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Mississippi

SkillsUSA

State Officer Candidate

QUALIFICATION
AND
APPLICATION
Packet

To develop the ability of students to plan together, organize and carry out worthy activities
and projects through the use of the democratic process

ADVISORS AND OFFICER CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ THIS PACKET CAREFULLY.

-1-
State Officer Candidates Application
STATE OFFICER CANDIDATE
Being a State officer of SkillsUSA is an honor that requires specific responsibilities. Officers must
prepare themselves for these responsibilities by studying and practicing to become more skillful in their
duties and developing a complete knowledge of SkillsUSA constitutions and Bylaws. As a State Officer
of Mississippi SkillsUSA, you have the responsibility to represent all members of your state organization.
Your conduct must be exemplary at all times while representing the organization and on your personal
time. You will have an opportunity to meet students, advisors, administrators, business and industry, and
labor representatives during your term of office. Your actions will set a standard for all SkillsUSA
members to follow. When you sign and submit this State Officers application, it should be with the
understanding that YOUR OBLIGATIONS are great, as are the rewards of serving your fellow
members.

The Mississippi Skills USA elects its state officers during the spring of each year for the coming school
year. The officers will be a slate of officers. The officers work as a TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves
More) and are committed to carrying out the duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Active membership status

2. Endorsement of their local advisor and local administrator. This endorsement must be in the
form of a letter of recommendation.

3. The candidate must be enrolled in a trade, industrial, technical, or health related program
at the time of the application, and must plan to continue in the training program at least one
more year/or during the year in which he/she will serve as a State Officer.

4. The local program and school must support the candidate with its recommendation.

5. The candidate must have a 2.0 Grade Point Average.

6. The candidate MUST be available to attend Mississippi SkillsUSA activities or events to
carry out the duties of a State Officer. (See Commitment, SOCA-3)

Students interested in seeking an Office for the Mississippi SkillsUSA organization must meet the
minimum qualifications and submit an application and supporting documentation to the State Office by
the due date.

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State Officer Candidates Application
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE OFFICER ADVISOR

The State Association needs Good State Officers. Many advisors have excellent students who would do
a great job serving as a State Officer. We need them! We need your expertise and the enthusiasm of your
students to help the Mississippi SkillsUSA be successful.

Responsibilities of a State Officer Advisor:

1. Make sure your officer(s) meet the minimum requirement to be a State Officer and you support
the office candidate. As you will be the primary contact for this state officer candidate, if elected.
The student must complete the application and acquire supporting documentation for your
approval and mailing to the State Association Office.

2. Carefully reviewing and explaining the State Officer Candidate application and Code of Ethics
with your officer(s).

3. Ensure your officer(s) have read and is knowledgeable of the responsibilities of a State Officer as
outlined in the SkillsUSA handbook.

4. Make sure your officer(s) has a good working knowledge of the SkillsUSA Constitution, Bylaws,
and Robert’s Rules of Order.

5. Accompanying the State Officer(s) in attendance at all official State SkillsUSA meetings

6. Serve on the Executive Council Committee at meetings

7. Set aside time, as needed, to meet with your officer(s) at the local level to review SkillsUSA
activities, assignments, responsibilities, etc

8. Always have your State Officers(s) follow ALL rules and regulations at ALL times throughout
his/her term of office. He/she should set an example for other SkillsUSA members.

9. The SkillsUSA officers function as a TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More). Stress to your
officers that he/she is part of a team and will need to work with others. He/she must do his/her
part to make the team successful.

10. Encourage your officers to exemplify leadership skills and to be a leader.

11. If your state officer candidate is elected, you must submit “Enrollment Verification” by
September 30 to the State Association office verifying that the officer is enrolled in a trade,
technical, or health related program for the year in which he/she will serve. FAILURE TO
SUBMIT THIS FORM IS SUBJECT TO THE OFFICER REMOVAL FROM OFFICE.

Your responsibility to your State Officer and Mississippi SkillsUSA is an important role. The decisions
you and your state officers make will be representative of the State and National SkillsUSA Association.

