Mission
The Division of Public Safety & Security (DPSS) Student Advisory Board facilitates and enhances communication between U-M students and DPSS. Student advisory board members play an important role in identifying campus safety concerns and providing feedback on ways to remedy those concerns.
How can I become a board member?
We are now accepting applications. The DPSS Student Advisory Board is looking to continue to diversify and bring as many perspectives to the conversation as possible. We accept applications on a rolling basis. Members must be in good standing with the university and be available for a minimum of one 90 minute meeting per month. Fill out this online application if you are interested in joining!
Jessie Williams, a graduate dual-degree student at the University of Michigan Law School and Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, currently serves as the DPSS Student Advisory Board Chair. Jessie aims to increase the connection between DPSS and the campus community. "By growing student understanding of DPSS' many roles and responsibilities, as well as allowing students to convey their concerns to the division, students are more aware of important topics in campus safety and the division can better address the needs of students and their families."
Jessie Williams, 2024-2025 Advisory Board Chair
Aparna, a Masters student in the College of Engineering studying Industrial and Operations Engineering, currently serves as the DPSS Student Advisory Board Vice Chair. Aparna is passionate about helping students navigate the resources DPSS offers and enjoys learning more about safety and security on campus. She also likes to volunteer at DPSS sponsored events, engaging with the U-M community.
Aparna Krishnamurthy, 2024-2025 Advisory Board Vice-Chair
Student Advisory Board Projects
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- Recruitment
- Expanded the board’s membership and diversity to include representatives from LSA Student Government, the Residence Hall Association, affinity groups like Black Student Union, and more.
- Formalization of the Board
- Designed, ordered, and issued DPSS Student Advisory Board branded apparel to foster better identification during outreach events.
- Created a Bylaws and Membership Expectations document to provide a stronger foundation for the board’s future.
- Formed more standardized methods to track SAB participation in events and meetings in conjunction with easier means of communication between board members and leadership for feedback and ideas.
- Board Participation
- Participated in nine events. These events included: Festifall, DPSS Community Engagement Unit tabling, Maize & Blue Cupboard, DPSS food drive, football, and more.
- Experienced ride alongs with police officers during their shifts.
- Met with individuals and groups such as the DPSS Community Engagement Unit, UMPD K9 Officers, Advancing Public Safety Task Force Program Manager, and 21st Century Policing Consultants to provide feedback on public safety.
- Community Outreach
- Consulted with CSG regarding various planned and implemented resolutions.
- Met with 41 student organizations on campus, including affinity groups, college-specific advisory boards, and more.
- Projects
- Created and implemented numerous projects and proposals, including, but not limited to: DPSS Branded Coffee Sleeves (ongoing), Coffee with a Cop (ongoing), DPSS SAB Branded Apparel (finished), and DPSS SAB Perpetual Outreach to Student Organizations (finished).
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- Recruitment
- Increased board membership and overall participation despite COVID-19 restrictions through Canvas discussion boards, Google Forms, and online meetings
- Gained representatives from the U-M Residence Hall Association and LSA Student Government
- Published a recruiting advertisement in the LSA Student Government newsletter in Feb 2021
- Non-DPSS Outreach and Feedback
- Provided insight to Provost Collins' Advancing Public Safety at the University of Michigan Task Force Continued participation on the Campus Climate Advisory Committee through Student Life
- DPSS Outreach and Feedback
- Met with the Special Victims Unit - learned about what they do and provided student insights and feedback
- Met with Strategic Communications - learned about what they do and provided student insights in feedback
- Provided feedback on areas of interest to cover during orientation and best engagement with different groups.
- Met with DPSS Executive Director Washington on various student focused initiatives, enhancing the feedback loop.
- Member-specific Experiences
- Members experienced the Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives (MILO) simulator with Michigan Medicine Security and Guest Service Specialists and provided feedback to incorporate into further experiences with MILO and UMPD officers.
- Learned about the overall Division through a presentation from the SAB staff advisor (Exec. Lt. Baker)
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- Offered continuous recruitment of members throughout the year
- Created a liaison membership position connected to the Residence Hall Association (RHA)
- Hosted the first ever "DPSS FiresideChat" with DPSS Executive Director Eddie Washington
- Provided feedback on UMPD uniform changes
- Brainstormed student patrol programs and student engagement
- Discussed safety on campus at the onset of the corona virus pandemic and end of school year.
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- Increased board membership to include undergraduate and graduate student representation
- Provided feedback on Version 2.0 of U-M Public Safety app
- Held a joint event with the Central Student Government Health and Wellness Commission to promote the DPSS Empowerment Self-Defense program
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- Provided feedback on DPSS Active Attacker Preparedness video and marketing materials
- Recommended safety information be distributed to U-M libraries for late night safety options and crime prevention tips
- Hosted a DPSS Diag Day recruitment event in Spring 2018
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- Provided feedback on the DPSS website redesign concepts
- Downloaded U-M public safety app prototype to test and provide feedback
- Provided feedback on DPSS social media accounts, including the request of a DPSS Facebook page
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- Collaborated with DPSS Executive Director Eddie Washington, Jr. to establish the board in April 2016
- Identified the goal of the board as bringing student voices, concerns and ideas about campus safety directly to DPSS leadership and advising on current DPSS events and initiatives
For more information contact:
Jessie Williams, Student Chair
willije@umich.edu
Aparna Krishnamurthy, Student Vice-Chair
kaparna@umich.edu
AnnMarie Vaquera, Community Outreach Sergeant
lutheram@umich.edu
