The Student Technology Council (STC) is now accepting applications for the upcoming academic year.
The STC is a student-led organization on campus that provides input on IT initiatives. The group is seeking applicants with knowledge and enthusiasm for strategic planning of technologies on campus. Applications are open until April 17 for new student members for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The STC is looking to add up to 20 members to the council. Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply. Members will receive a service stipend between $150 and $500 at the end of a successful term, depending on their role within the council.
Applying for membership to the STC is simple. Visit the STC website to apply — no tech background necessary.‘Unique opportunity’
Kimberly Brown has enjoyed serving as a lead member of the STC “because it provides me with the opportunity to get a first-hand look at how the University plans and evaluates various information technology services provided to students,” she said.
“Students should apply for the Student Technology Council because it provides a unique opportunity to connect with their community and advocate for students’ technology needs,” Brown said. “We are able to discuss various technology services, like Canvas and Microsoft 365, with the IT campus representatives who choose the software.”
STC wraps up inaugural year
Thao Nghi Tu, Learning Technologies Administrator with ITS Educational Technologies and a staff adviser to the council, was excited to get involved with the STC when it formed a year ago. She was a member of the former Student Technical Advisory Board, a predecessor organization.
“Many of us don’t work as closely with students so the STC provides a unique opportunity to connect and engage with them,” Tu said. “Not only does it allow us to discuss what resources are available to them, but we get to hear what matters to students around the services we provide.”
She loves “the energy and enthusiasm students bring,” she said.
Calvin Groves is another STC staff adviser and ITS Director of Customer Support & Outreach. “This year was the inaugural year for the Student Technology Council,” he said. “It was great to see the group come together and set a vision for what the STC can be for campus. Lots of great work was done, and I’m excited to see it grow next year!”
STC goals
- Provide feedback on the development and implementation of IT products, services and tools.
- Offer a student perspective on the future of technology at the University. The council can make suggestions and influence IT initiatives, but it does not have decision-making power.
- Communicate and engage with students at large about IT discussions, decisions and updates. The form of this outreach will be determined by the student members of the STC.
Provide feedback on IT tools and services
STC members work on various projects to serve the UNC-Chapel Hill community, from providing feedback on the implementation of IT services across campus to accelerating web accessibility. Meetings are held monthly on Fridays, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Members discuss what technology should look like on campus and how IT projects could impact campus operations.
The STC, Brown said, frequently holds tech talks to learn more about technology on campus. In a recent tech talk, J. Michael Barker, Ph.D., who is Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, discussed upcoming technology projects. In another, ITS Educational Technologies shared how accessible classrooms help students perform better in their classes.
In addition, Brown said, there are “many opportunities for students to bring their own concerns to the group and to connect with the University decision-makers.”
Develop valuable professional skills
Students from all backgrounds should apply, said Tu, of ITS Educational Technologies. “Their different perspectives and interests will drive what we discuss and potentially make meaningful change around some of the IT services that directly impact them,” she said.
Phil Young, another STC staff adviser and ITS ResNET Director, encourages students who are interested in the decision-making process behind IT to apply for the council. “If you are interested in how technology decisions are made on campus and want to have an impact on them, then this is a good opportunity,” he said. “As a bonus, it’s a low-pressure chance to work on communication within a group and build some other valuable skills that could help you in your career.”