Why is SG Important?

Why Student Government Matters

A Stronger Student Government Helps Your Entire Institution

A strong, effective, efficient, and competent student voice is critical to the overall health of any higher-education institution. That’s why ASGA supports the continual and intentional development of Student Governments at education institutions across America.

ASGA’s Position

What Every Student Government Deserves

• 1
  Institutionalized and Indispensable

  All education institutions — no matter the size, state, or type — should have and fully support student-governance organizations with leaders popularly elected by a majority of the student body. Administrators and trustees should recognize these groups as the official student voice, and SG leaders should be included in nearly all decisions governing the operation of the institution.

• 2
  Embedded in Institutional Mission

  Colleges and universities must consider SGs to be indispensable, critical parts of the higher-education experience — and should include student governance in their mission statements.

• 3
  Autonomous and Independent

  Student Governments should operate as independently and autonomously as possible. They must have the right to succeed or fail on their own, without fear of reprisal by administrators — except in cases of fraud, embezzlement, or other illegal activity.

• 4
  Fiscally Autonomous

  SG budgets should be based on a portion of student fees generated by tuition revenues — growing or shrinking only with enrollment, never by administrative decree or whim. Ideally, SG would also disburse funds to recognized student organizations as one of their delegated responsibilities.

• 5
  Served by Committed, Competent Advisors

  Student Governments should be able to choose their own advisors and should expect those advisors to be committed and competent. An advisor’s role is one of helper, teacher, and information resource — not dictator.

• 6
  Provided With Quality Office Space

  Student Governments should be provided with spacious, convenient, and clean on-campus office space — preferably located in a major student thoroughfare where they are visible and accessible to the students they serve.

• 7
  Represented on Governing Committees

  Student Governments should have a student representative and vote on campuswide governing and academic committees — including the institution’s board of trustees, regents, or visitors.