Purpose
The Student Advisory Board provides guidance, support, and feedback that advances the work of the Ginsberg Center and broader community engagement at the University of Michigan. During monthly meetings, board members will provide input on programs, initiatives, and direction of the Ginsberg Center, and provide feedback for other university community engagement efforts. Student Advisory Board members represent Ginsberg Center programs and initiatives, student organizations (particularly those that focus on service, social justice, advocacy, and/or activism), and the campus at large. Throughout their time on the board, members remain active on campus, promote the ideals of the Ginsberg Center, and represent Ginsberg at the University and beyond. In addition to providing feedback and contributions to the Ginsberg Center, the Board is a professional development opportunity for students to learn about leadership development, community engagement, and opportunities available to all UM students.
Composition
The Board is composed of 10-14 student leaders representing multiple identities, academic disciplines, diverse experiences, and a range of involvement in student organizations (particularly those that focus on service, advocacy, and/or political activism) at the University of Michigan. Members are selected through an application process in the winter term. Terms begin when members are selected and end upon graduation, resignation, or removal from the board.
Commitment
Serving on the Ginsberg Center’s Student Advisory Board requires time, dedication, and commitment. It’s not just about attending meetings but also about engaging in discussions, actively leading projects, and representing the student body in the Ginsberg Center. Applicants to the Student Advisory Board must be able to commit to the following:
- Board members will serve a one-year academic term (September - May) renewable until graduation provided regular engagement.
- Members are required to attend Orientation at the start of each new Board term in September.
- Regular in-person meetings will occur on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm from September to April. Regular attendance and participation in the SAB’s activities are essential if it is to be effective in fulfilling its purpose. Therefore, if a member misses more than two board meetings within a semester, they may be dismissed from the Board and have their stipend rescinded.
- Members agree to actively participate in assigned engagement projects between meetings.
- The Board will be jointly run between students and staff at the Ginsberg Center. Members will be elected to the following positions within the Board: Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.
Past Projects
In the past, members of the Ginsberg Center Student Advisory Board have provided support to outreach and engagement efforts, given feedback on key Ginsberg Center workshop content, hosted movie nights, and been active decision makers with the Student Grant Program. The board has provided input and feedback on the Ginsberg Center’s strategic plan, organizational restructuring, marketing and recruitment strategies, and budget priorities. Members of the Student Advisory Board have also served on various Ginsberg committees, such as the grant selection committee and hiring committees. Each board member will be responsible for engagement projects that address needs such as outreach and engagement, programmatic support, and building welcoming at the Ginsberg Center amongst current and future students.
Application Process - Applications are Open!
Applications for the SAB are now open! You can preview application questions here.
You can apply to the SAB through Qualtrics. The application will close on March 20 at 11:45 PM.
Questions? Please get in touch with Gabbi Wassilak at [email protected]
Join the Ginsberg Center for a Student Advisory Board Meeting
If you are planning a community-engaged initiative (project, course, program, etc.) and want student input and feedback, you’re invited to come talk with Ginsberg’s SAB. Reach out to Gabbi Wassilak ([email protected]) if you would like to learn more about this opportunity.
Planning Ginsberg events and movie nights with my fellow SAB members enabled me to gain key experience in event planning, collaboration, and reflection as well as form tight-knit connections with my engagement group members. - Taylor Burnham, '28
I’ve loved being part of the grant review team and learning about the different student orgs we have! The SAB team are pretty awesome! - Zena Aljilehawi, '27
So far, Ginsberg has been an excellent source of finding good in my everyday community. The Student Advisory Board has enabled me to see into small pockets of joy and social cohesion throughout the Michigan fabric. I find myself continually in awe at the beauty that everyone is capable of making when they find a passion. As a board, we are also becoming a lot closer, which I dearly love because everyone here is so wonderful and it’s so nice getting to know who you are working with and the good we are all promoting!
- Ty Anderson, 27