RISE Council
Ramblers for Inclusion, Safety, and Equity
Recognized by the OEC for their acquired knowledge, the RISE Council is an educated and engaged student cohort shaping an inclusive and just campus environment through transparent dialogue and exchange of insights.
Whether you are passionate about community building, social change, education, policy, or helping shape the student and employee experience, the RISE Council offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. RISE members serve as thought partners to the OEC, providing valuable feedback on programs, initiatives, communications, educational resources, and emerging campus issues.
What does the RISE Council do?
In the past, RISE Council members have:
- Engaged in interactive discussions and workshops on civil rights, equity, higher education administration, and current events with University administrators and external professionals working in related fields
- Provided feedback on OEC educational materials, outreach efforts, and print and digital communications
- Worked through hypothetical campus civil rights and compliance scenarios, exploring how university administrators respond to complex issues affecting students and employees
- Shared community perspectives on emerging issues, trends, and campus needs
- Learned about career pathways in higher education, civil rights, compliance, law, and public service
- Participated in activities that introduce legal and investigative concepts, including how attorneys analyze and "brief" cases
- Attended field trips, educational programs, and community events, including visits to local museums, universities, and exhibits related to civil rights, social justice, and public history
Council members are not responsible for investigating complaints, making decisions in University matters, or serving as representatives of the OEC. Rather, they serve in an advisory capacity and help elevate the voices and experiences of the broader campus community.
Time Commitment
The RISE Council is designed to be a meaningful yet manageable opportunity for getting involved with the OEC.
The RISE Council typically meets four times per semester for approximately two hours per meeting. Members are encouraged to attend as many meetings as their schedules allow. Students who attend at least five RISE meetings are eligible to receive a Certificate of Knowledge recognizing their participation and engagement. Participation may carry over across academic years. (For example, a student who attends three meetings during one year may earn the certificate by attending at least two additional meetings the following year.)
To support students' schedules and continued learning, the OEC also offers office hours that may be used to make up missed meetings or to further explore topics discussed by RISE.
How can I apply?
The OEC typically recruits new RISE Council members during the early fall semester. However, interested students are welcome to apply throughout the year by emailing a brief, 1-paragraph statement of interest to equity@luc.edu.
We welcome both undergraduate and graduate students from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, identities, and areas of study or work. No prior experience is required.