The best way to get insights on the student experience is to ask the students themselves. Through the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board (CSAB), selected student leaders engage with Chancellor Ramchand and campus staff about topics affecting our Jaguars today.
As representatives of the student body, the board chose to focus on nutrition education and campus safety for their yearlong research projects. The groups presented their findings and recommendations for improvement during their final presentations on Friday, April 19.
Nutrition education
Group members: Stephanie Santamaria Vilchis, Kayla Lemmon, Ashley Remy, Gia Liwanag and Clara Pineda
When the group was determining their topic, they asked themselves, “What’s something I wish I would’ve known my first year?” Nutrition became a popular theme. For the first time, students are now in control of when and how to eat, and this can be an overwhelming adjustment for many.
Based on survey results, first-year students found it hard to find vegetables on campus, skipped meals due to time management and were not aware of the nutrition-based programs and services IU Indianapolis currently offers.
To raise awareness about proper nutrition, address potential food insecurity and prevent student burn-out, CSAB students recommend:
- Amplifying current initiatives like the Jags EatWELL Challenge, Paws’ Pantry and Peer Health Educators.
- Providing tips and resources on nutrition at the start of a student’s college career. This could include contact points at Bridge Week and WOW or in FYS classrooms.
- Incorporating nutrition information into class syllabi, but making it more relatable to students. For example, making broccoli part of your meal will give you more energy to study.
