The fulfillment of SAA's mission is founded on Three Pillars of Action:
Advocacy
SAA aims to engender positive change in the Economics Department that will lead to Economics courses being more accessible and welcoming to students from underrepresented backgrounds. Our goals for the department include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Promoting courses that are not finance-related
- Changing course curriculum to include material about underrepresented/disadvantaged communities and the issues that affect them
- Providing more support for students with little to no background in Economics
- Promote research opportunities and learning experiences for underrepresented students
- Establishing a working relationship with the department's Diversity Committee
Community
SAA aims to build a community or network of underrepresented students who are interested in economics to ameliorate the almost universal experience of isolation in the department. We hope this newfound community will do the following:
- Establish camaraderie amongst underrepresented students interested in Economics
- Provide a network that students can use for help with courses and career decisions
- Build relationships amongst students with similar academic interests
Mentorship
SAA aims to provide mentorship opportunities to minorities and other underrepresented students interested in economics. We hope this will be a means of supplying support and resources for students who need it in the department. Please visit this page to view more about our mentorship program.
- Facilitate mentorships between professors and underrepresented students through advising and conversation
- Establish relationships between upperclassmen and underclassmen in an effort to provide major/minor and course advice and support
- Host events where advice and support is offered by faculty, alumni, and guest speakers