The NASS was specifically developed to provide support for individuals and institutions throughout North America with an interest in Australia, but limited financial resources. As a low-cost, grass roots project, the NASS has supported these individuals and institutions by bringing excellent speakers to their campus or organization. In the long-term, the NASS is seen as a key component to building a critical mass of individuals interested in Australian Studies at institutions in the US and Canada as well as furthering all forms of academic, research and cultural links. The NASS is based on a nomination and selection process. Once a year individuals, mostly academics, in North America and Australia nominate speakers using the Speaker Nomination Form.
Some individuals are self-nominations.
A committee evaluates the speakers' area of expertise, level of experience, speaking ability and flexibility to travel during the North American academic year. All speakers must be permanent residents of Australia. The committee has tried to select speakers with a variety of backgrounds. Once the individuals have accepted their offer to participate, a list of the speakers with their area of expertise and their dates of availability is sent to interested parties throughout North America. Interested parties are asked to submit a Host Site Application indicating their interest in a speaker and what types of activities will be planned.