As the calendar inches closer to 2025, the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is gearing up for its significant Board of Directors elections. These elections, a cornerstone of the organization's governance, are typically woven into the fabric of the annual AIAS conference, FORUM. This year, however, the focus sharpens on FORUM, scheduled for January 7-10, 2026, marking a slight shift in the usual timeline.
For those keen to understand the process or perhaps even throw their hat in the ring, the AIAS Elections Chair, Past President Jordan Luther (pastpresident@aias.org), is the go-to person. Keep an eye out in early December for the release of Candidate Packets – these will offer a detailed look at who's running and for what positions.
FORUM itself will be a crucial period for members. It's designed as an opportunity to engage directly with the candidates, ask those burning questions, and really get a feel for who might best represent the student body. The actual voting will take place during the Council of Presidents Meeting on January 10, 2026.
It's important to remember that the entire election process is guided by established AIAS Rules of the Board, Bylaws, and Code of Ethics, alongside specific Elections Guidelines. Any concerns about potential violations should be directed to the Elections Chair via a dedicated form, and reporting requires current AIAS membership.
Becoming a certified candidate involves meeting specific eligibility criteria outlined in the Bylaws and Rules of the Board, and submitting a comprehensive Candidacy Declaration Packet. For those who might miss the initial deadline or prefer a different route, the AIAS Bylaws do allow for "Undeclared Candidates" to run from the floor, particularly in uncontested races or situations with fewer than two certified candidates. This option, as per Bylaw 7.22, requires the consent of the Elections Chair.
Before diving into packet submission, candidates are strongly encouraged to schedule a one-on-one call with Past President Jordan Luther, using the provided Candidacy Interest link. Additionally, general Q&A sessions are scheduled for October 28th and November 15th, offering a broader overview of roles, expectations, and the election timeline. Registration for these calls is available.
The deadline for Candidacy Declaration Packets is November 22nd, 11:59 pm Hawaii Standard Time. Following this, the Elections Chair will confirm receipt and begin reviewing submissions. By the week of December 8th, certified candidates and their campaign materials should be publicly available on www.aias.org and shared via social media.
Throughout December, the Vice President will be assessing Chapters' standing to determine voting eligibility. This period will also feature virtual events aimed at informing voters and introducing them to the candidates. A key point to note: campaigning is prohibited during this time.
As January 2026 approaches, the AIAS Winter Board of Directors Meeting will take place on January 6-7, with candidates invited to attend as observers. The opening sessions on January 7th will include the call for Undeclared Candidates from the floor and short speeches from Director and Officer candidates.
The following days are packed with opportunities for interaction and information exchange: Officer Q&A sessions, a Council of Presidents Reception, Director Q&A during Quad Breakouts, and closing speeches. The culmination of the election process occurs on January 10th with the Closing General Business Session and Council of Presidents Meeting, where votes will be cast. Candidates will then be invited to a private announcement of the results before they are shared with the general membership at the Closing General Assembly. Until the results are announced, candidates are restricted from speaking with any member about the election.
