CSAB

Chancellor's Student Advisory Board

I had the privilege of being selected to serve on the Chancellor's Student Advisory Board, a role that involved representing the student body and engaging in discussions about potential changes that could benefit both students and the university as a whole. This opportunity allowed me to interact with various individuals, including members of the administration board, fellow students, and even the Chancellor of the university. Together, we explored topics such as the impact of the pandemic on campus life and enrollment, the honor code, the functionality of the school, and the evolving dynamics of the classroom environment.

To facilitate effective collaboration, the advisory board was divided into two groups. In my first year, our project focused on grade consideration. We identified this topic as a result of discussions held at the beginning of the fall semester during my first year, recognizing the diverse grading policies across campus and the need to inform students about the resources and opportunities available to them. We delved into the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student performance and explored ways to mitigate these challenges.

As a returning member in my second year, our discussions revolved around identifying what was working well on campus and areas that required improvement. Over the course of the semester, my group decided to concentrate on the usability and functionality of study spaces on campus. This topic gained significance due to the pandemic and the observed increase in the number of students on campus. We realized that while more students were present, the retention of students on campus was low, largely due to the struggle to find adequate study spaces. Limited seating, insufficient lighting, and a lack of outlets and other essential resources hindered students' ability to have productive study sessions. Our aim was to address these challenges and enhance the overall study environment.

One aspect I particularly cherished about being a part of the Chancellor's Student Advisory Board was the open-door policy that encouraged free and respectful expression of ideas. It provided a platform for genuine conversations about issues that mattered to us and our peers. The board comprised representatives from various schools within the university, ensuring diverse perspectives and enriching discussions. Dr. Wely and Mary Olk Narr, our supervisors, were instrumental in creating an inclusive environment. They actively participated in our conversations, attentively listening to the concerns we raised and displaying a genuine interest in understanding student perspectives and effecting positive changes.

Another valuable aspect of this experience was the opportunity to meet with staff members from different departments. These meetings allowed us to gain firsthand insight into their responsibilities, goals, and the steps they were taking to drive positive transformations. The staff members attentively listened to our comments and concerns during these interactions, reinforcing the notion that our voices were being heard and that our contributions were valued.

The Chancellor's Student Advisory Board played a pivotal role in shaping my undergraduate journey. It provided me with the platform to advocate for myself, and then subsequently, the opportunity to advocate for others. I am grateful for the invaluable experiences, meaningful discussions, and the chance to be actively involved in effecting change within the university community. This role not only developed my leadership and communication skills but also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to serve as an advocate for students' needs and aspirations.