Becoming an Official or Associate Delegate for Your School

Every chapter has a voice — and that voice starts with you.

Each Chapter School can elect one Official Delegate (OD) and one or more Associate Delegates (ADs) to represent their nursing students at the regional and national levels of the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA).

As an Official Delegate, you’re your chapter’s voting representative, shaping national conversations and decisions that impact nursing students across Canada.

As an Associate Delegate, you’ll work alongside your OD — learning, leading, and stepping up when needed. ADs can also vote on behalf of their chapter with the OD’s approval.

This is your chance to make connections, represent your peers, and help shape the future of nursing student leadership.

2025 - 2026 CNSA orientation package for Official and Associate Delegates

Official Delegate (OD)

As the Official Delegate, you’re the primary voice and representative of your school within the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA). You connect your chapter to the national level — ensuring students’ perspectives are heard and their needs are represented.

In short, you:

  • Represent your school and vote at regional and national meetings.

  • Communicate regularly with your Regional Director (RD), faculty, and nursing peers.

  • Promote CNSA initiatives, scholarships, and National Nursing Students’ Week.

  • Support and mentor Associate Delegates to strengthen student engagement.

  • Advocate for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable nursing education and practice.

  • Keep records, submit reports, and ensure a smooth handover at the end of your term.

Associate Delegate (AD)

As an Associate Delegate (AD), you’re the right hand of your school’s Official Delegate (OD) — helping represent your chapter, strengthen student engagement, and ensure your school’s voice is heard across the CNSA.

In short, you:

  • Support your OD with all chapter duties and communications.

  • Attend regional and national meetings, contributing to discussions and advocacy efforts.

  • Step in as a proxy voter when your OD is unavailable.

  • Help share CNSA updates, events, and opportunities with your peers.

  • Keep communication open and reliable — checking your CNSA email weekly, sending bi-monthly updates, and responding promptly to your Regional Director (RD).

If communication issues arise, the RD and CNSA leadership will step in to re-establish contact and ensure representation continues smoothly.

 

For more information, take a look at our 2025–2026 OD/AD Package for full details on roles, responsibilities, and how to get involved.