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Programs:

Forensics
Music
Student Publications
Theatre and Dance
International Affairs
WWU Racing
Outback Farm

DRAC’s Structure and Purpose:

The Department Related Activities Committee (DRAC) is the organizing framework for budgeting and distributing Services and Activities (S&A) fees for student programs and activities that are departmentally related.

DRAC meets each quarter to conduct business, orient/elect new members, approve program budgets, and manage reserve fund requests. Voting members are student representatives and advisors, one appointed administrator, and two at-large members from Associated Students. Students hold a majority of the voting power on DRAC.

Meeting Schedule 2024-25:

DRAC holds its general meetings on Wednesdays, 9-10 AM, via Teams. For more information on specific meeting dates, please contact Tim Fitzpatrick, DRAC Chair, at  fitzpat@wwu.edu.

Significance of DRAC programs for Students:

State law stresses the need for “the stability of programs that benefit students” and that those programs “represent diverse student interests” (RCW 28B.15.045). DRAC plays a unique role:

  • Elite-level activities, with award winning programs and national championships.
  • Diversity of activities, spanning four colleges and embodying a wide set of skills that stress distinct creative, intellectual, cognitive, and social skillsets.
  • Uniqueness of activities, with substantial variety between and within programs.
  • Expert guidance and high impact mentoring, via access to top performers and faculty.
  • Professional and personal relevance, immersing students in activities directly applicable to their desired career or future programs of study.
  • Accessibility, through inclusive participation for all students.

DRAC

The Department Related Activities Committee (DRAC) was established in the 1970s as one of four constituents represented on the Services and Activities Fee Committee. DRAC’s primary function is to develop budgets and distribute Services and Activities Fees specifically to the departmentally related student activities.

Currently seven departmental members including Forensics, Music, Theatre and Dance, Publications,  International Affairs Association, WWU Racing, and the Outback Farm make up the Department Related Activities Committee.  Each of the departments is represented by one faculty advisor and one student with voting privileges.  Additional voting members include two at-large students and a representative from Enrollment and Student Services.

Throughout the year DRAC holds 2 or 3 meeting each quarter.  Fall quarter meetings are focused on electing officers and representatives.  Updates and orientations are also on the agenda for fall quarter. Winter quarter focuses on preparing budgets and presenting departmental budgets to the committee.  Upon approval by the committee, departmental budgets are compiled for presentation to the Services and Activities Committee.  During spring quarter the DRAC budgets along with the other S&A Fee Committee member budgets are presented to the S&A Fee Committee for discussion and approval.  If reserves are available they are discussed along with any other business items.