More than 20 College of Science and Mathematics students stepped forward to be part of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council (DSAC).
The students, drawn from different departments, came together last Wednesday and got to know each other and meet the dean while enjoying pizza and soft drinks.
Associate Dean Dr. Jason Bush welcomed the students, saying they’ll play a crucial role in keeping an open communication channel between the dean’s office and students.
“I enjoyed chatting with many of you to learn more about your interests and goals,” Bush said. “We hope you will continue to lend your voice to our efforts as an ambassador for CSM events and activities.”
Dean Dr. Christopher Meyer met the students, listened to their views, and assured them he’d be available whenever they needed his support.
The students expressed a desire to play a role in shaping the college’s mission of delivering quality education to students and enriching their experience at Fresno State.
DSAC is an exclusive opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to make a meaningful impact on their college experience.
“It was great to spend time with the returning and new DSAC members – enjoying the pizza and enlightening conversations. This is truly an amazing group of students with energy, enthusiasm, and excellent ideas! Their engagement and input are essential for CSM success,” Dean Dr. Christopher Meyer.
Biology major and Psychophysiology Lab Honors student Anber Choudhry described DSAC as an opportunity for bridging the gap between faculty and students.
“Oftentimes, students are not comfortable sharing their opinions or experiences because they fear they will be reprimanded,” Choudhry said. “During focus sessions, we can share what does or does not work well from a student’s perspective.”
Choudhry said DSAC’s monthly meetings have been beneficial to her.
“The meetings are ‘low-stakes’ and enjoyable to participate in. You learn about different projects within the college. This is nice because you can see what other disciplines are doing,” Choudhry said.
She noted that in addition to the meetings, there are optional seminars and field trips throughout the year, including a valuable professional development seminar tailored to STEM students, which can lead to other on-campus leadership opportunities.
Bush said he appreciated candor when discussing issues.
“I appreciated your honesty and readiness to share with the group. We sincerely want to hear from you, understand your obstacles, and work with you to improve your Fresno State experience,” Bush said.
Meyer praised the students and said he looked forward to an outstanding year working with the new committee.
“It was great to spend time with the returning and new DSAC members – enjoying the pizza and enlightening conversations. This is truly an amazing group of students with energy, enthusiasm, and excellent ideas! Their engagement and input are essential for CSM success,” Meyer said.
What is DSAC?
DSAC is a group of students serving as ambassadors and advisors to the Dean’s Office at CSM. Its primary mission is to provide a direct line between students and the CSM dean, allowing for the sharing of ideas and concerns to enrich our students’ experience.
What to expect as a DSAC Member?
As a DSAC member, you’ll have the chance to:
- Voice your opinions: Meet monthly with the dean and participate in shaping CSM policies and initiatives.
- Represent CSM: Be an event ambassador for our college, showcasing what makes us exceptional.
- Mentorship: Serve as a mentor to your fellow students, fostering a sense of community and support.
- Hands-on learning: Organize college tours, workshops, and field trips to enhance your educational experience.
- Community engagement: Get involved in service and outreach activities that benefit the CSM community and beyond.
- Department representation: Advocate for your academic department or the interests of your club or organization.
Empowering student ambassadors
At DSAC, you can influence positive change within the CSM community. You’ll foster camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff, strengthen bonds across departments, and engage in activities that showcase the excellence of CSM.
Benefits of being a DSAC ambassador
Joining DSAC comes with a host of benefits:
- Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow students, college administrators, and like-minded individuals to expand your professional network.
- Meaningful impact: Your input will directly influence CSM programs and policies, improving your college experience.
- Leadership development: Develop and apply essential leadership, communication, and decision-making skills that will benefit you in your future endeavors.
