By Jeweleann Garcia, Student Issues & Advisory Committee (SIAC) Chair   

Dear Moody and Communication Council,  

As your incoming Student Issues and Advisory Committee (SIAC) Chair, I want to express what a privilege it is to be selected for this position. I constantly live by the motto “Knowledge is  power, and with power comes great  responsibility.” I understand the responsibility I have been given;this is not something I take lightly. I am ready to fulfill this position to its  fullest potential. The experiences and  relationships I have built through Communication Council are incredibly special to me, and there isn’t a place I would rather be than at Moody College. I am thrilled to begin working and giving back to the vibrant  community I call home. As we enter this new semester, I am especially excited about Comm Council and the SIAC committee. 

I am someone who always values  communication; this could be the  communications student in me, but believe that without it, we cannot succeed. My goals for this year include promoting communication and transparency between students, faculty and administration. I aim to be transparent about the progress and work we do with your  feedback and to bridge the gap between  students, administration and faculty. By  fostering open dialogue and understanding, I hope to create a stronger, more connected community.  

SIAC operates on a two-year cycle, alternating between implementation and survey years. During survey years, we gather data through the college climate survey to understand  student experiences and concerns within Moody. This valuable feedback guides our  efforts in the implementation year, where we focus on turning these insights into actionable steps. This cycle helps ensure that SIAC remains attentive to the needs of our students and continues to foster an empowering environment. What I love about implementation years is the opportunity for creativity in addressing issues and shedding light on these concerns to our Moody administration.  

This year is an implementation year.  Implementation can take many forms, and I am eager to see the innovative solutions the SIAC committee will develop. The feedback we  received from the college climate survey  revealed many of the things we love and enjoy about Moody and the areas for improvement. This input is valuable to us, and we are  committed to addressing these concerns thoughtfully and effectively. Implementation may involve having stakeholder meetings with our deans or department chairs, writing  legislation to pass in UT senate, or creating a budget to add an amenity to a Moody building. Whatever form it takes, our goal is to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and that their needs are met. The work we do is meaningful, as it directly shapes the student experience at Moody College. By listening to the issues raised in the climate survey, we strive to create a home here. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about fostering a community where every  student feels appreciated and supported so they can be their best version of themselves.

Thank you for trusting me with this role. I’m looking forward to all the amazing things we will accomplish together this year. Let’s make this semester one filled with growth, connection and positive change. I can’t wait to see everyone back on campus. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!