The IDS Student Leadership Council: School of Professional Studies

The IDS Student Leadership Council

The Information Design & Strategy Student Leadership Council is a student-led organization that provides opportunities and resources to augment the IDS student experience and advocates for the student body. The IDS Student Leadership Council acts as a liaison with staff and faculty, plans events, keeps students informed on relevant topics, and curates spaces for IDS students to network and support each other. It plays a role in ensuring that IDS graduates and alumni are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry of information design.

MEMBERS FAQs conNECT

Mission Statement

The mission of the IDS Student Leadership Council is to support and enrich IDS students’ academic experience, develop personal and professional communities, and promote and protect inclusion of diverse perspectives.

Vision Statement

Graduates of the Northwestern IDS program will feel a sense of comradery with their classmates and a deep understanding of Information Design in practice.

Let's Connect

Current, former, and prospective students are invited to join our LinkedIn group, or contact us via email. Current IDS students and alumni are also encouraged to join our Facebook Group.

LINKEDIN EMAIL FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM

IDS Student Leadership Council FAQs

Where can I find more information about events and initiatives?

Information about the latest activities and events for the IDS Student Leadership Council can be found in multiple places:

Canvas “MS in Information Design and Strategy” course
SLC LinkedIn Page
Facebook Group (for current and former students)
Instagram

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to email idsstudentleadership@u.northwestern.edu.

What is the history of the IDS Student Leadership Council?

The IDS Student Leadership Council was organized for the first time in the winter quarter of 2020–21. The founding members were selected by SPS staff through an application process. Student Leadership Councils exist in other SPS graduate programs, as well.

How can I get involved in the SLC?

Council positions are a two-year commitment and anyone interested in joining the council may apply for available positions when vacancies are announced.

Nonetheless, IDS students are encouraged to play an active role the initiatives of the SLC by participating in community discussions on social media, regularly attending events, checking the Canvas platform for current information about SLC activities, and providing feedback (which can be done via email, social media, or our Canvas discussion board).

What is the application process for the SLC?

Council positions require a one-year commitment and, when a term is set to expire, the position is opened for applications. The application process consists of (1) submission of required materials and (2) an interview process for final candidates. Priority for officer positions is given to current IDS students (with the exception of an Alumni Chair, if instituted) and new officers are selected by the sitting President and Vice President of Operations.

Is the SLC a volunteer-based organization?

Yes, all SLC positions are on a volunteer basis.

What are the roles of each SLC position?

President

Act as central representative of student leadership council
Determine and communicate council strategy, priorities, and agenda
Take the lead in ensuring the continuance of the council from year-to-year, including transition planning and managing access to SLC assets
Take responsibility of other offices or necessary duties, if assigned offices are unable to fulfill their responsibilities and General Council is unable to assist

Vice President of Operations

Serve as the lead for SLC operations and project management
Support President in determining council strategy, priorities, and agenda
Co-lead the scheduling and execution of board meetings
Act as central representative of student leadership council in the absence of the President
Provide logistical assistance with board events

Events Chair

Lead and execute event logistics
Serve as lead manager of Eventbrite or registration system
Coordinate event announcements and communications with Communications Chair
Provide event recap write-ups and work with Advocacy and Analytics Chair to assess event KPI’s, as well as propose improvements or ideas for future events

Content & Communications Chair

Manage development and delivery of SLC email announcements, including but not limited to updates, initiatives, and event invitations
Coordinate with the team to build the communications calendar
Manage communications with students through all channels
Manage social media platforms, including development and publishing of social media content
Coordinate with DEI chair to develop and maintain inclusive messaging and content

Visual Communications Chair

Create digital and print assets to promote the IDS program, SLC and/or SLC events and initiatives
Coordinate with Content & Communications Chair and Events Chair to develop all visual content
Capture and collect documentation and assets related to SLC events and efforts (photographs, videos, and other media)
Support Content & Communications Chair as needed for social media publishing

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Chair

Coordinate with Content & Communications Chair & Visual Communications Chair on social media platforms and digital/print asset creation
Develop and maintain inclusive messaging and content
Coordinate with Events Chair to plan engaging and inclusive events for students
Work with Advocacy & Analytics Chair to build out student surveys to gauge interest and satisfaction/feedback
Research DEI Resources

Advocacy and Analytics Chair

Leads the collection and analysis of data in order to assess the effectiveness of SLC initiatives, as it pertains to fulfilling the SLC mission
Researches developments in the field of Information Design, in collaboration with IDS faculty and students, to propose relevant curricular changes to the SLC and IDS program
Collaborates with Events Coordinator and Communications Chair to insure that all events and communications reflect inclusivity and serve the SLC mission and student body

