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Dean's Community Leadership Council

The Dean’s Community Leadership Council, formerly known as the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, occupies a unique position between CALS Leadership and the student body of the College.  Members of the Council serve as community liaisons, gathering input from their peers to keep the Dean’s Office informed of current trends and needs among undergraduate CALS students. Based on this input, the Council works with leadership to implement new programs and initiatives. The Council also ensures that all CALS Students are kept abreast of the latest news, policies, and opportunities initiated by CALS Leadership.  

“The [Dean's Community Leadership Council] is essential to the college’s goal of continuously improving the student experience at Cornell by providing an important link between the college leadership team and the most pressing issues on students’ minds. Council members meet with me on a regular basis to discuss issues that are important to students and that need to be addressed. The Council has funding to support student projects, and therefore, contributes also directly to improving student life at Cornell.”

Dean Ben Houlton

The specific goals of the Council are as follows: 

  1. Provide one-off funding for student organizations/clubs  

  2. Promote collaboration among student organizations/clubs 

  3. Build & sustain community in CALS and beyond 

Contact the Community Leadership Council

Please contact Mark Mandych (mam833) with questions or concerns regarding the SAC or suggestions for improving CALS.

We welcome student input and hope to address any concerns you might have.

Apply For Funding From the Council

The Dean's Community Leadership Council offers funding to CALS student organizations, groups or individuals looking to create or participate in trips, events, and other academically relevant pursuits pertaining to the CALS mission. To apply, simply fill out the form on this page. You will be asked to give a brief presentation to the SAC. We will then review your request in a timely fashion and submit our recommendation to the dean, who has final say in the appropriation of funds. Online funding application coming soon!