Communicative Disorders Student Association (COMDSA)

The Communicative Disorders Student Association (COMDSA) is a recognized chapter of the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). COMDSA’s mission is to help its members gain personal, professional and academic experience through participating in advocacy events, taking part in leadership opportunities, educating its members about diversity, equity, inclusion and volunteering within the community.

Members of COMDSA also receive mentorship from graduate students, they can personally connect with faculty and staff and they will get the chance to connect with their fellow peers. One of COMDSA’s goals is to increase awareness of communicative disorders within the community. Because the communicative disorders field works so closely with other professions such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing and education, COMDSA welcomes all students and all majors!

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Organization Information

• Chapter meetings are the first and third Thursday of every month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Wirtz Hall.
• Students can choose to become an active member by attending four chapter meetings and participating in six or more COMDSA events per semester.
• You must be either an undergraduate or graduate student at Northern Illinois University to take part in this organization.

Benefits

• Join a National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) chapter organization
• Eligible for scholarships as an NSSLHA member
• Professional experience 
• Leadership opportunities 
• Volunteering opportunities 
• Personal connections with professors and other professionals 
• Meeting other students with similar goals and aspirations 
• Interactions with other collaborative organizations

Awards

• NSSLHA Chapter Honors
  • 2019 Gold
  • 2021 Silver
  • 2022 Silver
  • 2023 Gold
  • 2024 Gold
  • 2025 Gold
  • 2026 Gold
• NIU Most Outstanding Student Organization
  • 2016
  • 2019
  • 2021
  • 2023
  • 2024
• Illinois Speech- Language-Hearing Association Video Ethics Essay Award
  • 2021 Winner
  • 2022 Finalist
  • 2023 Third Place
  • 2025 Winner
• Illinois Speech- Language-Hearing Association College Bowl Champions
  • 2021