History and FAQ
The Management Information Systems Association is a professional, academic, philanthropic and social organization. MISA unites a diverse community of individuals who have a passion for combining technology with business and often pursue careers in Information Technology. Each semester MISA holds various activities that are designed to expose students to professional opportunities, expand their technological skills, and meet other like-minded individuals.
Originally founded in 1982, MISA was re-established in 2009 and has experienced rapid growth. In the past two years alone, MISA membership grew by 250% and attracted various majors from MIS, Computer Science, Engineering, and Natural Sciences.
Mission
MISA exists to bring together like-minded individuals who have a passion for technology and business. We equip our members with tools by going beyond course curriculum and covering broader issues in IT. Our aim is to foster an environment that empowers students to succeed in the world outside the Forty Acres, both as professionals and as individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS MISA?
MISA is the premier IT organization within McCombs, which functions to build a community that is interested in technology and business. In addition to connecting students - mainly MIS majors - the organization also works to connect companies with students regarding post-graduate opportunities.
WHY SHOULD I BE A PART OF MISA?
Joining MISA is a great way to meet people that have similar interests as you and participate in a variety of activities. As a well-rounded organization, MISA hosts socials, academic workshops, service days, and professional networking events. Regardless of whether you want to learn about different career opportunities, go out and give back to the community, or hang out with a group of fun-loving individuals - we guarantee that MISA has something to offer.
WHEN ARE GENERAL MEETINGS?
Our general meetings are 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM at McCombs in CBA 4.326 unless another time is noted. More information about our events can be found on our Instagram and on the Events tab.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR MEETINGS?
There is none! Like every major technology organization out there, we care more about what you do than what you wear. As such, unless it's an off-campus dinner where business casual is recommended, you are welcome to wear what you would like.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT A MISA EVENT?
That depends on the event. At General Meetings, you can expect a company presentation along with a fun activity with food. At socials, you can expect a variety of games (video games, board games, or card games) to be played. Service events usually entail cleaning up a creek around Austin, so be ready to get your hands dirty. Workshops are similar to class lectures in that you are taught a hard skill over the course of the event and are given hands-on experience with technology.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MISA IS RIGHT FOR ME?
You are free to contact any of our officers via email, Facebook, or in-person if you have any questions about MISA. But, of course, the best way for you to see if we are right for you is to attend a meeting! Membership is not required for you to attend any of our meetings, so you are welcome to come and see if MISA would be worthwhile for you.
WHO CAN BECOME A MISA MEMBER?
Anyone! We accept all majors, years, races, genders, etc... In order to be a member, your only requirement is being a UT student and paying dues. See our Membership page for more details. We welcome anyone to be a member, but having an interest in technology is recommended.
WHAT DOES EACH SUBCOMMITTEE DO?
Marketing and Administrative Director
Maintains official Texas Management Information Systems Association website
Manages database of each member’s information
Sends out newsletters to members
Informs public about events
Designs apparel for Texas MISA
Organizes purchase of apparel
Holds all orders/designs until voted on by the PR committee and Executive Board
Oversees orders and acceptance of merchandise
Works with Special Events Director in creating any needed advertising for events
Oversees creation and upkeep of social media accounts
Have written Social Media Plan to grow all Texas MISA accounts
Finance Director
Organizes semester budget
Manages Texas MISA’s bank account
Approves additional funding requests from officers
Approves expenses and reimbursements if needed
Ensures money is spent appropriately
Updates ROS page with University Federal Credit Union upon addition, dismissal, or graduation of a member
Creates payment plans and fundraisers for members
Enforces fines
Reserves all rooms necessary for on-campus TX MISA events
Social Director
Organizes meaningful social events
Collaborates with other social organizations to plan collaborative social opportunities
Plans social events within meetings
Presents new ideas for engagement
Assists the Marketing Director with social media
Philanthropy Director
Plans philanthropic events that are coinciding of Texas MISA members
Organizes events with philanthropic opportunities in Central Texas
Main contact for philanthropic organizations
Records service hours
If chooses, organizes fundraisers for philanthropic organizations
Corporate Director
Invites sponsored organizations to events that are designed for them
Communicates sponsor events to the rest of the organization
Works with Marketing Director to advertise sponsor events
Serves as the first point of contact for all sponsors
Invite alumni to events that are open to them.
Records attendance at networking events and sends information to the Executive Board
Provides recruitment timeline for Executive Board
Organizes and executes networking events
Communicates recruitment events to the rest of the organization
Special Events Director
Creates events that are designed to support collaboration among the paid members
Works with the corporate director to achieve sponsorships for events
Main point of contact for other organizations who favor working with MISA to develop a collaborative event
Academic Director
Creates workshops that provide members with learning opportunities in subjects like Tableau, HTML, Python, and Excel
Works alongside the Special Events Director to facilitate and plan case competitions and hackathons
Assist any MISA members with course assignments and topics through Discord
Help construct a comprehensive MIS major course overview workshop
Present new ideas that enhance MISA members’ overall academic productivity
Prepare mini academic competitions related to previous academic workshops
Membership Engagement
Contacts professors and schedules timeslots to advertise MISA in their classes
Assists in preparing and executing the MISA Membership Drive
Coordinates MISA Families and encourages member involvement in the program
Engages with new members to facilitate a welcoming environment
Organizes social events with MISA members outside of normal meeting hours
Designs surveys to gauge members’ satisfaction and discover potential new programs for MISA
Proposes new initiatives for increasing member engagement and meeting attendance
Performs ad hoc tasks for the membership officer