Jessica Owens

2018-19 Chair
SI/EXCEL Program Coordinator, Academic Development

Education

Jessica has a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree in Writing from Taylor University and a master of arts (M.A.) degree in Higher Education and Teaching from Geneva College.

I am completing my 10^th year at CMU.

I oversee the Supplemental Instruction (SI) and EXCEL Collaborative Learning Group Programs at Carnegie Mellon University. SI and EXCEL are academic enrichment programs offered for traditionally difficult courses. I recruit, train, and supervise highly qualified undergraduate students to facilitate collaborative learning sessions for their peers. Their sessions are designed to supplement – not replace – class lectures and recitations. Students who attend learn to integrate how to learn with what to learn in an interactive, collaborative learning environment.

I have served on Staff Council for 7 years because I’m passionate about seeking ways to better our community and I enjoy meeting more people across campus. During that time I have served as the Benefits Committee Chair/Co-Chair for 4 years, I was elected into the Vice Chair role last year, and I am the current Chair of Staff Council. Through those various positions, I have had the privilege of being able to advocate for crucial staff issues such as parental leave, staff representation and development, and shared governance. During the next term, I would like to continue to help Staff Council to maintain our current momentum for many of these issue and look for more opportunities for staff to get involved and have a voice.

Favorite quote: “Find the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet."

If I could possess a super power:  Flight