Study Abroad Returnee Advisory Committee (SARAC) Application
The Study Abroad Returnee Advisory Committee (SARAC) is a unique opportunity for study abroad returnees to share their experiences and feedback with the Office of International Affairs (OIA) study abroad team. SARAC serves as the student advisory body to the study abroad team and brings student perspectives to study abroad decision making.
Through monthly meetings, SARAC members will have a chance to represent the study abroad student body and voice their thoughts, ideas, and the current needs of students to OIA staff. The committee will be comprised of up to 10 members who will have shown leadership in study abroad and continue to be dedicated to cross-cultural learning at home and abroad.
SARAC Mission
To strengthen the voice of the study abroad student body by facilitating communication between the students and staff
To empower study abroad returnees to be campus and global leaders
To encourage service among study abroad returnees and
To promote accessibility within the university
Why join the SARAC?
Joining SARAC will enable students to develop and strengthen leadership skills, connect with students and staff about issues they are concerned about, and assist fellow students with having their voice heard.
Becoming a SARAC member will allow students to:
Become a group of active students that network with study abroad professionals
Contribute to decision-making within the UC Merced Study Abroad team
Have a greater understanding of UC Merced processes and systems
Have their voice heard
Act as conduits between students and UC Merced staff
In addition, SARAC members will receive free registration to the Lessons from Abroad Conference on Saturday, October 21 at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA.
SARAC Topics of Discussion:
Diversity & multiculturalism in study abroad
Study abroad and accessibility
Pre-Departure preparation & returnee support
Marketing & outreach initiatives
SARAC Member Commitment
Selected members will serve for a minimum of one semester and are required to attend monthly meetings. Students selected for membership will be notified of all meeting dates and times before they confirm their appointment. SARAC will meet at least three times in fall 2017.
SARAC members will also be required to participate in the Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, October 3, 2017.
SARAC Application Process
The SARAC application cycle will run from Monday, August 28 through Sunday, September 10, 2017. Students will be required to submit their current resume as part of the application.
Member selection decisions will be emailed by Friday, September 15. Students that are selected for the SARAC will need to confirm their appointment (including meeting dates) by Friday, September 22.
*For questions about SARAC or for possible discussion topics, please contact Jennifer Heinrich at jheinrich@ucmerced.edu.
