By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
Ask any leader in our association how they got their start, and you’ll likely hear a familiar story about volunteering. They served on committees, got involved at the state or regional level, raised a hand to help, and gradually built an understanding of how decisions are made, how policies take shape, and how an association governs itself. These roles often serve as the foundation for transformative leadership and for how we apply the AACRAO mission and values in our business operations.
One of these foundational roles is now open: the Parliamentarian for the next three-year term. We’re seeking a voting member ready to take that leap to serve as the impartial guardian of our governance. Applications are open now through February 27.
What Does the Parliamentarian Do?
At the Business Session of the AACRAO Annual Meeting, the Parliamentarian serves as an impartial arbiter of the Bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order, supporting the AACRAO President as they conduct the official business of the association. The Parliamentarian helps ensure that the association’s most important decisions are conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with established rules.
Key responsibilities include:
Meeting virtually with the President (and/or Board) prior to the Annual Meeting to review agenda items, anticipated votes, and potential procedural complexities.
Serving as a recognized governance resource at the start of the Business Session at the Annual Meeting.
Remaining accessible to the President and Board during the Business Session to provide real-time procedural guidance.
Advising on motions, voting procedures, and meeting administration when called upon by leadership or voting members.
Coordinating with the Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee when vote counts are required to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Who Serves in the Role and Why?
Applicants must be voting members of AACRAO, and no prior training is required. A voting member is defined in Article II, Section 1 of the AACRAO Bylaws as: “Any employee listed on the roster of a member institution that is current on their dues is considered a voting member. Voting members will conduct Association affairs through voting, holding elective office, and participating in other ways.” But you don’t need to be a rules expert going in. What matters is a commitment to fairness, attention to detail, and genuine care and curiosity for learning about and facilitating our association’s governance.
Dr. Marc Booker, Vice Provost, Strategy, at the University of Phoenix, began his three-year term at the 109th AACRAO Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, in 2024. He shared insights on why the role is impactful, why he applied, and who should consider applying for the next cycle.
Why is the Parliamentarian role so impactful for AACRAO?
Dr. Booker: The Parliamentarian role is very important to AACRAO, as it brings a neutral eye to the association’s proceedings and ensures that the governance and process flow for the Annual Meeting Business Session are in order in accordance with the AACRAO Bylaws. A good Parliamentarian serves as a trusted sounding board for association leadership when considering bylaw changes or other major changes, ensuring the business session proceeds smoothly and that members’ needs are accurately accounted for. Ultimately, the best work of a Parliamentarian is done before and after any business session so that everything occurs in an orderly fashion, and the Parliamentarian is largely unseen in the administrative process of conducting business.
What interested you in the role?
Dr. Booker: I was interested in this role as part of my intrinsic goal to help and support AACRAO in any way that I could with my given skill set. Because I had performed this function for other associations and also held similar roles at my institution, I felt I was a good fit to support AACRAO as a volunteer and give back to the association and my fellow members. As I reflect, it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience for me, and I also think I was able to benefit the association through some of the feedback and changes I helped to facilitate related to governance processes and bylaws changes during this time.
Who would you recommend apply for this role?
Dr. Booker: From a functional basis, I would recommend a person for this role who has some familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order and the AACRAO Bylaws and Governance structure. Moreover, I would encourage someone who wants to get more involved in AACRAO leadership and is keenly creative in an environment of rigid processes and rules. Although, on first glance it may seem like that prior statement is somewhat conflicting it makes more sense when you consider the fact that an “okay” Parliamentarian is one that just tells you what the rules are and follows them vs. a “great” Parliamentarian who strategically advises you to reach the best legitimate and fair outcomes in a world of complex procedures and personalities.
Are You the Next Parliamentarian?
Eligibility: Must be a voting member of AACRAO.
Term Length: Three years, April 22, 2026, to April 11, 2029. The role officially begins after the Business Session of the 111th AACRAO Annual Meeting in 2026, with in-person training at that meeting.
Time Commitment: Varies, but generally one hour per month. AACRAO Annual Meeting Attendance is required for the duration of the three-year term.
This is a non-compensated role.
Apply in The Exchange by February 27, 2026. Applications require a login to AACRAO Community. Visit the Login FAQs for assistance.
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