watch the Candidate Information Session to hear members of the 2025-26 Student Board discuss their position responsibilities, time commitment, and tips on balancing PA school and a leadership role. Information about the candidate application and election timeline is also covered.

Prospective candidates should carefully review the AAPA Elections Manual and information provided below. The deadline to submit a Student Academy candidate application is April 1.

 

The application window is now closed.

 

If you have questions, please email [email protected].

What is the Student Academy BOD?

What is the Student Academy BOD?

All AAPA student members are members of the Student Academy, which represents the unique views of PA students within AAPA. Working closely with the Assembly of Representatives (AOR), Student Delegates to the House of Delegates, and Student Societies from PA programs across the country, the Student Academy Board of Directors provides direction for the work of the Student Academy in alignment with AAPA’s strategic goals.

Open Positions, Terms, & Descriptions

Open Positions, Terms, and Descriptions

There are 10 open Student Academy Board positions with terms starting July 1, 2026:

  • President-elect: two-year term – one year as President-elect, one year as Student Academy President/AAPA Student Director on AAPA’s Board of Directors
  • Chief Delegate – one-year term
  • Director of Diversity and Outreach – one-year term
  • Director of Student Communications – one-year term
  • Regional Directors (6) – one-year terms

Position Descriptions

Please refer to these Student Academy Board Position Descriptions to learn more about the duties and expectations of board service.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Eligibility and Qualifications

  • Any AAPA student member in good academic standing who is currently attending an accredited/provisionally accredited PA program may run for a position on the Student Academy Board of Directors.
  • President-Elect candidates must not be graduating before Sept. 30, 2026.
  • Chief Delegate of the student delegation to the HOD must have previous HOD experience.
2026 Student Academy BOD Elections Timeline

2026 Student Academy BOD Elections Timeline

DATE(s) ACTION(s)
March 2 Candidate applications open.
April 1 Deadline for candidate application submission.
April 16 Announcement of the slate of candidates.
April 29, 8:00 p.m. ET Meet the Candidates Forum for Student Academy Board held virtually.
May 3 Date eligible voters in Student Academy Board Election need to be current members.
May 18 Election voting opens.
June 1 Election voting closes.
June 2 Election results announced.
July 1 2026-27 AAPA leadership year begins.
Student Academy BOD Meetings Schedule

Student Academy BOD Meetings Schedule

For planning purposes, candidates should be prepared to participate in monthly conference calls and travel to the Washington, D.C. area for the in-person Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS), September 24 – 26, 2026.

Student Board members are also expected to have a leadership role in the work of the Student Board Committees. The time commitment for these responsibilities averages two to four hours per week.

Who is Eligible to Vote?

Who is Eligible to Vote?

The offices of President-elect, Director of Diversity & Outreach, Director of Student Communications, and Chief Delegate will be elected by AAPA student members and members of the Student Academy Board of Directors and Student HOD Delegation.

Regional Directors will be elected by AAPA student members from within their specific region.

Members who are current on or before May 3 will be eligible to vote in the Student Academy election.