-3-
State Officer Candidates Application
STEPS OF THE STATE OFFICERS ELECTION PROCESS
STEP 1. MAIL THE APPLICATION AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ON, OR BEFORE
DUE DATE. (MARCH 1). NO EXCEPTIONS

Secondary and Post Secondary SkillsUSA State Officers candidates must complete the application, attach
all supporting documentation, and mail to State Association Office by the due date.

STEP 2: VERIFICATION OF QUALIFICATIONS.

The State Association Director will review the application and supporting documentation to verify
candidate meet the minimum qualifications. A confirmation letter will be sent to candidate meeting
qualifications. Applications received that did not meet the minimum qualification and/or without
supporting documentation will not be considered. It is important that directions be following in
submitting the application.

STEP 3. OFFICERS QUALIFYING EXAM AND INTERVIEW

All officer candidates confirmed MUST take an Officer Qualifying Examination and pass the exam with
a minimum score of 75. The exam will be given at the SkillsUSA State Champions Conference. You
will be notified of the location and time for this exam either in the State Champions Conference program
or posted as an announcement at the general session.
NOTE: Materials on the test are from the Skills USA Knowledge Test, and the Skills USA Student
Leadership Handbook.

STEP 4. PREPARATION TIME BETWEEN RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND THE STATE
SKILLS CONFERENCE.

During this time, officer candidates should prepare for the exam, interview, and election process. The
main focus is a two-minute speech, campaign materials, and studying for a problematic question.

STEP 5. OFFICER SCREENING MEETING.

On the first day of the Mississippi State SkillsUSA Conference

A. ALL OFFICER CANDIDATES will meet with the screening committee and be given
the qualifying written examination. This committee is made up of the secondary and
post chairpersons, the State Association Coordinator, Corporate member, and a non-
SkillsUSA person.
B. The committee will interview each candidate during this time.

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State Officer Candidates Application
STEP 6. CAMPAIGNING.

Campaigning for office cannot begin until after the screening session. Campaign materials must be placed
only in proper areas, (these areas will be announced at the screening meeting). Improper campaigning and
displaying of material before stated time would result in the candidate being disqualified. Campaigning
may continue until the beginning of the delegate session (normally the next evening). NOTE:
Campaigning is a vital element in the election process. You are exemplifying leadership skills, getting to
know your constituency, and preparing to represent them at local, state, and national level, if elected.
Therefore, get out, shake hands, introduce yourself, and inform the members what you can do for
SkillsUSA. Each candidate MUST prepare a presentation board (Science project board) introducing
themselves to the delegates. Optional campaign materials may be disseminated.

A. Each officer candidates will be REQUIRED to give a 2-minutes campaign speech to the
delegation at the SkillsUSA State Opening Session

STEP 7. DELEGATE INTERVIEWING SESSION.

A. All officer candidates must report to the delegate session (the time and location will be
announced and/or in the program), 15 minutes prior to the beginning of that session.
B. All officer candidates will remain in the holding area until instructed to leave.
C. Each officer candidate will have an opportunity to give a 2-minute campaign speech
before the delegate.
D. Candidates will be asked an oral problematic question by the secondary or post
secondary chairperson and shall answer before the delegates. The question shall be the
same for all candidates. The question will be ask, 15 seconds will be given to think, one
minute will be given to respond. NOTE: The problematic question is an opinion
question pertaining to Skills USA. After all candidates have been interview, given a 2-
minutes campaign speech and respond to the oral problematic question, the delegates
will cast their ballots/votes.
E. The committee (assisted by former State Officers not campaigning for re-election) will
count the ballots/votes.

STEP 8. ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS.

A. Results of the officer elections will be posted outside of the SkillsUSA
Headquarter after 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
B. Newly elected officers will be sworn in at the Award session Friday night.

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State Officer Candidates Application
OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

Being an officer in a SkillsUSA chapter is an honor that carries specific responsibilities.

