At the University of Delaware’s College of Health Sciences, creating a lasting impact for future generations is a powerful motivator for many students. Through the college’s Student Advisory Board, existing students provide key decision-makers with insights to help shape the college experience for generations ahead.

This year, a group of 20 students were selected to be part of the CHS Student Advisory Board from a variety of both undergraduate and graduate programs throughout the college. Through four monthly meetings per semester, the board gathers with the dean and college leadership to address critical topics focused on improving student experiences at UD.  

“These students are fantastic to work with,” reflected Gina Kinderman, CHS chief of staff. “Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I’m consistently impressed with their ideas and suggestions. They serve as wonderful representatives of their programs and remarkable ambassadors for our college.”

“Our role is to represent all of the students at CHS,” said Zenas Okero, a senior majoring in nutrition and medical sciences on the Student Advisory Board. “By talking about our experiences, we help other students feel heard and become more receptive to decisions that have a real impact on their time here at UD.”

Each monthly meeting tackles a different topic relevant to students throughout CHS. During the meeting, students discuss their perspective on the selected topic and work together to discuss possible solutions.

Naiya Patel, a sophomore medical diagnostics major, reflected on the structure of the board meetings. “During each meeting, we bring our ideas to staff, and then we are invited to a larger board meeting to discuss implementation,” said Patel. “Here, the key decision-makers help us through the thought process of how our ideas could work and explore new opportunities to bring them to life.”

“One of our most recent discussions has focused on how we can create more ways for students to engage with professors,” said Okero. “With large class sizes, this can be challenging. We’re looking to develop 1:1 meetings with professors, which helps students with classwork, recommendation letters, and even introductions to valuable research opportunities.”

Other recent discussions have highlighted topics focused on how students are using AI in college, as well as increasing patient care and extra-curricular activities.

“We’re also exploring new opportunities for CHS to stand out competitively,” said McKenzie Tubbs, a sophomore majoring in integrated health sciences. “The Student Advisory Board is considering new programs that would strengthen or expand our existing offerings. We’re looking at it from an external lens to better understand what could be most beneficial to students and the college as a whole.”