• Letter From Joey
  As students of physical therapy our programs instill many ideas and viewpoints of faculty that have been attained through years of experience in our field. At Old Dominion University our faculty goes to great lengths to insure these ideas or guidelines should never limit our abilities of free-thinking or critical problem solving. I believe this method allows for mental growth and the fostering of self-confidence that is best ascertained through experience. Furthermore, these fundamentals when coupled with experience will continue to refine the path within our field so that we too may one day reach our professions goal: “to be acknowledged for our expertise and our unique body of knowledge.” The attainment of this experience should not be waited upon post-graduation, but rather as students we should take the initiative to procure this experience now. This can be actualized through the participation of community-based programs as volunteers. This path will not only allow us to gain the experience we covet and thereby actively shape our own futures, but also will afford us the opportunity to educate the public of our skills and knowledge. As students we can offer a couple of hours of our time which will inevitably help make a positive change as we shape our profession by further establishing a relationship with the public of trust and willingness to help. Consequently, this will serve in facilitating our professions’ transition to autonomy, demonstrating our skills and breadth of knowledge and ultimately helping to elevate our profession.   

     This past academic school year the students and faculty of Old Dominion University’s Department of Physical Therapy have participated in a variety of volunteer/fund raising activities including: Race for a Cure, Polar Plunge, Relay for Life, Red Cross Blood drives, Shamrock Marathon and many others. This year we have had a nearly 350% increase in funds raised over last year, totaling more than $4,000. The students and faculty of the Department of Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University have taken a proactive leadership role to make a statement that we want more than to complete our degrees, but to make a difference and elevate our profession. We encourage you and your PT or PTA program to make an effort at shaping our profession by setting standards for future PT and PTA students to follow.

    If your school has participated in community-based programs please write to me so that I can feature your schools time and efforts here on the S.S.I.G. web page.

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Shenandoah University physical therapy students Tim Nix and Jodi Burgett work with star pupil Elizabeth Pelish. Elizabeth has had great success as well as great fun in the Adapted Aquatics program, founded and run by Shenandoah students for children with disabilities

• Bylaws
  • VPTA SSIGS bylaws
  • VPTA Chapter bylaws
  • APTA bylaws
    
• Function of the SSIG
  • Provide the exchange of information to and among SSIG members concerning issues confronting the profession of physical therapy.
  • Identify and respond to areas of concern relating to students of the chapter.
  • Promote the role of students in the chapter, Association, and profession.
  • Promote membership and understanding of the Association, chapter, and SSIG among students enrolled in Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant education programs within the chapter.
  • Represent the interests of SSIG members before the official decision making bodies of the Chapter, Association, and other components.
  • Assist the Chapter and Association in furthering the profession of Physical Therapy in the state of Virginia.
  • Promote and foster communication between Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant students.
    
    
• How does SSIG represent the student census?
  The SSIG BoD listens to your concerns, questions, and comments. This information is then taken back to the Virginia Chapter BoD and discussed. From here the board determines if the concerns of the student census can adequately be addressed and this information is relayed back to the student membership. The SSIG Executive Committee also provides an opportunity for the physical therapy and physical therapy assistant student to:
  • Network with students in your state.
  • Contact professionals across your state.
  • Opportunities to find mentors and be mentored.
  • Develop leadership skills. Receive important information about the workings of your state chapter.
  • Receive important information preparing you for your future as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
    
    
• Upcoming Events:
  • VPTA Student Conclave (link) The student conclave is an opportunity for students to meet and mingle at the Chapter level. At the student conclave expect to get information regarding effective resume writing, lectures on professionalism, learn more about the Legislative committee and the role that we all play during the House of Delegates meeting, and meet future prospective employers with tips on interviewing upon graduation. This one day event is very beneficial to the professional development while still in school. Plan to attend this year.
  • National Student Conclave (link)- The student conclave is a meeting of associates at a national level allowing students to attend meetings, an exhibit hall and committee receptions.
    
    
    
• Links of Interest
  • Resume writing tips (link 1, link 2, link 3, link 4 )
  • Stipends/Scholarships (link 1)
  • Campus Competition (link 1)
    
    
• Electing New Officers…How can I run for the SSIG Executive Committee?
  • The Executive Committee consists of five members elected by the membership each year at the VPTA Student Conclave. The BoD consists of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director. There are also three (3) members of the nominating committee. Each officer serves a term of one year, and may not serve more than one year in any one position. To learn more about each position’s responsibilities click here. To have your name added to the slate for this years elections, please feel free to e-mail a member of the Nominating Committee (see below) with a brief synopsis of why you feel you would be an excellent candidate for the BoD, some of your leadership experience, and some ideas you may have regarding the upcoming year to encourage student involvement. Please have this information emailed in to the nominating committee by September 15 of each year so that the ballots may be prepared by the Conclave date.
    
    
    
• Interested in being a Student Liaison? Student liaisons are THE communication link between the APTA Student Assembly (SA) and PT/PTA students around the country. The Board of Directors of the SA relies upon liaisons to communicate Board goals as well as the monthly email newsletters and other important student issues. Access this link for more info.
  
  
• Ask the SSIG…
  • We would like to do our very best to encourage all of the student members to be active in the growth and development of the profession. If there are any questions that the BoD can answer for you feel free to contact any of us. We welcome suggestions for the website, questions and concerns. We can only grow together by improving communication. Contact the SSIG BoD with the links below.