If you are a member of a college community then there are a few governing bodies through which your daily systems operate. There is first the primary administrative body of which a number of roles are usually universal from campus-to-campus such as the President and the Athletic Director. Then there are sub-committees responsible for certain campus projects or weaknesses that the campus may feel the need to address, which are typically comprised of faculty members qualified to lead such groups. After faculty such as professors, research teams, and research assistants, the head student group is called the Student Government Association (SGA). The role of a respective SGA is often an ambiguous one on most campuses, but knowing exactly what it is that they do can help push for favorable reform at your college.
The primary role of any given Student Government is to act as a liaison, representing the best interest of the student body through direct communication with high-level administration. This communication is typically conducted through a number of different types of media. For example, most schools host forums where students have the opportunity to voice their concerns to the SGA. There are also online forms that can be filled out and submitted to Student Government emails through college (.edu) websites. From there, the SGA takes the much-appreciated feedback from the student body into meetings to decide the best course of action for the respective issues. Action can be taken in the form of funding requests, committee outreach, or direct administrative contact for more pressing issues. The most common issues come in the form of student life and social issues, curriculum reform, and community outreach.
Duties by Role:
President
The President of the SGA is responsible for planning and overseeing meetings, however often. They are also the primary line of communication from the students to high-level administration that have the power to make swift campus reform. The President also serves as a figurehead by making appearances at community events, administrative meetings, and other various campus events. This is the face of the student body.
Vice-President
The Vice President works directly under/with the President in order to make their roles more efficient. If the President cannot serve his/her duties for whatever reason then the Vice President oversees meetings or makes professional appearances. Think of them as simply an extension of the President.
Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for all of the 'dirty work' associated with keeping a Student Government, and are an invaluable asset to the executive staff. They keep meeting minutes, file arduous paperwork for funding requests and the like, and contribute to executive discussions concerning campus decision-making.
Treasurer
The Treasurer is often the most handsome and highly qualified individual on the executive staff, and his insightful wisdom comes unparalleled. I'm clearly the Treasurer for my college's SGA. Realistically, I work to both bolster and allocate the resources of the SGA. I also provide insight concerning institutional projects and events in order to maximize the educational and social experience at my school. In other words I'm super important, let's not lose that fact.
Class Presidents
The duties of class Presidents are similar to the those of the student-body President, but their allegiance lies primarily in the best interest of their respective class.
Senators
Senators, or Senators at-large, are individuals whose value comes in their ability to have a flexible schedule and to be good communicators. They sit-in on administrative and committee meetings as well as community events. They help to make sure the SGA is fully educated and aware of all the events going on in the community.
As a member of a collegiate Student Government, I greatly appreciate it when people voice their opinion concerning school issues. When the members of a college community take a stand to show pride in their school it can make more of a difference than one might anticipate. I encourage those out there that are leaders of the community or social groups to get in contact with Student Government representatives. If nothing else, it is a great opportunity to network with some of the world's future leaders.
