SOTA Mission & Purpose

To enhance professional growth of Occupational Therapy Students through academic legislative engagement that contributes to the interdisciplinary culture of health professionals. To increase awareness of the profession of Occupational Therapy through events, community outreach, and fundraising.

Occupational Therapy Graduate Program faculty liaisons provide ongoing input and guidance to ensure the club’s alignment with professional standards and academic goals.

Additional SOTA Information

Meetings

Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) meetings are held monthly throughout the academic year to discuss upcoming events, fundraising efforts, and professional development and interprofessional opportunities. Additional meetings may be scheduled for special events or to progress committee initiatives. All members are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions to stay engaged and informed.

Elections

Elections are held at the beginning of the Fall semester for the incoming Occupational Therapy student cohort. This process takes place within the first two months of the semester, during which students from the cohort are elected in either officer or non-officer roles. Elected officers are chosen by their peers through a class vote with a majority vote determining the elected officers. Each cohort is responsible for their own funding efforts but collaborates on broader engagement within the context of furthering SOTA's mission and initiatives carried out by respective roles.

SOTA Officers

President

Leads SOTA by organizing meetings, overseeing activities, and serving as the primary liaison between students, faculty, and external organizations. Ensures that SOTA remains in good standing with the university and facilitates collaboration among members.

Vice-President

Supports the President role by assisting with documentation, budgeting, and event planning. Serves as a connection between SOTA and university governance, attending meetings and advocating for student interests.

Treasurer

Manages SOTA finances, including budgeting, fundraising, and financial reporting. Works closely with the University's financial officers to ensure compliance and financial sustainability for future cohorts.

Secretary

Maintains records of all meetings, manage communication tools, and ensure SOTA documents are up to date. Organizes meetings and maintains accessibility to important information.

NMOTA Representative

Serves as a liaison between SOTA and New Mexico Occupational Therapy Association NMOTA, sharing updates, encouraging student membership, and attending NMOTA meetings.

Assembly of Student Delegates Representative

Represents University of New Mexico Occupational Therapy students at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) meetings to ensure students stay informed about national policies affecting occupational therapy education and practice. This position attends the annual AOTA conference as a student representative for the Association.

Fundraising Coordinator(s)

Organizes fundraising initiatives within the University of New Mexico and public community to support SOTA activities and ensure financial stability for future students.

Student Recruitment and Cohort Engagement Coordinator(s)

Leads outreach efforts for prospective Occupational Therapy students and fosters engagement within the current cohort through mentorship and events. This position also runs the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club for undergraduate University of New Mexico students with input and guidance from Occupational Therapy Graduate Program faculty liaisons.

COTAD Representative

Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Occupational Therapy community through hosting gatherings and events of special interest with input and guidance from Occupational Therapy Graduate Program faculty liaisons.

Program Representative

Acts as a bridge between SOTA and the University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center & the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program faculty and staff; sharing updates, promoting scholarships, and fostering interprofessional collaboration.

Graduation Event Coordinator

Plans and oversees the Occupational Therapy student-led graduation ceremony. Collaborates with other SOTA positions to coordinate logistics, speakers, and budgeting.

Interprofessional Development Coordinator

Organizes networking and career opportunities, connecting students with professional and community resources. Enhances the interprofessional collaboration between the Occupational Therapy program and other Medical and Allied-Health professionals at the University of New Mexico and in the surrounding community.

Communications and Media Coordinator

Manages SOTA's social media accounts and ensures important information regarding the University of New Mexico's Occupational Therapy's events reaches students and the larger community.

Fundraising Committee (Non-Officer Role)

Works in a supportive role to elected Fundraising Coordinator(s) to organize fundraising initiatives and events.

SOTA Events and Outreach

Within the UNM community:

Occupational Therapy Community Sessions: Opportunities to network and learn from guest speakers in various specialties within Occupational Therapy and related healthcare professions. Speech Therapy, Developmental Disabilities, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Pelvic Floor Health, Pediatrics, and Acute Care.
UNM Health Profession Symposium: Involved with Health Science Center’s event that provides students with an opportunity to explore healthcare careers. SOTA hosted a workshop to share information about Occupational Therapy and our program.
High School Outreach Events: Students enrolled in an anatomy course had the opportunity to take a tour of the UNM cadaver lab and learn more about careers in healthcare from current Health Science students.
Participation in the UNM Health Sciences Center Career Fair: Collaborating with other programs within the Health Science Center to host prospective employers for the purpose of network building and opportunities to learn about the culture of different organizations

Within the broader community:

Fundraising Activities: Bake sales, raffles, and vending of goods to support SOTA activities and events
Community Involvement: Collaborations with non-profit organizations and local businesses to promote awareness and understanding about Occupational Therapy.
Social Events: In collaboration with the New Mexico Occupational Therapy Association, SOTA helped host a community celebration and fundraiser at a local establishment to support the Occupational Therapy profession and community.

School Outreach:

Educating school-age students about the Occupational Therapy profession and future career opportunities.

Involvement in the NMOTA state conference:

Creating connections with current occupational therapists and vending goods at designated SOTA booth.

Student Occupational Therapy Association Lobo statue