Information Science Student Association (ISSA)

• School of Information Management Student Association - SIMSA (1987-2023)
• School of Library and Information Studies Students Association - SLISSA (1984-1987)
• Dalhousie School of Library Service Student Association (1970-1984)

The Information Science Student Association (ISSA) at Dalhousie University passed its first governing constitution in 1970, making it one of Canada's longest-running student associations amongst MI/MLIS programs. ISSA's primary objectives as described in its constitution, last updated in September 2022, are:

1) to provide a forum for the opinion of the student body
2) to promote communication and collaboration among students, between students and faculty, and between students and alumni
3) to represent members of the student body within SIM in aspects of the School such as development, curriculum, scholarships, work experience programs, and professional development
4) to promote academic and social activities connected with the School
5) to represent students in matters pertaining to the rest of Dalhousie University and the wider community
6) to foster relationships with and encourage cooperation between other student organizations within the Faculty of Management and in Canada
7) to ensure matters of equity, diversity, accessibility, anti-racism, and decolonization are prioritized within the student body, the School and the University, and in the professional field of Information Management.

All students registered at SIM are automatic members of ISSA and the student association is managed by an executive body consisting of 9-14 members sitting in seven roles: (Co)-Chair, Financial Chair, Communications Chair, Academic Chair, Non-Academic Chair, Digital Publications Chair, and EDIA & Special Projects Chair. Two chairs, on average, sit in each role: one incoming executive member and one outgoing (varying throughout the year based on when elections are held).

With seven mandates, which encompass liaising both within SIM and with external groups, ISSA directs its attention toward communicating with students, faculty, the university, and the wider community. It provides spaces and forums through events and programming to encourage and facilitate these communications. ISSA also supports related entities in the Faculty of Management, including the Dalhousie Journal of Interdisciplinary Management and the Information Without Borders conference. ISSA serves its members through embedded programming, its existence as a student resource, and its established responsibilities with the School. Its range of programming produces a variety of records, including promotional materials, creative journals, grant applications, governing documents, and financial materials.