Student Advisory Board
The Weinberg College Student Advisory Board (SAB) is the primary source of student advice to the Dean of the College and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.
The SAB plays a central role in the College by:
- Helping nominate faculty and TAs for Weinberg College Outstanding Teaching awards
- Selecting Weinberg College students to serve on several vital committees
- Recommending a speaker for Weinberg College's Senior Convocation to the Dean
Each year,the International Studies program nominates an IS major or two to join the board.
SAB representatives 2023-2024
Bella Jaramillo
Senior, double major in International Studies and Political Science
Meet Bella...
*Describe your interest in the International Studies program. Why did you
declare?
I declared my international studies major freshman year at Northwestern because I wanted to learn more about the political interactions between countries on a global scale, and I thought international studies complemented my political science major very nicely since it allowed me to have a deeper look into politics. Once I started taking courses that fit within the major, I fell in love. Every class I took gave me a new perspective on the history of international relations, foreign policy, and global development. All of my professors have been so engaging, and their courses have expanded my worldview. The international studies major allowed me to explore complex international topics that have relevant impacts on global relationships today.
*If you could create an event for this department, what would it be and why would you
create it?
If I could create an event for this department, I would create a global food club. The global food club would meet once a month where students and faculty would learn how to make a dish from a different country and sit in on a brief presentation about the country's culture, current events, and more. I believe that food is such an important part of culture and community because sharing a meal can foster the transfer of ideas, the creation of interpersonal relationships, and the appreciation of someone's culture. The global food club would allow students and faculty to connect over a delicious meal and learn more about a new country. The club would be a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a new international studies experience while meeting new people and learning new things!
*What has been your favorite IS class so far?
My favorite international studies class that I've taken so far is International Studies 290 "Foreign Aid and US Foreign Policy" with Ambassador Kelly. This class was truly one of the best classes I've ever taken at Northwestern. Ambassador Kelly was a phenomenal lecturer who brought such an interesting and nuanced approach to the history of US foreign aid and foreign policy. In addition to lectures, Ambassador Kelly would bring in various speakers who ranged from other US Ambassadors, USAID officials, and more. Getting to learn from a former US ambassador and getting to hear from those currently and formerly working at the highest level within US foreign policy was an extremely rewarding experience. This class really expanded my knowledge of the historical impacts of US foreign aid and intervention and the effects they have on current US foreign policy.
Molly Van Gorp
Senior, double major in International Studies and Political Science
Meet Molly...
*Describe your interest in the International Studies program. Why did you
declare?
The International Studies (IS) program offers a unique platform to explore the humanities through contemporary, political frameworks. The program's global humanities concentration and varied gateway courses led me to declare IS as an adjunct major with political science. I wanted an opportunity to take classes that provided cultural insights into the political phenomena I was learning about in my other major. Understanding the human experience behind political shifts, conflict, and turmoil has helped me develop more informed, nuanced perspectives. Moreover, the IS advisors and program coordinators are incredibly supportive and student-focused. They were flexible with the thematic courses I used to fulfill my concentration, which I greatly appreciate.
*If you could create an event for this department, what would it be and why would you
create it?
If I could create an event for the IS department, it would be an alumni panel for students in the program or considering joining the program. This panel could help students understand the relevancy of IS in an increasingly interconnected world. When I first learned about IS, I assumed that the program had a strong foreign affairs bent. This is certainly an element of the program, but it is so much broader, and a panel could encourage students to see the far reaching applicability of an IS degree. I envision alumni discussing why they chose this major at Northwestern; how it has impacted their career trajectory; and why students should consider the major -- from both an academic and professional standpoint. I would invite alumni who work in a range of sectors -- education, academia, government, medicine, business, law, non profit, etc. -- to highlight the program's multidimensionality. The panel could occur twice a year: at the beginning of fall and spring quarter.
*What has been your favorite IS class so far?
My favorite IS class has been U.S. Foreign Policy (POLI SCI 344) with Professor Krcmaric. This class both reaffirmed my interest in political science and helped contextualize topics discussed in my global humanities classes, especially Slavic 211 20th Century Russian Literature and Slavic 261 Heart of Europe. Professor Krcmaric structured the class around controversial questions, such as: "How, if at all, should the United States allocate foreign aid?; How should the United States manage their relationship with China?; and my personal favorite, "What is the biggest threat to the United States today?" These questions generated the most interesting lectures and discussion section debates. Although this is a political science class, Professor Krcmaric also addressed key historical events over the past 50 years, which made for a much richer experience. I am so glad that U.S. Foreign Policy is a gateway class for IS, and I encourage anyone to take this class, regardless of their major or interest in politics specifically.