Assessment and Strategic Analytics Committee

The Assessment and Strategic Analytics Committee advances a culture of evidence-informed decision-making throughout the Division of Student Affairs. The committee provides leadership in assessment planning, program evaluation, data analytics, institutional reporting, and strategic assessment to improve student outcomes, operational effectiveness, and organizational performance. Working collaboratively across departments, the committee supports assessment related to student learning, belonging, engagement, well-being, retention, and the Division's Strategic Plan. 

Chair:
Andrew Anbar-Shaheen, Director of Technology & Analytics

Hazing Prevention and Awareness Committee

The Hazing Prevention and Awareness Committee provides strategic leadership for the University's comprehensive hazing prevention efforts by promoting education, prevention, accountability, and community awareness. The committee ensures institutional compliance with federal and state requirements while cultivating a campus culture that values belonging, leadership, and organizational excellence without hazing. 

Chairs:
Samanatha Easby, Associate Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Sarah McHenry, Assistant Dean of Students

Professional Development and Staff Engagement Committee

The Professional Development and Staff Engagement Committee promotes a culture of learning, collaboration, wellness, recognition, appreciation, and professional growth across the Division of Student Affairs. The committee creates opportunities for staff to build relationships, develop leadership competencies, share expertise, celebrate staff accomplishments and milestones, and strengthen organizational culture through meaningful professional development and engagement initiatives. Through intentional recognition efforts, the committee supports employee engagement, morale, retention, and a culture that reflects the Division's values and commitment to student success. 

Chairs:
Mackenzie Sammis, Assistant Director, Finance, Administration and Special Projects
Amy Neal, Associate Director of Student Engagement

DSA Student Emergency Fund Committee

The Division of Student Affairs provides emergency funding to students in need. This fund was created to support students facing unexpected, immediate, and temporary personal hardship. By offering emergency funding, Student Affairs aims to help students navigate unforeseen circumstances without disrupting their lives at AU. The Emergency Fund is available to enrolled AU students, including graduate students, and is awarded on a case-by-case basis. The committee oversees the funding process – reviewing requests and making recommendations to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Vice Provost.

Chair:
Mackenzie Sammis, Assistant Director, Finance, Administration and Special Projects

Thank Clawed It’s Wednesday Committee

Thank Clawed It’s Wednesday is a weekly campus tradition designed to strengthen community, school spirit, and student belonging at American University. Through recurring programs, activities, giveaways, and opportunities for connection, the initiative creates a consistent midweek gathering point for students and brings greater energy and visibility to campus life. The Thank Clawed It’s Wednesday Committee oversees the planning, coordination, and assessment of the initiative. The committee works collaboratively with campus partners to develop an inclusive and engaging calendar of activities that reflects the interests and needs of AU’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The committee also ensures that programs are well coordinated, effectively promoted, and aligned with the university’s student engagement and belonging priorities. 

Chairs:
Amy Neal, Associate Director of Student Engagement
Sydney Avelino, Coordinator for Student Engagement and Traditions

Members:
TJ Callan, Director of Well-Being Programs and Outreach
Maurice Holmes, Coordinator for Student Support and Basic Needs
Miles Feacher, Assistant Director for Operations, & Pre-Orientation
Casey Parker, Manager, University Event Scheduling and Special Projects
Mackenzie Sammis, Assistant Director, Finance, Administration and Special Projects
Dashia Wright, Community Director
Cassandra Lamarre, Associate Director, Residential Life

Student Leadership Awards Committee

The Student Leadership Awards Committee recognizes and celebrates outstanding student leaders, organizations, advisors, and campus partners whose contributions advance the mission and values of American University. The committee oversees the nomination, selection, and recognition processes for the Division's annual student leadership awards while ensuring a fair, inclusive, and transparent review process that honors excellence in leadership, service, scholarship, belonging, and community engagement. 

Chair:
Melanie Bullock, Director, Center for Leadership & Community Engagement