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 2024-2025
Luana Mayer
Junior, double major in International Studies and Economics
Meet Luana...
Describe your interest in the International Studies program. Why did you
declare?
The ability to build my own curriculum deeply interested me. The International Studies Adjunct Major offered me a unique space to analyze global economic systems and political structures in ways that aligned with my academic, personal, and career goals. The IS program’s combination of rigor and adaptability encouraged me to pursue these interests both in the classroom and through hands-on experiences, where I engaged with different political spheres of influence and gained a better understanding of the power dynamics behind development in the global context. I wanted a program that would integrate with my major, challenging me to explore the nuances of global interconnections and expanding my perspective on the world.
If you could create an event for this department, what would it be and why would you
create it?
I would create a Quarterly Mentorship Hub Series, designed to provide IS students career support post-graduation. Each quarter, the program would begin with a Mentor-Mentee Matching & Panel Event where key speakers and alumni willing to be mentors share insights, personal experiences, and provide tailored career advice that aligns with a quarterly theme such as "Distribution and Dynamics of Power." The event would encompass a speed networking session and students would get paired with mentors from diverse fields, regularly meeting them throughout the quarter. By connecting students with mentors who offer field-specific guidance and real-world perspectives, the program would strengthen students' preparation for success in their respective international careers!
What has been your favorite IS class so far?
My favorite International Studies class, INTL_ST_393 - Development in the Global Context: Participation, Power, and Social Change: Costa Rica, taught me a hands-on understanding of development through a mix of classroom discussions and immersive fieldwork. During this study-abroad experience working at an NGO in Costa Rica, I learned about the interconnected forces driving sustainable development, from community-led empowerment to a systems-thinking approach to strategic planning. This course strengthened my ability to translate theory into real-world impact and learn by being immersed in a different culture. After our work experiences and country-specific discussions, we joined as a cohort with Northwestern peers from Evanston and Qatar who were engaged in similar projects around the world to reflect on our learning. This enriched my perspective on global development and highlighted the crucial role of cross-cultural collaboration in tackling complex issues.
Alex Sudmann
Senior, double major in International Studies and Political Science
Meet Alex...
Describe your interest in the International Studies program. Why did you
declare?
If you could create an event for this department, what would it be and why would you
create it?
What has been your favorite IS class so far?