NSBE Body
Governance
NSBE is governed by a National Constitution which is ratified by its membership. The Constitution provides for a National Executive Board (NEB) to oversee the programs and activities of the Society. The NEB itself is governed by a set of By-Laws, Rules and Regulations. The By-Laws provide specific information regarding organizational working rules, but cannot in any way conflict with the National Constitution.
The NEB is comprised of both elected and appointed positions, and is headed by the National Chairperson. In addition to the NEB, other important NSBE sectors include: regions, chapters, the Alumni Extension, the National Headquarters, the Board of Corporate Affiliates, and NSBE advisors at the national, regional, and chapter levels.
Regions
NSBE is divided into six geographic regions designed to facilitate effective communication and action among its more than 242 collegiate, 70 professional and 82 pre-college active chapters nationwide and overseas. The regions serve as a channel through which information from the NEB and National Headquarters is disseminated. Regions have executive boards (REBs) modeled after the NEB, which provide direction to their chapters and assist in coordinating chapter activities. The REB is comprised of both elected and appointed positions, and is headed by the Regional Chairperson. REBs identify sponsors and generate funding to support programs in their respective regions.
Alumni Extension
The NSBE Alumni Extension affords NSBE graduates the opportunity to participate in activities which support the goals and objectives of the Society. In this way, professional engineers and scientists can continue their association with the organization. The mission of the Alumni Extension is to develop and enhance NSBE's existing programs, increase technical awareness in the African-American community, encourage scholastic achievement, and stimulate enthusiasm among professional colleagues. The Alumni Executive Board (AEB) is comprised of elected positions, appointed positions, and is headed by the National Alumni Chairperson who holds a seat on the National Executive Board (NEB).
Chapters
NSBE student chapters are located at colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad and are the center of the Society’s activities. Chapter membership provides the creative and programmatic impetus which directs the entire organization. The Chapter Executive Board is comprised of elected and appointed positions.
World Headquarters
The NSBE World Headquarters (WHQ) is located at 205 Daingerfield Road in Alexandria, Virginia. The World Headquarters helps to provide the continuity necessary to achieve the Society's goals. The WHQ staff manages the Society’s daily operations and fundraising activities, provides for the continuity of its programs, and serves as a central point of contact for NSBE members and the general public. Staff activities are coordinated by the National Executive Director, who reports directly to the NEB.
The World Headquarters also houses the membership database as well as NSBE Publications, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NSBE which is responsible for the production of NSBE Magazine, Career Engineer, and NSBE Bridge.
NSBE Advisors
A NSBE advisor must be supremely confident in the capability of NSBE officers at all levels to manage the organization. Thus, the role of an advisor is simply to outline all of the various advantages, disadvantages and consequences of particular actions for the issues which NSBE officers may face. With the benefit of the experienced perspectives of their advisors, NSBE members are then fully equipped to make the proper decisions and to choose their own direction.