With approximately 30 active student organizations at IU School of Dentistry hosting around 240 events each school year—almost one per academic day—the need for coordination is clear.
“The volume of events alone speaks to the need for a student-driven leadership board,” said Andrew Miller, assistant director of student affairs and one of the board’s advisors. “The IUSD Student Leadership Board’s focus is to create a mechanism for coordination and communication between and among IUSD student organizations.”
Dr. Sylvia Frazier-Bowers, associate dean for student affairs and admissions, emphasized the professional value of participation. “Building community, working directly, and interconnecting with team members—these skills will be transferable to real-life situations when graduates apply for loans to buy a practice, seek grants, or co-create within their communities. It embodies the unity in #OPPORTUNITY.”
Both Frazier-Bowers and Miller compare the board to a traditional student government, viewing it as a means to bolster student opportunities.
“This board serves as a central support system that fosters collaboration and aligns student activities with the school’s mission, values, and vision,” Frazier-Bowers said. “It also provides a mechanism for students to collaborate with IUSD leadership in achieving shared goals that elevate the student experience.”
The board includes elected representatives from each DDS class, serving one-year terms. This year, 17 students are participating, including two co-presidents, a vice president, treasurer, special events chair, and public relations chair.
“I am excited to serve on the Student Leadership Board because I believe it will help strengthen the sense of community at IUSD,” said third-year DDS student and Co-President Morgan Adkins. “One of the board’s most important goals this year is to bridge the gap between student organizations and the student body by supporting events and spreading the word to students, staff, and faculty.”
Fourth-year DDS student and fellow Co-President Lindsay Atwell echoed that sentiment. “I deeply care about our school community and enjoy being involved in causes that seek to improve student life,” she said. “I look forward to contributing to the growth and transformation of both the board and the overall culture and community at IUSD.”
After spending last year developing policies and gathering input, the board is launching its initiatives this fall—including plans to create a funds-disbursement program to support student groups. Operating similarly to a grant-funding entity, the board will accept applications from student organizations and award funds accordingly. Recipient groups will be able to use the funds for their operational needs and will report back to the board on how the money was used. The leadership board will disburse funds with built-in accountability—much like a traditional grant.
Board members meet monthly and host an open forum for all students at the beginning of each semester. Watch for that announcement in early January, or contact Student Leadership Board advisors Andrew Miller or Sydney Reynoso for more information.