Each year in August through September elections are held to decide who will govern EXMSS. To govern in this context means to strategically guide EXMSS in the direction that supports its member’s views and the Constitution’s Objects. The Executive Committee meets seven or eight times per year, four meetings are face to face and the remaining by teleconference. Strategic planning and policy matters, as well as tracking the current and ratifying the next years budgets are all tackled at this governance level.

The challenges faced by EXMSS in the coming years will be fundamental and may mean a re-envisioning of the organisation. The Freedom of Association Bill is likely to make membership voluntary in 2013. Not only will the services and support that EXMSS provides be affected but the make-up, and manner of operation, of the executive committee will change. It is likely that the executive positions will be remunerated on a meeting attendance basis and not at the level they currently are. EXMSS is committed to a sustainable structure and will need a conscientious and dedicated group of executive to lead it. We invite you to become part of the extramural learner community.

Why would I want to be on the Executive?	If you have a passion for helping people through the provision of services that support them as they work through a course of extramural study this this will be interesting for you.
What skills would I need?	If you have had some experience with organizations that provide services and understand that such organizations need clear direction then you have the core skills required. Clarity about the boundaries of governance and the New Zealand educational landscape are an advantage. Ideally you will be an existing extramural student but you may also stand for election if you are an associate member of EXMSS. It is not necessary to be a student in 2011 to stand in these current elections.
What is the workload and the pay?	There is a requirement to read and discuss with other executive, and students where appropriate, the documents that are prepared for each meeting. Teleconferences, typically one and a half hours long,  occur on the last Wednesday of each month that there is not a face to face meeting, except January and December. Face to Face meetings occur mid February, mid May, early September and late November. Face to face meetings include greetings, discussions and events as well as the meeting itself. They typically require a night over. The Honorarium is $3,000 for executive members, $3,500 for the treasurer and vice-president. All expenses are covered by EXMSS.