To ensure that student voices are represented in a variety of department matters — from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to quarterly town halls — the Graduate Student Advisory Board (GSAB) was founded in November 2020.

GSAB members act as liaisons between students and CEE’s faculty and administrators by participating in monthly GSAB board meetings, departmental committee meetings, faculty meetings and more. Below, two GSAB members share their experiences serving on the inaugural 15-member board and how they were able to make a quantifiable impact.

Michelle Hu

Ph.D. student, hydrology focus
Service period: 2020-2022

What motivated/inspired you to join the GSAB?

I wanted to work with other students who were passionate, committed and willing to become advocates for others and GSAB was where these students were putting their time and energy. I felt a need to try and enact changes in the department that could outlast my time here and could withstand shifts in departmental administration. A tall order, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try.

Did you serve on a sub-committee?

I served on the department’s Graduate Education committee, as well as a GSAB sub-committee assisting in a faculty search.

What were some of the most notable departmental topics that you helped address?

Some of the issues I helped address in my service as a GSAB member include:

• Professional Master’s Program (PMP) student experience: I was proud to voice the concerns of PMP students who make up so much of our incoming classes and who wanted to receive more guidance. PMP students are vital to the future of our department and their experiences need to be elevated and goals and interests taken as seriously as those of research-track students.
• Faculty search rubric: I helped develop a rubric and set of interview questions that were used to assess candidates in a faculty search in May 2021. The rubric and interview questions helped standardize and organize student input while embedding the student experience (research, teaching, mentorship, recruitment, etc.) at its heart. I hope it will be used in future searches.
• Ph.D. Review of Progress: In assessments of Ph.D. student progress, I helped provide feedback to clarify discussion of funding sources and shift the focus toward constructive conversations.
• Town Hall structure: I made suggestions for restructuring the quarterly town hall to make the time more rewarding — moving toward greater transparency, fewer report-outs and more interactive discussions.

Any advice for students who are interested in getting involved in the GSAB?

Do it! But try to focus on 1-3 tangible, structural items to work on. Being a self-starter will be key and GSAB is a good opportunity to continue developing your interpersonal skills. Think long-term and value relationship-building. Speak up for others and don’t be afraid of being bold. Better to try and fail than to not try at all, right? My mantra throughout my time with GSAB has been that if I improved the graduate school experience for a single student, my time will have been worth it.

Anything else that would be interesting/relevant to know?

I loved rolling out our monthly “work from campus” days where the department supplies coffee and snacks to entice larger numbers of students, staff and faculty to converge! I’m also grateful for the experiences I’ve had serving on GSAB and am especially grateful for all the GSAB’ers I’ve gotten to work with. Though GSAB started during the pandemic and every official meeting has been remote, time spent with these students has been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had at UW.

Miguel Gonzalez

Ph.D. student, structural focus
Service period: 2020-2022

What motivated/inspired you to join the GSAB?

I joined GSAB almost two years ago for two main reasons. At the moment, I felt graduate student voices were not very well represented within CEE. I also wanted to meet other people outside CEE’s structures group.

Did you serve on a sub-committee?

I had the pleasure and privilege to serve on both GSAB’s and CEE’s JEDI committees. I served as a bridge between both groups, striving to foster and strengthen student-faculty collaboration in departmental JEDI efforts. In the appropriate context and application, JEDI is a powerful tool that can bring people from different communities together, heal past grievances, and provide equitable opportunities for all. The opportunity to serve in this space was an absolute gift for me.

What were some of the most notable departmental topics that you helped address?

Having been given the privilege to serve in these positions, I was able to provide a unique perspective to initiatives, conversations, and even decisions regarding JEDI efforts within CEE; paving the way for other students to bring new ideas and perspectives to the CEE table.

What changes were made/implemented?

Thanks to the work of GSAB, the visionary leadership of former Chair and Professor Laura Lowes, and all the faculty members that have served in different committees within CEE, our department has greatly improved its relationship with its students. Town Halls became quarterly occurrences; office hours were established so students could connect with leadership; JEDI efforts were considerably expanded; and graduate students were given a louder voice within the department. In summary, students are being listened to.

Any advice for students who are interested in getting involved in the GSAB?

Go for it. It is an amazing opportunity to connect with other fellow students, to leave your mark within CEE, and most importantly, to enact the change you want to see within your department.

Anything else that would be interesting/relevant to know?

One of the most wonderful rewards of serving with GSAB is the community you get experience and build with your fellow students. I met marvelous people I will never forget and was even blessed with friendships with some of them. Thank you GSAB, and thank you Laura Lowes for making this possible.