Policy 01:215
Students' Role and Participation in Institutional Decision-Making

Upon matriculation, students become members of the University community with a significant interest in decision-making processes. It is an obligation of students, as members of the academic community, to be informed and involved in issues affecting the greater good of the University.

Students have a special interest in matters of student life, including student discipline, housing, and academic affairs. As such, their role as active participants in University governance is assured through the Student Government Association. All full-time and part-time students are eligible for membership and have voting privileges in elections for representative seats. The three branches, (1) the Executive branch, (2) the Legislative branch, and (3) the Judicial branch provide organization to administer the affairs of the Association and conduct business for the greater welfare of the student body. The Student Government Association provides a forum for public debate of issues of general interest to students, and when appropriate, makes recommendations to the President on these matters.

The Student Government Association interacts with other constituencies of the University community as representatives of the student body. Students serve with faculty and staff as members on several University committees. The Association makes recommendations for student memberships on these committees to the Vice President for Student Affairs. In addition, the University Board of Trustees includes a student member (ex-officio, non-voting) who represents the interests of all students in matters before the Board.

Approved 5/99