Fostering Transparency and Dialogue: The Creation of the Student Leadership Executive Board (SLEB)
Fostering Transparency and Dialogue: The Creation of the Student Leadership Executive Board (SLEB)
During the summer of 2023, the Division of Student Affairs at VCU listened to student concerns over recent university decisions, including the closure of Chili’s, which was converted into a catering kitchen, and the closing of the pool and basketball courts at the Larrick Student Center. Students expressed frustration over the lack of conversation about these changes, prompting the Division of Student Affairs leadership to take action.
“In response to the feedback and to enhance transparency, we created the Student Leadership Executive Board (SLEB),” said Dr. James Gahagan, Associate Vice President of Transformative Student Experiences.
SLEB was designed to promote open dialogue between key student leaders and the Vice President for Student Affairs. The primary focus of each meeting is on information sharing and ensuring transparency in decision-making. Guleer Shahab, Graduate & Professional Student Representative – Board of Visitors, noted the importance of SLEB stating, “as a student leader at VCU, the connection to administration (DSA) and to other student leaders at VCU is invaluable.”
Johanna Adams, President – Student Government Association, was also involved in helping to shape the organization. Johanna shared, “I am most proud of being able to be a part of a room with individuals who share the goal of making positive changes, seeing our collective efforts translate into improvements, and seeing these ideas help our community.”
The board comprises key representatives from various student organizations, ensuring that a broad spectrum of student voices is heard. Members of SLEB include:
- Student Government Association (SGA) President
- Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) President
- Graduate Student Association President
- VCU Board of Visitors (BOV) student representatives (1 undergraduate and 1 graduate)
- VCU State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Representatives (2 annually)
- Residence Hall Association (RHA) President
- Vice President for Student Affairs
- Associate Vice President for Transformative Student Experiences (who coordinates the meetings and sets the agenda)
- Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy
A significant accomplishment of SLEB in the 2023/2024 academic year was the presentation of a plan for student referendums by the BOV student representatives. This initiative would provide students with a formal mechanism to give feedback on major university decisions. The proposal received positive feedback and is currently under administrative review for potential implementation.
Looking ahead, SLEB aims to continue fostering open communication between the Division of Student Affairs and student leaders, ensuring that students’ voices remain a central part of decision-making at VCU. Through these efforts, SLEB is committed to creating a more engaged and empowered student body.
Adams noted, “I hope we can continue to enhance our programs and initiatives, encouraging greater student involvement, and addressing issues that matter to our community.”
For more information visit the SLEB website.
Categories Annual Report Stories: 2023-24