SkillsUSA officers must be concerned about the organization’s purposes and its successful and
efficient functioning. They must prepare themselves for these responsibilities by:

1. Studying and practicing to become more skillful in their duties
2. Developing a complete knowledge of SkillsUSA Constitutions and Bylaws
3. Approaching issues objectively to make decisions for the good of all members
4. Carrying out duties thoroughly, on time, and to the best of their ability
5. Working cooperatively to make their leadership strong and effective and to ensure the
chapter’s success

Officers should remember that they were elected to LEAD and preside over SkillsUSA State
Association activities for one year. In accepting their offices, they assume the responsibilities of
doing everything they can to make their local chapter and the State chapter better and stronger.

PLEASE REFER TO THE SKILLSUSA LEADERSHIP HANDBOOK FOR SPECIFIC
DUTIES OF EACH OFFICE.

-6-
State Officer Candidates Application
DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM BACK TO THE State Office

FOR STATE ASSOCIATION USE ONLY

The following documentation must be submitted to the State Association office
by the due date. Officer candidates and advisors may use this forms as a checklist for submitting
application and all documentation to the State Association office to meet the requirement for a SkillsUSA State
Officer.

Candidate Name:

Documentation Required/Received Rec’d NOTES

SOCA –1 (Application)

SOCA-2 (Personal Data)

SOCA-3 (Commitment)

SOCA-4 (Recommendation)
Local advisor
Local Administrator
Employer (if applicable)

Transcript

Recent Photo

Other

________________________________ ____________
State Association Signature Date

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State Officer Candidates Application
MAIL COMPLETE APPLICATION AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO SOCA-1
MISSISSIPPI SKILLSUSA, OFFICE OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS, P. O. BOX 771,
JACKSON, MS 39205-0771

THE ORIGINAL (no faxes) APPLICATION IS DUE MARCH 1,

MISSISSIPPI SKILLSUSA STATE OFFICER CANDIDATE APPLICATION

Circle one: SECONDARY POSTSECONDARY

CANDIDATE _______________________________________ Grade: Current Year_____; Next Year _____

ADVISOR Name __________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL/Chapter Name _____________________________________________________________________

PLEASE REVIEW THE MISSISSIPPI SKILLSUSA CONSTITUTION FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION.
Minimum Qualifications

The officer candidate:

1. Have active membership status at the school where the chapter is established and student is enrolled
2. Is enrolled in a career and technical, or health related training program at a public high schools or college,
currently and the year in which he/she will serve as an officer.
3. Have at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average
4. Have the endorsement of his/her local advisor and local administrator of the school
5. Is available to attend mandatory State Officers training, events, and designated meetings
6. Exemplify leadership skills or a desire to achieve leadership skills

I understand the time commitment that must be made by a State Skills USA officer. Also, advisors of State Officers serve
as Executive Council members and are therefore required to attending meeting/events along with his/her officer. If an
officer and advisor are unable to attend any meetings/events of SkillsUSA, a written notice to the State SkillsUSA
Director will be submitted within one week of the schedule event date.

I certify that the candidate listed above meet the minimum qualifications and have the endorsement and support of this
school/chapter.

________________________________________ ________________
Chapter Advisor Signature Date

________________________________________ ___________________
School Administrator Signature Date

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State Officer Candidates Application
STATE OFFICERS CANDIDATE APPLICATION SOCA-2
PERSONAL DATA FORM

NAME: _______________________________________ Age: ______ Date of Birth: ____________

Home Address:

City/State/Zip

Home Telephone (including area code):

Cell Phone (including area code)

Email address:

School Name:

School Address

City/State/Zip

School Telephone (including area code)

Name of Program you are enrolled In:

Your activities in SKILLSUSA (office held, award, etc) ______________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

I wish to serve as a State SkillsUSA officer because __________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

What you hope to accomplish as a SkillsUSA State Officer_____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Your involvement in any other class, youth, civic/community, or church group____________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

What are your hobbies and interests? _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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State Officer Candidates Application
SOCA-3

