Student Advisory Board for Instructional Technology (SABIT)

SABIT advises on funding decisions for instructional technology, giving students a direct voice in how the university invests in the tools they use.

The board comprises students, the ASUA President, the GPSC President, and Administrative and Faculty Advisors. One term of service is one fall–spring cycle, and each student is expected to serve two full terms. The board holds meetings twice a semester, and each student member receives compensation for full participation.

Advising duties include monitoring current technology usage, planning for future instructional technologies, and advising on funding initiatives.

Role and Responsibilities of the Student Voting Members

Student Voting Members represent all students of the University of Arizona, regardless of a member's constituency. They maintain an unbiased approach to all deliberations and decisions, including freedom from actual and potential conflicts of interest.

The board's primary responsibility is advising on the use of funding for instructional technology, including:

• Evaluating funding applications
• Discussing modifications or cessation of currently funded applications
• Ensuring effective leadership for its governance
• Maintaining board membership for ongoing operations

Time Commitment & Compensation

Each member commits 8 hours total per academic year:

• Meetings – 4 hours: Four 1-hour meetings, two each in the fall and spring semesters
• Preparation – 4 hours: Reviewing new technologies and preparing ahead of each meeting

Each voting student board member receives $500 per year, issued in two installments of $250. Each installment is transferred at the end of the fall and spring semester, provided the member has completed all required tasks.

Applying & Selection

Applications

Applications open at the beginning of the academic year and must be submitted by the stated deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, and no material submitted after the deadline will be considered. The board may follow up with an applicant for clarification, but is not required to.

Selection of the Board

New members are selected by the current board's Voting Members and Advisors Ex-Officio.

• ASUA and GPSC seats: The ASUA President nominates one member from ASUA; the GPSC President does the same for GPSC. Both nominations go to the AVP for Digital Learning for final appointment.
• Undergraduate and graduate seats: The current board reviews applications and interviews candidates, then submits nominations for approval. Nominations may be approved or rejected in whole or in part.

Nominees are put forward in good faith that they will honorably fulfill the duties of the role. When a seat needs to be filled outside the normal cycle, applicants from the previous year are considered first.

Serving on the Board

Terms of Membership

Voting members serve two-year terms (one fall–spring cycle each).

• The ASUA President and GPSC President hold permanent seats tied to their office.
• Faculty and Administrative Advisors hold permanent seats tied to their position, ending only when they leave that role.

Meetings

The board meets twice a semester to address board business. Date, time, location, and agenda are determined by the board and publicized at least ten business days before the first meeting.

Vacancies

If a member can't complete their term, their originating group — ASUA, GPSC, or the student body — appoints a replacement to serve out the remainder of the term, following the same selection process as new appointments.

Substitute or Proxy

If a voting member can't attend a meeting, they may appoint a peer voting member to cast their vote on their behalf. The substitute should also relay meeting updates back to the absent member.

Board Authority

Final authority over the use of funding and the actions of the board — and final responsibility for safeguarding the board's integrity and transparency — rests with the Associate Vice Provost, Digital Learning and Online Initiatives. All such decisions are final.

Composition of the Board

The board comprises members in three groups:

Student Voting Members

• 4 undergraduate students
• 4 graduate students
• 1 ASUA senator
• 1 GPSC representative

Advisors Ex-Officio

• ASUA President
• GPSC President

Advisors

• Faculty Advisors
• Administrative Advisors (UCATT)

In making recommendations for board appointments, the ASUA and GPSC Presidents and the board's Voting Members should strive for nominations that represent diverse student interests.

The Advisors' Ex‐Officio Role

It is the responsibility of the Advisors Ex-Officio to support the board by sharing their perspectives as elected representatives of the student body. This support builds collaboration and allows the board to run successfully, drawing on the Advisors Ex-Officio's experience, specialized knowledge, and expertise. The Advisors Ex-Officio are well-positioned to help the board meet its directives while understanding the needs of the campus community.

The Administrative and Faculty Advisors' Role

It is the responsibility of the Administrative Advisors to advise the board on the costs of using and supporting technology for online instruction, guide the board on proper steps for funding allocation, and offer a faculty and staff perspective on daily operations supporting technology across the university community.