College students at any university have comments, concerns and questions they want answers to or things they would like to see made a priority on campus. And very few have the listening ear of the chancellor. At IUPUI, the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board has just that, and the group is entering its second year.
“In its diversity and representation of the student voice, the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board reflects core values of our campus as it strengthens undergraduate voices in areas vital to our campus,” said Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar. “The board provides valuable input and feedback on various student-related initiatives and other matters of importance to our student body. In addition, the board is currently working on research projects that will help make the campus community more inclusive and welcoming for underrepresented students.”
A diverse group of juniors and seniors from different areas of study come together to make up the board, which meets with Paydar twice each semester. The board consists of nine members, and the 2020 group features:
- Melissa Aceves, junior, Community Health major, Fairbanks School of Public Health
- Logan Bromm, senior, Political Science, History, and Child Abuse & Neglect CRT, Honors College Scholar, IUPUI School of Liberal Arts/IU School of Social Work
- Alexa Carr, senior, Biology and Philanthropic Studies major and Honors College Scholar, Purdue School of Science/IUPUI School of Philanthropy
- Tyler Cason, senior, Organizational Leadership major, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology
- Julia Cilleruelo Fernandez del Moral, junior, Energy Engineering major, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology
- Tate Coulter, senior, Accounting and Finance major, Kelley School of Business
- Khrisma McMurray, senior, Psychology major, Purdue School of Science
- Mari Luna, senior, Civic Leadership major, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Ex-officio member, President of Undergraduate Student Government
- Karl Nkemzi, junior, Mechanical Engineering major, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Ex-officio member, Vice President of Undergraduate Student Government
In a year like none other with challenges universities have never seen, the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board is playing a vital role in helping bridge the gap from students to administration.
“Working with the Chancellor is a very refreshing experience to really feel like we are making a positive impact on issues concerning IUPUI,” said Tate Coulter. “The Chancellor is very open to what we have to say. During our meetings he is very attentive, and really takes the opportunity to listen to our views.”
This year, the board is focusing on two research topics related to improving the IUPUI campus. One group will explore creating a more welcoming environment for undocumented and DACA students, while the other will work on enhancing the orientation experience for non-traditional, international and first-generation students. Both groups are still early in their processes and cited the need and desire for suggestions or comments from their peers.
“This is a very diverse group of students with varying interests,” said Dr. Eric Weldy, vice chancellor for student affairs. “However, they have a lot in common. For example, they all have a genuine love for the IUPUI campus, and they are not just committed to their own success. They want to see the university succeed as a whole. This says a lot about who they are as individuals and what drives them to excel inside and outside the classroom.”
Within the Chancellor's Student Advisory Board, COVID-19 is a central topic as the university tries to navigate never-before-seen circumstances. It's something Alexa Carr thinks could affect students negatively, but she and the board are looking at ways to keep students engaged.
“I hope to provide some suggestions on how to keep engagement and campus connection up, even through the online sessions this year,” she said. “I am especially interested in providing insight on virtual engagement opportunities and the student experience.”
In any year, the board would have an important role on campus, but in a year so drastically changed by COVID-19, the task has become even more crucial. Throughout the IUPUI COVID-19 planning process the board has been well represented by Logan Bromm, who has served on the Steering Committee.
To learn more about the board and how to get involved, visit CSAB online.