The CMB Access, Success and Engagement Task Force (ASE) was formed as a resource to advocate for CMB students, faculty, and staff. To fulfill the program’s mission, the CMB ASE Task Force will interact closely with all members of the CMB community, gather and disseminate information, collaboratively identify issues, and advise CMB leadership on programs, initiatives and solutions to address these issues.
This task force is chaired by typically one Rackham faculty ally, and 2 student allies, with additional student members (~8-10 total members). Events and initiatives are planned throughout the year and posted to the ASE page of the website, as well as the “Events” page, for publicly available events. The responsibilities of this task force will include (but are not be limited to):
1) Determining the best use of funds from the Rackham Faculty Ally Grant program, which seeks to improve the following areas of the graduate student experience: climate; retention and completion; academic and professional development; career outcomes; and alumni engagement.
2) Planning or promoting success programs, career mentoring/professional development opportunities, or other initiatives in the aforementioned areas, that would provide value to CMB students and/or faculty.
3) Encouraging community-building, belonging, and a healthy climate within the program.
4) Inviting guest speakers who can provide perspectives on various career opportunities, or working with other CMB committees to ensure they invite speakers from a variety of backgrounds, organizations and topics.
5) Updating the CMB Handbook and website with resources and information for students and faculty.
6) Reviewing ASE statements from new CMB faculty applicants, and connecting new faculty with ASE initiatives and resources.
Current Members Include:
(Last Updated May 2025)
- Faculty Ally: TBD (Formerly Ben Allen; Now overseen by CMB Director, Chad Brenner, until new Associate Director/Faculty Ally is identified)
- Student Allies: Caleb Cheng, Karena Lin
- Students: Rachel Benedeck, Jae Bucknor, Shannon McCollum, Carea Mullin, Narges Pourmandi, Rae Powers
For more information about CMB ASE Task Force events, email [email protected].