Student Issues and Advisory Committee Initiatives and Reports

Event: Stakeholder Meetings

Explanation: SIAC conducted one-on-one meetings with Moody faculty to introduce the committee, discuss goals for the year, and learn about departmental priorities and challenges. Stakeholders were eager to collaborate with SIAC on initiatives that benefit both students and faculty.

• Anita Vangelisti: Emphasized the need for consistent goals across CLD classes, standardizing skills, and encouraging more variety in course approaches. She also advised on keeping thorough records of accomplishments and using formal proposals to move things forward more quickly.
• Maya Henry: Despite several attempts, SIAC was unable to reach Maya Henry after three outreach efforts.
• Amy Gogolin: Highlighted the need for mental health awareness within Moody, particularly for students. SIAC could organize mental health events and provide information on where students can find resources.
• Thea Woodruff: Engaged in discussions with Dr. Thea Woodruff on mental health initiatives. SIAC will continue working with them to address student needs.
• Debbie Hiott: Proposed boosting student engagement with KUTV through events like an open house, QR codes outside KUTV offices to share more about the department, or even hosting live studio shows for students.
• Kasey Holt: SIAC met with the director of Strategy and College Initiatives, who suggested that Moody leadership would like feedback on leadership searches from students. Holt emphasized increasing student attendance at events like Donuts with a Dean, Moody Cares, and more. SIAC could assist with promoting these initiatives and gauging student availability for events.
• Noah Isenberg: Proposed a student-run UTNY/UTLA Alumni meet-and-greet where students can candidly share their experiences without professors present.
• Kathleen Mabley: Encouraged SIAC to assist in promoting UTNY/UTLA programs. She suggested student surveys to determine program needs (such as Canva and Adobe) and obtain feedback to improve class offerings.
• Lizet Villagrana: Provided contacts for reporting campus maintenance issues and requested that SIAC conduct surveys to identify the needs of Moody students in relation to class resources, particularly for tools like Canva and Adobe.
• Cindy McCreery: Brought up concerns about the mental health of RTF students and emphasized the importance of community building to alleviate stress. She suggested collaborating with RTF to host events like a mental health week or a stress-relieving film screening.
• David Ryfe: Encouraged SIAC members to sit in on faculty meetings to provide student perspectives and gain insight into faculty operations. Explained upcoming projects for the Journalism and Media department, including an alumni-mentorship program.
• Craig Scott: Focused on the Communication Studies department and highlighted the promotion of the two new tracks for the Communication Studies degree and related organizations (Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society and International Association of Business Communicators). SIAC could assist by promoting these initiatives and advising the leadership of the new organizations. Scott also stressed that SIAC could bring attention to lesser-known Moody majors.
• Natalie Tindall: Encouraged SIAC to keep students aware that programs like Immersive, Creative, and Media are not required for success. She also advised SIAC to update her on the status of vending machine proposals, Lucky Lab discussions, and SLH building signage initiatives.

Issue: Vending Machines

Why: In the 2024 SIAC Student Survey 70% of students would use a vending machine at a Moody College building, while 30% indicated they would not. This data highlights the significant student demand for quick and accessible snack options, especially for those who spend long hours on campus. The availability of vending machines could improve students' campus experience by providing an easy solution for those with busy schedules or no time to leave the building between classes.

What: SIAC is working on bringing more vending machines to Moody College. Contacts for the campus vending machines have been obtained, and the next step is to reach out to the appropriate personnel.

Next Steps:

• Vendor Coordination: Reach out to the contacts provided for vending machine operations to initiate conversations about potential locations and services.
• Location Scouting: Collaborate with Lizet Villagrana and other stakeholders to identify optimal locations within Moody buildings for vending machine placement.
• Budgeting: Work with the business office to create a budget plan for vending machine installation, including procurement costs and potential maintenance fees.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with students and faculty to gather feedback on the types of snacks and drinks they would prefer, ensuring the vending machines meet student demand.
• Communication with Business Officer: Amie Ann will send an email to the business officer on 2/13 to initiate discussions on securing approval and funding for the project.
• Facility Coordination: Work with the facilities team to ensure the selected areas have the necessary infrastructure (electricity, space, etc.) for vending machine installation.

Issue:  Lucky Lab (formerly Cappy’s/Woffies Cafe)

Why: In the 2024 SIAC Student Survey, 82% of students would utilize Lucky Lab if it were open past 2-4 PM, while only 18% expressed they would not. This overwhelming support of extended hours indicates a strong need for accessible dining options in the afternoon and early evening, especially for students with late classes or study sessions.

What: SIAC is exploring extended hours for Lucky Lab, a popular cafe in Moody College, to accommodate students who need food options later in the day. 

