Dean's Student Advisory Board Responsibilities

Purpose:

Provide opportunities for student engagement in SPHHS leadership activities through sharing experiences of students within the school related to curriculum, climate, and professional development, insights, and ideas for improvement in areas they find lacking, what works and what the school needs more of, and promote an environment of diversity and inclusion within the SPHHS. Furthermore, make recommendations to the Dean and as appropriate organize student activities and collect feedback to enhance SPHHS’s mission and goals.

The SPHHS Dean’s Student Advisory Board was created to solicit student feedback.

Members will:

  • Advise the Dean regarding strengths and challenges within the school
  • Provide ideas for improving the student experience
  • Take an active role in soliciting input from other SPHHS students
  • Represent student perspectives on various committees
  • Become an agent for creating a supportive and positive culture in SPHHS
  • Organize student events to support the school’s mission and vision
  • Advise the Dean in the choice of the Senior recognition event speaker
  • The board’s recommendations help to influence the school’s goals, services, programs, and overall effectiveness.

Composition and membership:

The board is composed of both undergraduate and graduate full-time students in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Members are nominated by department chairs, program directors, advisors, faculty, staff, other board members, or self-nomination and appointed by the Dean. Two co-chairs, one undergraduate, and one graduate serve as leaders to organize meetings and lead discussions. Co-chairs are responsible for attending two SPHHS Dean’s Advisory Board Meetings per academic year, fall and spring. Members are not required to attend but are encouraged to do so.

The SPHHS Dean’s Advisory Board does not discriminate for any purpose on the basis of race, ethnicity, linguistic abilities, religion, sexual identity, political affiliation, disability status, or marital status.

Term:

Members may choose a one-year or two- year term and have the option to renew their term with the support of the Dean.

Each co-chair will serve for a one-year term (two semesters) and may serve multiple terms. Co-chairs are elected by two thirds vote of membership and support of the Dean.

Commitment:

It is expected that members will engage and have active participation on the board. With the understanding and appreciation that students have many priorities, members are encouraged to attend as many meetings as possible and contact the co-chairs when unavailable.

Dean’s Priorities:

The Dean hopes to get your feedback on the following priorities:

  • School Events
  • School Pride
  • The Learning Experience
  • Positive Culture
  • Communication, Connections, and Relationships
  • School Leadership
  • Access to Support & Resources
  • Mission & Vision of the School
  • School Facilities

Staff Assigned:

  • Assistant Dean of Academic Success and Student Planning
  • Executive Assistant to the Dean

Role of Staff Assigned:

Support board with meeting logistics, structure, agenda composition, and record keeping. Serve as a liaison between the Dean and the board.

Nomination Form:

https://forms.gle/qKrs7nVEPjGwC4EU6

*Make sure you are signed into your UMass email to fill out the nomination form*