Purpose:

The purpose of the USAB is to provide a stronger voice for undergraduate students regarding academic, social and campus community issues that are of critical importance to the quality of the undergraduate engineering experience and to the quality of North Campus. The USAB will facilitate the engagement of undergraduate students in the improvement of their living and learning environments by working closely with the College administration, with student societies and groups and with University and College offices to identify and implement solutions to critical problems.

Goals:

• Seek feedback from students, student groups and departmental student advisory committees (e.g., focus groups, surveys, Deans forums, etc.).
• Discuss issues and concerns impacting the undergraduate experience. Determine short and long term goals and develop priorities. Interact with College Administrators and Student Organization Leaders to raise the awareness and understanding of factors impacting the undergraduate experience.
• Partner with others to develop and implement strategies to improve the undergraduate experience, utilizing resources available within the University and community. Communicate progress to the student body.
• Increase awareness among students that their issues and concerns are being acted upon (this is especially important for issues that require long-term solutions).

Infrastructure:

• Students will self-nominate at the request of the departing board member(s). The USAB will review all nominees and will invite selected students to participate to ensure appropriate representation of the student body (e.g., class, major, gender, race). This rotation should ensure continuity from year to year.
• USAB is a self-directed board. Student members will determine and periodically revisit group norms and how roles and responsibilities will be shared. They will also determine the meeting schedule, format (e.g., agendas & minutes; standing agenda items such as North Campus community, cross-departmental issues, sharing of best practices) and decision-making processes.
• The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education will serve as the USAB's sponsor. The USAB and the Associate Dean will develop the expectations for this role.
• The Office of Student Leadership and Academic Services (SLAS) will serve in a support/consultation role as determined by the USAB. SLAS will also provide logistical support upon request (e.g., meeting support, monitor email group, etc.)
• The email address for the USAB will be published in relevant College publications (e.g., First Year and Transfer Student Handbooks, UMEC Student Calendar, Bulletin) and on the CoE website. Email will be used as an immediate means for students to voice concerns. USAB will determine how they will respond
• A record of USAB activities will be maintained in the SLAS office.

Partnership with the College Administration

The USAB anticipates working closely with the College and University Administration to act on critical issues and improve the undergraduate experience. The USAB and College Administration will develop expectations for this collaboration.

The USAB will request meetings with College administrators and committees as necessary to share and gather information and move agenda items forward (e.g., Deans Cabinet, Executive Committee, Undergraduate Management Team, Chairs Advisory Committee, Curriculum Committee, Scholastic Standing Committee, etc.). The College administration may also request meetings with the USAB.