Next Steps:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Initiate discussions with Lucky Lab management and other relevant stakeholders to explore the logistics of extending operating hours.
• Propose Pilot Program: Suggest a pilot program for extended hours during midterms and finals to gauge demand and collect data on student usage patterns.
• Budget and Staffing: Collaborate with Lucky Lab’s management to assess the additional costs associated with extended hours, including staffing and operational expenses. Identify potential funding sources or budget reallocation options.
• Marketing & Communication: Once hours are extended, coordinate a marketing campaign to inform students about the new operating hours, using Moody’s communication channels, posters, and social media platforms.
• Student Feedback Collection: After the trial period, survey students to gather feedback on the extended hours to determine whether they should become permanent or need adjustments.
• Monitoring & Adjustment: Regularly monitor the success of the extended hours and adjust based on foot traffic, student feedback, and operational challenges.

Issue: Microwaves 

Why: In the 2024 SIAC Student Survey, 67% of students indicated they would utilize a microwave available 24/7 in a Moody College building, while 33% expressed they would not. This highlights a significant demand for the availability of microwaves, especially for students with busy schedules who may need to heat food outside of typical hours.

What: The implementation of microwaves in accessible, high-traffic areas of Moody College buildings would provide students with convenient options for meals and snacks throughout the day and night, enhancing their overall campus experience.

Next Steps:

• Budget Creation: Develop a detailed budget that includes the cost of purchasing and installing microwaves, as well as maintenance and cleaning expenses. This will involve collaborating with Moody’s business office to assess available funds and potential funding sources.
• Microwave Selection: Research and select appropriate microwave models based on capacity, durability, and ease of use. Ensure the chosen models are safe for 24/7 use and accessible to all students. Consider models with energy-efficient features to align with sustainability efforts.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Reach out to Moody facilities and business offices to explore possible locations for microwaves and coordinate installation plans.
• Collaboration with Jeffrey Bachschmid: Work with Jeffrey Bachschmid, Primary Building Manager, to ensure the logistical feasibility of installation.
• Maintenance Protocol: Establish maintenance and cleaning protocols to keep the microwaves clean, functional, and in compliance with safety standards.
• Facilities Coordination: Schedule a meeting with relevant stakeholders, including Lizet Villagrana, who provided contacts, to further the initiative.

Issue: SLH Lab Signage 

Why: Many students and visitors at Moody College, including non-English speaking individuals, may have difficulty locating key areas such as the underground lab at SLH (Speech, Language, and Hearing). Inclusive, multilingual signage is essential to ensure everyone can easily navigate the building, regardless of language proficiency.

What: SIAC is working on creating more inclusive signage for SLH locations, with a focus on accessibility for non-English speaking students and visitors. This includes adding multilingual signs and symbols that clearly indicate directions and building sections.

Next Steps:

• Research Best Practices: Begin by researching inclusive and multilingual signage practices at other universities and institutions to gather insights into effective designs, languages, and placement strategies.
• Identify Key Areas: Collaborate with SLH staff and students to identify priority locations for signage, such as the underground lab, entrances, and main corridors.
• Engage Language Experts: Consult with language departments or hire professional translators to ensure accurate translations for the most commonly spoken languages on campus. Include universally recognized symbols for additional clarity.
• Budgeting & Approval: Develop a proposal for the creation and installation of new signage, including projected costs. Present the plan to the business office or administration to secure approval and funding.
• Collaboration with Facilities Team: Work with the campus facilities team to ensure proper placement and installation of the signage, considering high-traffic areas and accessibility needs.
• Feedback & Testing: Before finalizing the signage, seek feedback from diverse student groups, including non-English speakers, to ensure that the signs are easy to understand and effective in guiding individuals to key locations.
• Implementation: Once approved, oversee the installation of the new inclusive signs, and ensure proper communication with the Moody community regarding these updates.

• Continue Stakeholder Meetings: SIAC aims to maintain and expand stakeholder meetings throughout the spring semester, fostering collaboration and transparency with Moody College leadership. We plan on scheduling these meetings within the upcoming months. 
• Moody Department Discussion Night
  • What is Moody Department Discussion Night?
    This event is designed to foster continued engagement, transparency and collaboration between students and faculty. It's an opportunity for students to hear updates on the progress and initiatives made in each department and learn how their feedback is shaping real change. You'll gain insight into the priorities moving forward, as well as ways to contribute.
  • Why You Should Attend:
    This is a chance for students to stay informed and directly engage with college leadership. You’ll hear updates on how feedback from last year’s surveys is shaping current initiatives and have the opportunity to voice your opinions on the college's progress. Even if you’re not involved in Communication Council, attending this event keeps you connected to what’s happening in your department and across Moody. By attending, you ensure your voice remains a key part of the ongoing changes and improvements.