General Counsel

At least one of the two General Counsel members must be in attendance at all council meetings and take minutes
Assist on basic event logistics, as well as capturing assets for the board to use for communications purposes (video and photography of event attendees and panel speakers)
Assist with other council needs when other members are absent or positions are vacant; make sure there’s council presence at the open council meetings and events

Alumni Chair

Provide insight from previous experience within the program
Propose and develop effective communication process with IDS alums to notify them about events and help them stay connected with the IDS program
Assist with other council needs when other members are absent or positions are vacant; make sure there is council presence at the open council meetings and events

IDS Student Leadership Council Members

PRESIDENT

Michelle Bannerman

Michelle Bannerman graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Marketing and is pursuing a Master of Science in Information Design & Strategy with a specialization inContent Strategy in the Northwestern School of Professional Studies program. She earned her PMP in 2012 and has over 20 years of project management experience. Michelle started working in technology companies in 1998, most recently at Apple, Microsoft, and Dell, and is focusing her Capstone research on AI. When she isn't working, she enjoys the outdoors, reading, traveling, and exploring Chicago.

ADVOCACY & ANALYTICS CHAIR

Ange Yu

Ange Yu graduated from NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study with a concentration in Human Computer Interaction. She is pursuing her Master of Science in Information Design & Strategy with a specialization in Data. Her most recent role was at the Institute of Sexual and Gender Minority Health as a UX Specialist where she combined programming with design thinking. As the Advocacy and Analytics Chair, Ange aims to discover helpful insights to bring IDS students closer as a community. You can find her waving at dogs and hiking in her free time.

CONTENT & COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Ricky Phuong

Ricky Phuong graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor in Design Studies and concentrations in Business Administration and Graphic Communications. He is pursuing his Master of Science in Information Design & Strategy with a specialization in UX/UI and Content Strategy. Ricky currently works as a senior product designer for Cisco in customer experience where he designs intuitive tools and products that help customers engage with the Cisco community. As Content and Communications Chair for the IDS Student Leadership Council, he plans to engage the IDS community in discovering events and social experiences. As well as, create an environment for students to learn about everything IDS has to offer. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, playing board games, traveling, art museums, and discussing tech.

DE&I CHAIR

Victoria Gan

Victoria Gan Victoria graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and minor in Global Studies in the Arts & Humanities. At Northwestern University, she is pursuing her Master of Science in Information Design & Strategy with a specialization in UX/UI. She is passionate about understanding and advocating user needs. Currently, she also works as a Market Research Assistant at a management consulting firm. Outside of work and school, she enjoys traveling, pottery, DIY projects, and hanging out with her cat, Bailey. As DE&I Chair, she hopes to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students to thrive in.

ALUMNI CHAIR

Rachel Soeder

Rachel Soeder graduated from O’More College of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication. At Northwestern University, she completed a Masters of Science in Information Design & Strategy with a specialization in Learning Design in order to have the tools to research, understand, and teach people through strategic and impactful visuals as well as be an effective leader. For the past several years, she has been building internal creative teams while managing the creative output as a Design Director. At her current agency, she has served on the DE&I committee, where she has a passion for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment so that everyone can have a safe space to reach their potential.

GENERAL COUNSEL

Jeanette Bravo

Jeanette Bravo graduated from Arizona State University, where she studied Communication and Tourism Development & Management. At Northwestern University, she is pursuing a Master of Science in Information Design & Strategy in Information Design & Strategy with a specialization in Learning Design. Jeanette works for ENTRUST Solutions Group and serves as the Training Coordinator for 35+ offices. During her free time, Jeanette enjoys exploring Chicago, going on lakeshore walks, traveling, and spending time with her Beagle.

GENERAL COUNSEL

Lindsay Rexford

Lindsay Rexford Lindsay has a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and is an experienced Marcom and design professional with experience in the professional services and health fields. Currently, she works as a freelance communication designer while pursuing her Master of Science in Information Design & Strategy with a specialization in Learning Design. She values the roles of writing and design in supporting audience understanding. Outside work and school, she loves skiing, mountain biking, cycling, and spending time with her husband and rescue pup.

FACULTY ADVISOR

David Noffs

David Noffs has spent most of his life designing innovative learning environments. From his early work with hi-tech mobile classrooms in Australia’s rural communities to researching new educational strategies at Northwestern University, designing and teaching in transformative learning spaces has become his life’s work. As a Senior Learning Designer, Faculty Developer, and Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies, he has overseen the design of more than 200 courses across multiple disciplines and helped guide student learning designers as they explore new and emerging technologies and pedagogies. He is also the lead faculty member for the Learning Design concentration.

David is an author, researcher, and frequent presenter at National Conferences. His doctoral dissertation in Adult and Continuing Education from National Louis University is entitled Resonating Frequencies of a Virtual Learning Community: An Ethnographic Case Study of Online Faculty Development at Columbia College Chicago.