Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
The East Carolina University Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is an organization designed to promote knowledge and interest in the field of occupational therapy, stimulate professional growth of students through extracurricular activities, and provide information to the general public about occupational therapy. We endeavor to promote the objectives of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association.
SOTA has an executive board of elected officers who preside over monthly meetings, record and disseminate meeting minutes, and manage the financial accounts of the organization. In addition, members are asked to join one or more of five committees: education, fundraising, social, service, and advocacy. These committees are designed to encourage participation of SOTA members in activities in the school and in the surrounding community.
The education committee is responsible for coordinating unique educational opportunities that go beyond the classroom, such as interdisciplinary in-services and Q&A sessions with persons living with various disabilities or conditions. The fundraising committee plans and organizes events to raise money to cover necessary association expenses, to support the participation of members in various activities, and to support association goals. The social committee plans and hosts formal and informal events designed to foster friendships within the organization. The service committee arranges service opportunities that promote the good of the university, the community, and the profession. The advocacy committee seeks out opportunities to advance the profession within the community.
These committees report to the executive board and provide progress reports to the members at each monthly meeting. The organizational structure of the executive board and the committees allows SOTA to accomplish many worthy activities and goals throughout the school year.
Officers, Advisor, SOTA Members
2023-2024 SOTA officers from left to right: Ruth Core (Vice President), Casey Snyder (President), Sydney Frank (Treasurer), and Lily Higgs (Secretary).
2023-2024 SOTA Officers and Committee Chairs from left to right: Grace Fowler (Education), Zoey Bezanson (Social), Casey Snyder (President), Ellen Cahoon (Social Media), Ruth Core (Vice President), Sydney Frank (Treasurer), Lily Higgs (Secretary), Kaitlin Warren (Service), Raegan Matthews (Fundraising), Anna Watson (Fundraising), Haleigh Solochier (Advocacy)
Dr. Lauren Turbeville
turbevillel20@ecu.edu
SOTA Members
Students are eligible for membership upon admission into the ECU OT programs. Membership dues are an annual fee of $30. Members are invited to join SOTA at a welcome event for incoming students during the first week of the fall semester. Annual elections for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are held in March of each year and positions take effect in May. Association of Student Delegates/Student Government Association and Student Leadership Council elections occur in September, and these positions take effect immediately, due the time of the annual American Occupational Therapy Association conference and funding purposes.