SKILLSUSA OFFICERS CANDIDATE APPLICATION
COMMITMENT

If elected, I will actively serve as prescribed in the Mississippi Skills USA Constitution and By-Laws; abide by the Officer's Code
of Conduct and promise to fulfill my duties as a state officer by attending and participating in ALL of the following Mississippi
SkillsUSA meetings, training, and conferences. Some of these meetings will include weekends and will require missing school
and/or work.
Mississippi State Officer Training Mandatory (2 days in June)
Mississippi Fall Leadership Conference, Mandatory (November, 2 days)
Mississippi SkillsUSA District Event (February, 1 day)
Mississippi State Skills Conference, Mandatory, (April, 3 days)
National SkillsUSA Championships, (June, Kansas City, Missouri)
Washington Leadership Training Institute (5 days in September)
Other meetings as called by the state association, Mandatory (TBA)

(Refer to the SkillsUSA State Calendar on the web site for specific dates and location)
By signing I acknowledge that I will follow the State Officers Code of Ethics
listed below and in the SkillsUSA handbook:

1. Shall be prompt and prepared for all activities
2. Shall keep my local advisor and the State Advisor informed of my activities and whereabouts at all
times
3. Shall refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages and/or taking illegal drugs at all times while
representing SkillsUSA
4. Shall refrain from smoking while in official dress
5. Shall promote a positive image of SkillsUSA at all times
6. Shall respect and follow the rules and regulations set forth in the Mississippi Code of Conduct

I give Mississippi SkillsUSA permission to use photographs of myself for use in printed publications and on the
Internet.

During the time period between state officer elections and training, vacancies in any office shall be filled by
appointment of the State Association Director.

IF A STATE OFFICER ELECT FAILS TO ATTEND STATE OFFICERS TRAINING, THE OFFICER WILL
FORFEIT HIS/HER PRIVILEGES OF BEING A STATE OFFICER FOR THAT YEAR. Replacement of State
offices will continue to follow the set guidelines, but only before state officer training.

I have read and assure the Mississippi SkillsUSA Association that if at any time I am unable to attend any of the meetings listed
above, I will provide written notice to the State SkillsUSA Coordinator as soon as possible. I understand that failure to attend
mandatory meetings, failure to perform the duties of my office, and failure to adhere to the Mississippi SkillsUSA Code of
Conduct will result in my dismissal from office.

_________________________________________ _________________________
Officer Candidate's Signature Date
_________________________________________ _________________________
Parent/Guardian's Signature Date

-10-
State Officer Candidates Application
SOCA-4

STATE OFFICER CANDIDATE
RECOMMENDATION

This form is to be completed by the local SkillsUSA advisor, local administrator, and/or employer (if
applicable).

CANDIDATE NAME ________________________________________________

Directions: Explain in detail the characteristics and leadership skills you feel the individual has that will make
him/her an outstanding State Officer. (You may attach additional sheets if needed)

PLEASE TYPE.

____________________________________ ____________________
Signature of person submitting Title
Recommendation

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State Officer Candidates Application
THIS FORM IS DUE IN THE STATE OFFICE ON SEPTEMBER 30
DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM WITH THE APPLICATION

ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION FORM

This is to verify that __________________________________ is enrolled in
(Name of elected State Officer)

_______________________________________________________ Education Program
(Name of trade, technical, or health related program)

at _________________________________________________ for _____________ .
(Name of High School or /Post secondary college) ( School year)

The receipt of this form will complete the requirement and qualify the above
named officer to serve as an elected SkillsUSA Mississippi State Officer for the
above school year.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS FORM BY THE DUE DATE WILL RESULT
IN THE OFFICER REMOVAL AS A SKILLSUSA STATE OFFICER.

Local Advisor Signature Date

Local Administrator/Dean signature Date

You may Fax this form to 601/354-7788 on or before the due date
ATTN: Sandra A. Crowley, SkillsUSA
Office of Student Organizations
P. O. Box 771
Jackson, MS 39205-0771

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State Officer Candidates Application