Liberal arts education is at the heart of the University of Denver.
Student Advisory Council (SAC)
What is the purpose of AHSS-SAC?
The purpose of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Student Advisory Council is:
To facilitate communication and relationships between Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences students and faculty through event programming and professional events;
To foster increased awareness and visibility of the AHSS identity;
To develop a student voice in AHSS event programming;
To be actively engaged in improving AHSS student spirit and university school spirit as a collective whole.
Events
Thank you to those of you who joined us at the first SAC sponsored event of fall quarter! The AHSS Special Q&A Session with David Sanger, chief White House Correspondent for TheNew York Times on Thursday, September 20, was a success!
Dean McCall is still providing complimentary copies of Mr. Sanger's latest book Confront and Conceal. Visit the dean's office in Sturm Hall, room 457, to pick up your copy. Stay tuned for invitations to book club discussions about the book.
Stay tuned for invitations to AHSS salons for students, a new event series we are launching in fall 2012.
On behalf of AHSS students, SAC asked Dean McCall to hold office hours for students. We encourage you to use her office hours to introduce yourself and voice your questions or concerns about liberal arts education at DU.
Remaining Fall 2012 office hours:
Wednesday, October 17th, 10am-12pm
Tuesday, November 13th, 2:30-4:30pm
Wednesday, November 21st, 10am-12pm
Tuesday, December 11th, 2:30-4:30pm
Wednesday, December 19th, 10am – 12pm
Press
AHSS Student Senator Zach Gonzales was recently on the cover of the New York Times for his role in the first Presidential debate. Check out the article here.
Meet the AHSS-SAC Officers
Craig Hirokawa, President
Year: Fourth Majors: Political Science and International Studies Hometown: Parker, CO Why SAC: Before SAC, I was involved with the Dean's Office through my Social Science Senator position in the Undergraduate Student Government. Even though my term had ended, I still wanted to be a part of building the academic community of AHSS, and SAC offered the best way of doing that. What I enjoy about being in AHSS: Being AHSS is more than an academic unit; it's a way of life. AHSS challenges you to think critically, to solve problems creatively and to actively engage in your surroundings. Plus, it's broad enough so that there is always something new to learn.
Merrill Pierce, VP of Alumni Relations
Year: Fourth Majors: Communication Studies and French Hometown: Salem, MA Why SAC: I decided to become part of SAC because I wanted to contribute to the effort to enhance what a liberal arts education means at DU. It is important for me to dedicate my efforts toward a more cohesive collective of departments that is AHSS. What I enjoy about being in AHSS: For me, being part of AHSS is being part of a group of people who are engaged, eager to promote all of the wonderful things AHSS has to offer students and who want to make a positive change for AHSS.
Vanessa Teck, VP of Communication and Social Media
Year: Fourth Majors: Intercultural Communications and Digital Media Studies Hometown: Denver, CO Why SAC: I am passionate about community engagement, addressing issues of social justice and furthering inclusive excellence. It is because of this that I continue to seek ways to be involved in my community. What I enjoy about being in AHSS: Being a student in AHSS has given me the tools to help facilitate social change, whether it's working across various fields or getting involved with programs and organizations based within AHSS. I hope to communicate all the great things that AHSS has to offer to its students and the campus community through my position! It is a fantastic school to expand ones' mind- so many topics lie within AHSS that it soon becomes more of a journey in learning.
Zac Stevens, VP of Finance
Year: Third Major: Political Science Minor: Business Hometown: Denver, CO Why SAC: I decided to join SAC because I wanted to have a voice within AHSS. I saw SAC being the perfect opportunity to connect both with AHSS and the students. I see this position as being the liaison between AHSS and the students which is extremely important in having a unified school. What I enjoy about being in AHSS: Being a part of AHSS is very important to me as a student and also as a future employee and responsible citizen. AHSS gives me a well-rounded background and education to tackle the world after I receive my diploma. AHSS uses its big supply of resources to give students the most well-rounded, strong education and I am very proud to be a member.
Leslie Moorman, VP of Programming and Events
Year: Fourth Major: Art History Minors: Chemistry, International Studies, German and Music Hometown: Ames, IA Why SAC: In joining SAC, it was important to me to continue to improve the academic environment and excellence of study in AHSS. My goal in AHSS programming is exploring connections between departments and a renewed focus on current events and the works of contemporary. Creating a diverse, supporting and engaging environment for students through the arts and other events will hopefully bring better cohesion to AHSS. What I enjoy about being in AHSS: Being a part of SAC is my commitment to academics at DU, my fellow students and the betterment of AHSS for the long term.
Zach Gonzales, AHSS Student Senator
Year: Fourth Majors: Economics and Math with a concentration in finance Minor: Philosophy Hometown: Pueblo, Colorado Why SAC: I sincerely enjoy talking with my fellow students about the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. My career within AHSS has been filled with a variety of enriching experiences, and I hope that I can help other students towards this end. I also have a passion for planning and holding events that bring people together in social and scholastic ways, and hope to use SAC as a platform for doing this effectively. What I enjoy about being in AHSS: The Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are an integral part, even a keystone, of students' overall education. Classes within AHSS foster pursuit of knowledge for knowledge's sake, and that is a key to lifelong learning and betterment.
Leo Kaufman, AHSS Student Senator
Year: Second Major: Music - Vocal Performance Hometown: Houston, Texas Why SAC: I wanted to be part of SAC to interact with people who also want to promote the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Being a part of SAC will let us spread the word about the identity of AHSS. What I enjoy about being in AHSS: There are many things that I enjoy about being a part of AHSS, among these are a community of people who share the same interests as me, a group of people I can grow with in the future, and fellow friends that will participate in challenging endeavors with.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding the AHSS Student Advisory Council, please do not hesitate to contact SAC President Craig Hirokawa. We would love to hear from you!
SAC Officer Meetings
All students are welcome to attend SAC officer meetings. In fall 2012, they occur every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Sturm 457.