ESS Student Advisory Council
What the ESS Student Advisory Council Does
Student Advisory Council members consult with and advise the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services on topics important to Western students throughout the academic year.
They do this by
- Meeting monthly with the Vice President and ESS staff during the academic year (no meetings during summer term).
- Discussing ongoing and emerging topics of importance to Western students.
- Sharing meeting discussions with peers and groups they regularly participate in across campus, bringing any feedback back to SAC meetings for discussion.
Who are the Student Advisory Council members?
- Up to fourteen students selected from applicants across Western Washington University campus locations to serve one-year appointments.
- Selected from the application pool to represent all academic areas (majors) of the University and a diversity of student experiences from first year to graduate level.
- All currently enrolled Western students can apply to join ESS Student Advisory Council for each Academic Year.
2023-2024 ESS Student Advisory Council Members:
Karissa Benson
Hi! I'm Karissa Benson (she/her), a third-year student at WWU, majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology.
I joined the Student Advisory Council because I am passionate about creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all students. I enjoy being involved and positively influencing the groups I am a part of. I am looking forward to collaborating with my peers and making a meaningful difference in our student community!
Nikol Zarate Enriquez
Hello, my name is Nikol Zarate Enriquez (she/her). I'm a freshman and I'm planning to major in Biology with a chemistry minor.
I joined the ESS committee because I want to represent students who have opinions and want to be heard. I want to make a positive impact on campus and advocate for others.
Zach Murdzia
Hello, my name is Zach Murdzia. I am a Junior studying Biochemistry (BS) and Financial Economics (BA), with minors in Accounting and Music. I plan to apply to Medical School in the coming years and am passionate to finding more cost-effective ways to prioritize access to healthcare.
As the current President of Financial Management Association post-COVID, I witnessed firsthand the impacts lack of financial literacy had on the student body. With the help of FMA and the Paul Merriman Financial Literacy Program, I'm excited to expand these programs with the help of the ESS Councils input. College affordability and financial transparency for all students is paramount to instilling longevity in student success. In a day and age of high cost of living and education, this is a pivotal element to ensuring student success at Western Washington University. I look forward to working across the board to promote student accessibility to more resources on campus.
Christopher Rosenquist
Hi, my name is Christopher Rosenquist. I use he/him pronouns.
I’m a sophomore majoring in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Leadership Studies.
I’m hoping that ESS can serve as a springboard for student input into the school administration, to help improve all aspects of the university. I’m also a member of Westerns Model United Nations club which I’m doing for the first time, so I’m excited to travel around and participate.
Elizabeth Card
Hi! My name is Elizabeth Card (she/her) I am a junior and an American Cultural studies major and international studies minor.
I joined the ESS committee so I could be come more involved at Western and hope to bring a voice to students that have things to say.
This year I hope to become more involved in clubs such as crafting club and the girl gains club!
Aryana Merritt-Johnson
Hello! My name is Aryana Merritt-Johnson (she/they) a 5th year major in Molecular Cellular Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience, and minor in Spanish.
I joined the ESS committee to help increase equitable access, magnify the voices of underrepresented students, and become more engaged with the Western community as a whole.
I am also a Student Ambassador for the Biology Department and the Behavioral Neuroscience program, and a part of the archery club!
2023-2024 Council Members not pictured
Frozan Sadat, Hana Amanuel, Louise Carter, Dibora Markos, Celeste Gould, Sophie Snyder, Nikol Zarate Enriquez
Why you should consider applying to join
- To help improve Western’s student-life experience outside of the classroom.
- Gain experience serving on a volunteer advisory group.
- Looks great on a resume.
- Build skills representing issues and topics across groups.
- Gain greater understanding of campus decision making and administrative processes.
- In person meetings (when possible) include food!
- Great networking with peers and Western professionals.
If this sounds like something you are interested in
