About SHAC
Mission Statement
Why Choose SHAC?
Get Involved
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Current Member Resources
2015-2016 SHAC Leadership Team
The Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) provides an essential link between University Health Services (UHS) and the UT student body. SHAC represents the student body in relaying student health concerns to UHS, helps to promote UHS services and initiatives, and participates actively in UHS-sponsored events.
SHAC membership meets twice weekly: general body meeting on Thursday 5-6PM and subcommittee meeting TBD. We work on student-led projects, plan campus-wide events, and hear from university guest speakers and provide feedback to UHS on a variety of health-related initiatives. SHAC offers members an opportunity to engage in a range of leadership and volunteer opportunities throughout each semester.
SHAC is made up of members selected through an application and interview process. The diverse membership includes undergraduate and graduate students, international students, and students from a variety of backgrounds, interests and majors.
To serve as a liaison between the student body and the University Health Services (UHS) administration by representing student health concerns and by promoting health on campus.
SHAC acts as a student organization for individuals interested in promoting health-related issues and gaining leadership skills in order to represent all groups of the student body and voice student concerns to UHS staff and administrators.
As a member of the Student Health Advisory Committee, you will have the opportunity to:
Member Testimonials
"Being a part of SHAC for the last 3 years has really shaped my college experience for the better. Not only have I gotten first-hand knowledge of how UHS works by volunteering at events, but I have also had the chance to make a real impact on campus by serving as the student voice of UHS." -Maria Alvarenga, President 2014-2015
"Student Health Advisory gives students the unique opportunity to provide feedback directly to the professionals who work at University Health Services. It's exciting to have UHS's public health professionals come to our meetings and ask for input about various topics in order to improve student health." -Anita Vasudevan, 4th year member
"As a graduate student, SHAC has connected me to the larger UT student community and inspired me to give back to my UT community to increase student health and wellness." -Casey Walsh, 1st year member
Accomplishments
SHAC is involved in a wide range of activities, including:
SHAC recruits new members each semester. Check back soon for more information on how to apply.
When does SHAC meet?
What happens at SHAC weekly meetings?
What happens at subcommittee weekly meetings?
Our subcommittees are led by our SHAC Leadership Team:
Are there point requirements?
What type of volunteering opportunities are offered?
Get Involved
Frequently Asked Questions
Our mandatory meetings are twice a week. General Body meeting with all SHAC members is on Thursday evenings 5:00-6:00 PM. Subcommittee meetings are separate one hour meetings that are led by the SHAC leadership teams on a weekly basis.
Meetings are where we brainstorm ideas for student-led initiatives and put plans in place to execute those initiatives. We regularly have workshops, speakers, and opportunitites for education and professional development. We also socialize, eat food together, and have fun!
We break into groups and work on different health initiatives or health focuses on campus. You have the opportunity to preference your subcommittee at the first SHAC weekly meeting.
Yes, members must complete a set number of hours of volunteer work related to UHS and SHAC programs and events.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities including tabling for outreach and recruitment and staffing events put on by SHAC for the campus community. These include:
Contact SHAC
2017-2018 SHAC Leadership Team
Connie Zhao, President
Year: 4th year
Major: Biomedical Engineer
"Serving my university through the Student Health Advisory Committee has allowed me to work closely with so many ambitious and caring students and UHS staff. Throughout my time with UHS, I've experienced first-hand how SHAC is valued as student leaders and voices. My college experience would never be the same without SHAC!"
Emily Zhang, Vice-President
Year: 3rd year
Major: Public Health
"Being one of the few Student Health Advisory Committees across the nation, it goes to show how much our UHS staff place value on student input and feedback about health on campus. Through SHAC, I have met other students who are passionate about promoting health services on campus. Together, we are able to meet and work with the UHS staff members to implement new initiatives on campus!"
Xena Nam, Administrative Director
Year: 3rd year
Major: Public Health Honors and Chemistry
"Being part of SHAC has given me opportunities to make a tangible difference in the UT community by directly relaying student health concerns to UHS. It is amazing to see SHAC and the Senior Administrative Staff work in tandem to push for flu vaccines, STI testing, and healthier lifestyles for a healthier student body. I am so proud to be a part of this network of such hardworking and talented people who genuinely care and dedicate themselves to better serve our students."
Ryan Keyho, Financial Director
Year: 4th year
Major: Public Health
"SHAC has given me, and many others, the opportunity to play a pivotal role regarding the health of the UT Austin community. It is immensely gratifying to see that the public health initiatives and work that SHAC does will leave a long lasting impact on the university for years to come."
Yasmin Mohamoud, Communications Director
Year: 3rd year
Major: Human Development and Family Sciences
"The Student Health Advisory Committee has been an integral part of my time here at UT. It is a gratifying experience to be able to help address the health concerns of UT's diverse student population directly to UHS through SHAC. I have learned so much and met amazing people through SHAC. I am excited to carry these moments with me throughout my future endeavors."
Kristen Luu, Recruitment and Membership Engagement Director
Year: 3rd year
Major: Biology
"The Student Health Advisory Committee has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to communicate with University Health Services at the University of Texas. As the Recruitment and Membership Engagement Director, I am able to bring to SHAC dedicated liaisons who truly understand the health concerns of the diverse UT student body. SHAC will forever be remembered as the organization that helped me expand on my passions for health care."
Joel Abraham, Officer Liasion
Year: 4th year
Major: Nutrition and Public Health
"SHAC has given me opportunities to work with a lesser known aspect of healthcare, which is education. Educating the students across UT Austin about the services UHS holds and how UHS is there for each and every student's diverse needs has opened my eyes to the public health world and the importance of health promotion."
Glaiza Mae Docor, Officer Liasion
Year: 3rd year
Major: Human Biology
"SHAC has given me the opportunity to work with some of the most inspiring and passionate people I've ever met in my life. It's been such a great experience to not only make a difference in healthcare on campus, but also serve with such an amazing team. Being part of SHAC has really helped me feel like I'm part of something bigger than myself."
