Establishing and Reinvigorating Student Advisory Boards Dave Furhman, Senior Director, Food Service Administration Dr. Ben Perlman, CASP, Director Jonathan Duke, Associate Director Dobbs University Center Emory University ACUI: The Role of the College Union: id=30&id=296

Building a Union Board Ben Perlman and Jonathan Duke

History of Union Boards Started as European and Ivy League debate societies Developed to build socials and school spirit Created ACUI in 1914 ACUI – Role of the College Union: “A student- centered organization that values participatory decision-making.” ACUI: The Role of the College Union: Jordan, J. & Vakilian, C. History of ACUI. 2013:

Why a Union Board? Council for the Advancement of Standards: The CU provides opportunities for student, staff, and faculty involvement in program planning, policy development, and facility operation

Why a Union Board at Emory? New university center leadership in University center experienced some neglect Model for student programming and advocacy elsewhere in the university – Residence Life – Large event programming Preparation for large construction project

University Center Board Evolution Initial interest sessions and marketing during fall orientation, 2012 Formal applications in Spring 2013 for academic year University Center Board Chair appointed by UCB membership for academic year

University Center Board Two main missions: Advocacy and Programming UCB has several subcommittees: – Signature Events – Late Night programming – Promotions UCB reps serve on construction project teams

Looking toward the future Regular 1:1s between chair and director Possibly move towards university elected chair or executive board Increase social media presence Expand Late Night programs to Thursday night and weekend days

Lessons learned Learn from colleagues with long-established union boards Start small (and with newer students) Consider locus of control and funding Engage in leadership development programs outside of your institution (via ACUI, NASPA, Leadershape, etc.)

University Center Board

Food Advisory Committee Emory: Reshaping a student advisory board Dave Furhman

F.A.C.E. Chairs

F.A.C.E. History Long standing food advocacy group at Emory Leadership self-appointed Organized monthly “town hall” style feedback sessions for dining Attendees largely motivated by free dinner 1 hour session focused on sharing individual food preferences No formalized action plans or follow up

Evolution Fall of 2014: – Emory Campus Dining began effort to upgrade program quality and facilities – Renewed emphasis on student input and involvement – F.A.C.E. leadership engaged as key opinion leaders – Organic growth of F.A.C.E. required based on new and tangible responsibilities of the group

Evolution – Student leadership and organizational development: Developed charter Developed advisory committee – Representing various class years, dietary interests – Students developed detailed roles and responsibilities of each member » Program direction » Location specific responsibilities

First year results Good first year: – Natural leadership emerged established; less engaged self-selected out – Role and responsibilities fine tuned; students gravitated toward areas of interest – Advisory committee became exceptionally engaged; became 3 rd party supporters and endorsers of dining program

F.A.C.E.

First year results F.A.C.E. committee members: – Deeply engaged in campus dining issues and ideas Drove new residential and retail initiatives – Emerged as effective, credible voices of campus dining – General participation in town hall meetings increased by nearly 50% – New ideas and initiatives developed by students

F.A.C.E. Taster

Moving Forward Working to make advisory board more independent: – Developing tighter system for board nominations – Recruit a broader-base of the community to better reflect diversity on campus Graduate students – Creating strategic public relations and communications program – Better integrating F.A.C.E. into key initiatives, e.g., Campus Kitchens, Meatless Mondays

Questions