Student Advisory Board (SAB) Volunteer Role Description 

About SAB 

The University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums Student Advisory Board (SAB) was founded in 2020 to strengthen connections between students and the museums through meaningful student engagement. Made up of University of Iowa students from a variety of backgrounds, majors, and experiences, SAB members serve as a bridge between the student body and the Pentacrest Museums (Museum of Natural History and Old Capitol Museum), providing insight, ideas, and support to help create welcoming, relevant, and engaging museum experiences. 

SAB members work alongside museum staff to better understand student interests, needs, and perspectives while helping shape programs, events, and opportunities that connect students with museum spaces and resources. 

Role of SAB for the University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums 

SAB supports the mission of the Pentacrest Museums by helping increase student engagement, awareness, and connection with museum offerings while meeting students where they are. The Board provides valuable student perspectives that help museum staff develop programming and engagement opportunities that reflect the interests and needs of the campus community. SAB members: 

  • Provide feedback and ideas to museum staff as they develop student-focused programs, events, and engagement opportunities. 

  • Share student perspectives to help museums better understand campus interests, needs, and barriers to participation. 

  • Support existing museum programs through event assistance, attendance, tabling, outreach, and student ambassadorship. 

  • Help identify opportunities for students to connect with museum resources, collections, spaces, and communities. 

  • Collaborate with museum staff to develop new engagement ideas that support student belonging and involvement. 

  • Plan and implement an annual SAB-led program from concept development through completion. 

Role of Individual SAB Members 

Individual SAB members serve as student representatives, collaborators, and advocates for creating meaningful connections between the University of Iowa student body and the Pentacrest Museums. Members may: 

  • Participate in regular SAB meetings to brainstorm ideas, provide feedback, and discuss student engagement opportunities. 

  • Work with museum staff and other SAB members to support events and programs. 

  • Provide input on how museum spaces, programs, and resources can better serve students. 

  • Take on leadership roles within SAB based on interests and strengths, including areas such as event planning, operations, membership, budget, and project coordination. 

  • Serve as ambassadors who encourage their peers to engage with museum opportunities. 

Professional Development Opportunities 

SAB provides students with hands-on experience in museum engagement, leadership, and project development. Members gain experience that can strengthen academic, professional, and résumé goals, including: 

  • Event planning and program development 

  • Project management and collaboration 

  • Leadership and team-building skills 

  • Working with museum professionals and learning about museum careers and operations 

  • Developing and supporting student-centered engagement initiatives 

  • Understanding the behind-the-scenes work involved in creating public programs and experiences 

Community, Connection, and Perks 

SAB is more than a volunteer opportunity; it is a community of students who enjoy learning, collaborating, and creating meaningful experiences together. Members have opportunities to: 

  • Build relationships with students from across campus and a variety of academic backgrounds. 

  • Connect with museum staff and learn more about careers in museums and cultural organizations. 

  • Spend time in some of the most unique spaces on campus. 

  • Participate in SAB social activities and community-building opportunities. 

  • Gain valuable experience while having fun and contributing to the campus community. 

Programming 

Examples of some museum engagement programming supported by SAB in the past include: 

  • Homecoming Parade 

  • Spooky Night @ the Museum 

  • Trivia Night @ the Museum 

  • OnIowa events 

  • Postcards on the Pentacrest 

  • Book Club @ the Museum 

  • Silent Disco @ the Museum 

  • Wingspan (board game) in Bird Hall 

Who Can Join? 

SAB is open to currently enrolled University of Iowa students from all majors and backgrounds. Students do not need prior museum experience; we welcome students who are curious, collaborative, creative, and interested in strengthening connections between students and museum spaces. Ideal SAB members are: 

  • Interested in supporting their campus community. 

  • Excited to share ideas and student perspectives. 

  • Good collaborators and communicators. 

  • Interested in creating welcoming spaces and meaningful experiences for others. 

  • Willing to commit time and participate actively as a member of the Board. 

Time Commitment 

SAB members commit to one academic year of participation, with preference given to students who are interested in continuing beyond their first year. The expected commitment is approximately 3-5 hours per month, including: 

  • One 1.5-hour in-person SAB meeting every other week at the Museum of Natural History. 

  • Additional time as needed for SAB-supported programs, events, or projects. 

Time commitments may vary depending on member involvement. For example, supporting a larger campus event may require additional hours, while smaller programs or months with no programs may require less involvement. 

Application Process 

Students interested in joining SAB complete an application through an online form. Applications are reviewed by museum staff and current SAB members, followed by a casual interview process. Approximately 20 students are selected each year to serve on the Student Advisory Board. Apply here.