The Department of Atmospheric Sciences Student Organization (DASSO) consists of five elected graduate students within the Department of Atmospheric Sciences who serve as officers for one academic year with the primary goal of bringing students and faculty together to improve all aspects of the graduate student experience. To this end, we organize social events, participate in faculty meetings, give input concerning graduate affairs, and select a students' choice seminar speaker every semester. Read our Constitution and Bylaws for more details about DASSO procedures.
Some of the events DASSO coordinates throughout the year include a Fall BBQ, monthly payday lunches, a department picnic each semester, and a Holiday party in December - check out our recent events here!
DASSO also works closely with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to help further the Department Strategic Plan which seeks to “foster the value of a diverse and inclusive academic department by increasing underrepresented groups within our student body and faculty.” In particular, DASSO worked with faculty to create our Graduate Ambassador program which acts as a resource for prospective graduate students.
We also maintain a list of resources for current graduate students: check it out here!
Follow us on Twitter: @DASSO_UIUC
2022-2023 DASSO Officers:
- President: Melinda Berman
- Oversees and coordinates all DASSO activities
- Leads board meetings
- Manages responsibilities of board members
- Maintains DASSO materials
- Vice President: Mckenzie Peters
- Coordinates new student mentoring program
- Serves as DASSO representative at faculty meetings
- Treasurer: Sam Frederick
- Collects and manages student dues and DASSO finances
- Assists coordinating social events
- Secretary: Joseph Nied
- Maintains DASSO materials
- Maintains DASSO website and email
- Assists coordinating social events
- DEI Liaison: TBD
- Coordinates international buddy program
- Organizes international-focused events
- Assists coordinating social events
- New Student Liaison: TBD
- Reports and manages new students’ concerns to DASSO board
- Help new students' transition to graduate school
- Assists coordinating social events