Bryn Mawr College is taking steps towards deepening collaboration between students and administration with the launch of the Presidential Student Advisory Council, a pilot initiative designed to create a direct channel for student input to the Office of the President.
The new Council is envisioned as both a listening post and a think tank, which encourages students to share candid insights, raise concerns, and engage in prudent brainstorming with President Wendy Cadge and senior leadership. The initiative presents students with the ability to have a direct impact on the state of the college as it enters its next chapter.
“This is an investment in shared governance,” President Cadge explained, “tasking a representative group of students with offering perspectives on critical issues like strategic planning, resource allocation, and the overall campus climate.”
The Council consists of 10-12 undergraduates and 3-4 graduate or post-baccalaureate students, chosen to reflect a wide spectrum of academic interests, social identities, and campus experiences. For each Council meeting, invitations are extended to the Dean of the Undergraduate College, the President of the SGA, and the Presidential Fellow. Together, they serve on an advisory board that meets for an hour each month. Discussions will be guided by the president’s agenda and the priorities and questions deemed important by the Student Council.
Member of the Presidential Student Advisory Council, Gabriela Pabon ’29, shared that she feels being new to the college will give her a unique perspective. “I feel like I’m coming at this a bit differently than people who have been students for years…Rather than coming in with any preconceptions, I’m mostly here to discover what the college needs from me and my class and how I can help serve its mission in the years going forward.”
This difference in perspectives is one of the Council’s focuses. President Cadge stated, “The Council’s initial impact will be ensuring that presidential decisions are grounded in the lived realities of our diverse community.”
Other members of the Council declined to respond to a request for comment on their participation.
In addition to discussing issues raised by administration and members of the Council’s own experiences, Council participants may also be asked to gather informal feedback from peers. Using the information provided by the Bryn Mawr College community, members will assist in designing student-focused initiatives, expanding collaboration beyond the meeting room.
