 |
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 is now accepting fall 2017 membership applications. The fall application deadline is September 24 at 11:59PM. Click the link below 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
2016-2017 SHAC Leadership Team
Sarah Song, President
Year: 4th year
Major: Biochemistry, Nutrition; Pre-Med
"The more time you spend working with UHS staff and administration, the easier
it becomes to see that these adults work every day, in and out, to provide the
absolute best for UT students. Moreover, they value SHAC as student leaders
that play an essential role in providing this high standard of care. Being a part
of this team has shaped my understanding of healthcare – and UHS truly has the
nicest people you might find on campus!"
Abhi Ganesh, Vice-President
Year: 3rd year
Major: Neuroscience; Ethics and Leadership in Healthcare
"Being a part of an avenue like SHAC through which students’ voices can be directly heard has shown me the legacy that I can leave behind at my university. It's truly inspiring to see how much UHS really relies on students to mold their own healthcare at UT."
Audrey Pritchard, Administrative Director
Year: 4th year
Major: Human Development and Family Sciences
"Being a part of the Student Health Advisory Committee has given me the opportunity to give back to the UT community by helping to connect the students and University Health Services. Working with the professionals at UHS is a dream come true because they teach us so much about healthcare in the college community and are the nicest people to work with."
Sahithi Kothamasu, Communications Director
Year: 4th year
Major: Neuroscience, Business Foundations
"Serving my university through the Student Health Advisory Committee has been invaluable in defining my approach to healthcare. I am lucky to work in an environment surrounded by professionals who are dedicated listening to students’ voices in order to provide the best care. What I love most is that this group is comprised of diverse individuals – and we all work with the same goal in mind, which is to increase health awareness amongst the student body."
Joel Abraham, Finance Director
Year: 3rd 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."
Katie Bloomfield, Recruitment and Membership Engagement Director
Year: 4th year
Major: Psychology
"SHAC has provided us with unparalleled opportunities to enact change at such a large university and therefore affect the health of thousands of people. This is a huge honor and responsibility. I feel extremely blessed to get to be a part of it!"
