The Mental Health Services Student Advisory Board (SAB) represents UW–Madison students by fostering dialogue with UHS Mental Health Services. SAB enhances services and initiatives by offering feedback, advocating for student needs, and educating their peers.
Duties
- Advocate for the student body by evaluating and providing feedback to improve Mental Health Services resources and services.
- Identify gaps and missing services.
- Identify and participate in outreach initiatives that promote a healthy campus community.
- Participate in staff interviews and selection processes, when available and appropriate.
- Address stigma and emerging student concerns to keep UHS connected to campus life.
- Support accessibility by addressing barriers to care, especially for marginalized and underrepresented students, and provide feedback to improve ease of use.
Composition of Board
The Mental Health Services Student Advisory Board consists of 10–15 members, selected to reflect the diversity of the UW–Madison student community. Students of all ages, majors/graduate programs, and backgrounds are welcome to join the board. Students who have previously received or are currently using UHS mental health services are also eligible and encouraged to apply.
Leadership:
SAB is led by the Outreach Coordinator, Kathy Wierzchowski, Ph.D., with the help of a Chairperson and Co-Chairs. Each year, SAB chooses a new chair/co-chairs. The SAB Chair(s) support recruitment and onboarding of new members, coordinate meeting agendas, and work alongside staff to advance the mission of Mental Health Services and the UHS strategic plan.
Eligibility:
Any student who is enrolled at UW-Madison and is in good academic standing is eligible to sit on our board. Should academic standing change during the course of the SAB term, the board member will discussion options with the Outreach Coordinator, which may include the choice to resign from the Student Advisory Board.
More Information
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Meetings & Commitment
The board meets on the first Wednesday evening of every month. Meetings may consist of providing feedback related to services, website/marketing, and engaging in any of the tasks and outlined above. Members are expected to allocate 3 hours per month to this position: 1.5 hours for scheduled board meetings and 1.5 hours for additional board duties, planning, and participating in outreach events.
Examples of events include:
- Flowers of Gratitude
- SAB Mental Health Resource Fair (every February)
- DIY Wellness Kit tablings
- Presence at signature outreach events (Resource Fair, Test Anxiety Workshop, Barbershop Talks)
- UHS Open House
- Opportunities to sit on panel discussions
Benefits to SAB Members
SAB members build leadership skills by carrying out their responsibilities and collaborating with the outreach team, UHS staff, and the broader campus community. Members also gain experience through regular meetings with UHS staff, contributing to conversations about mental health, and connecting with professional staff for mentorship, networking, and professional growth opportunities.
Recruitment and Application Process
All SAB board members must formally apply. Students must complete a general application and include a reference letter, preferably from UW Madison staff or faculty. For applicants new to the university, recommendation letters from outside of the university are also acceptable. Applications open in October each year and are reviewed by the Outreach Coordinator and members of the MHS Outreach Team. Upon review, invitations will be extended for interviews. Interviews will be completed in November and during this time, applicants will be able to meet with both MHS staff and current SAB members.
After being selected through the application process, SAB members will start their term in the spring (February) and serve through the fall semester of the next academic year (December). Appointments may be renewable dependent on satisfactory performance and student’s interest and capacity.
Questions?
For questions about SAB, please email Kathy Wierzchowski, Ph.D. If you have questions about outreach at Mental Health Services or would like to collaborate, please email Mental Health Services Outreach.