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The ASGA Minute

The ASGA Minute

By Butch Oxendine

Join the American Student Government Association's Butch Oxendine, founder and executive director, for news and analysis from the world of college and university student governments across the United States and more!

ASGA regularly offers a new 2-3 minute podcast that you can stream or download.

In the show notes, we'll include links to everything we talk about in the episodes.

Music by Leah Oxendine Miller (soundcloud.com/leahoxendine)
Intro voice over by Eli Harris (https://www.fiverr.com/ehvocal)
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Currently playing episode

Should your SG have a mid-year "confidence/no confidence" vote? (Episode 19: Season 1)

The ASGA MinuteNov 30, 2021

00:00
02:35
What should your SG fund from student fees? (Episode 1: Season 3

What should your SG fund from student fees? (Episode 1: Season 3

If your SG has authority to fund clubs and organizations out of student fees, you should have clear guidelines on what can and can't be funded.


Arizona State University/Tempe's USG has one of the best guidelines for "prohibited expenses": https://www.asuusg.com/funding-rules


PROHIBITED EXPENSES

There are many categories of expenses which the University specifically prohibits USG from funding. These include:

  1. Prepayments: A prepayment is payment for goods and services before receiving the goods and services. Generally, prepayments are prohibited by state statute. Exceptions can be made, but payment should be made as close to their actual begin date as reasonably possible.

  2. Travel costs for speakers, artists and performers: These include transportation, parking and/or accommodation expenses.

  3. Business Meals, Food, and Related expenses that cost $25 or more, per person: A Business Meals Form must be submitted with an attendance list.

  4. “Decorations”: Use “event supplies” instead.

  5. Live Flowers/Plants are prohibited.

  6. “Gifts”, “Prizes”, “Giveaways”: Use “Participation Incentives” or “Tokens of Appreciation” instead. Gift certificates are prohibited.

  7. Liability insurance (SDFC)

  8. Off campus venue rental costs

  9. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products

  10. Expedited shipping, production, or processing fees

  11. Donations to charitable organizations and to their events or Charitable Contributions

  12. Parking fines 

  13. Appropriations for a political campaign (candidates and causes) 

  14. Appropriations for legislative lobbying efforts 

  15. Activities that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation 

  16. Grants, scholarships, cash rewards, tolls and/or charges

  17. Office supplies and postage

  18. Laptops

  19. Awards, trophies, certificates, and plaques for membership recognition 

  20. Sports activities covered by the club sports account (Student Recreation Center and Sports Club Association) 

  21. Membership dues (individual and organizational for fraternities, sororities, and other campus organizations) 

  22. Capital goods that do not support the purpose of the organization 

  23. Expenditures which do not explicitly fall under “AREAS TO BE FUNDED” unless approved by the Undergraduate Student Government executives and advisors 

  24. Expenditures that are not in compliance with all University policies and procedures, including those enacted by University Student Initiatives. 

  25. Any expenses related to academic projects students will earn class credit for including presentations or events surrounding a project. (Academic based clubs may still be funded for events but must explain that the event is not for class credit - clubs found being dishonest about this can be suspended from applying for appropriations at the discretion of the Appropriations Committee)

  26. Transportation for club events through appropriations funding

  27. Welcome Events that are considered socials at the discretion of the Appropriations Committees

 

For a full list, visit http://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/fin/fin401-03.html

Feb 14, 202402:28
Does Your Student Government Really Suck? (Episode 14: Season 2)

Does Your Student Government Really Suck? (Episode 14: Season 2)

Want to be the worst SG in the nation? It's really not that hard. Just keep doing what you're doing. Settle for mediocrity. Accept inefficiency. Engage in childish behavior. Burn out on unattainable goals.

Albert Einstein is credited with saying “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Many Student Governments either are content with being average or don’t know how to get out of a mindset of mediocrity.

Do you want to suck? Yes or No?

If you want to improve, better serve and advocate for your students, ASGA has the tools to solve this problem once and for all.

Nov 22, 202302:48
Who has America's Best Student Government Web Site (Episode 13: Season 2)

Who has America's Best Student Government Web Site (Episode 13: Season 2)

ASGA has created the first-ever ranking of Student Government Web sites. It's called "America's Best SG Web Sites" and can be found in the SG Toolbox under member resources.

Log-in as an ASGA member, then go to the top menu, and you'll find the SG Toolbox. Within that toolbox is our Web Sites section.

https://www.asgaonline.com/asga/sg-web-site-tune-up

Then you click on https://www.asgaonline.com/asga/asga-certified-web-sites

All types of institutions are included, from community colleges, to private colleges and universities, to public colleges and universities.

Eventually, ASGA plans to grade the sites by state so you can see the top-ranked SG web sites by each state, as well as nationwide.

Oct 30, 202303:15
Is your inauguration ceremony good, bad, or ugly? (Episode 12: Season 2)

Is your inauguration ceremony good, bad, or ugly? (Episode 12: Season 2)

Does your swearing-in ceremony boost or trash your professionalism?

How to enhance the image and reputation of your SG through a better oath-of-office ceremony.

ASGA has assembled a photo album of inauguration ceremonies for all types of colleges and universities.

https://www.asgaonline.com/asga/sg-inaugurations


Send us photos of your inauguration ceremony and we'll rate it: good, bad, or ugly.


The good: are serious, in front of a large audience, oath of office administrator, dress is formal

The bad: way too informal, outgoing officers administer oath of office, held in regular organization meeting with little to no audience

The ugly: student leaders way too casual in shorts, flip-flops, hoodies, look unprofessional



May 23, 202303:25
Is your Student Government's role and authority "codified?" (Episode 8: Season 2)

Is your Student Government's role and authority "codified?" (Episode 8: Season 2)

Universiity of North Floria

In 2002, UNF's Student Government was codified by Florida Legislature, which recognized the following basic rights:


Right to exist.

Right to self-govern.

Right to hire and appoint its members.

Right to administer activity and service fees.

ASGA offers an entire "power" section that will let you understand who influence, authority, and power you have been granted, delegated, or appointed. It's in the SG Toolbox for members only.

May 23, 202303:09
Do you connect with your Board of Regents/Visitors? (Episode 11: Season 2)

Do you connect with your Board of Regents/Visitors? (Episode 11: Season 2)

Winthrop University in South Carolina has presented quarterly reports to their Board of Regents. Here are examples of some of their previous reports:

https://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/csl/BOTOctober2019Final.pdf

https://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/csl/MarchQuarterlyReport.pdf

https://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/csl/CSLBOTReportUpdated611Final1.pdf

It's wise to have regular contact with the board of regents, trustees, or visitors. Particularly contact that shows your SG is a team player, is trying to solve problems and help the school improve, and is not just complaining all the time.


Jan 19, 202302:50
Who has the best SG web site? (Episode 10: Season 2)

Who has the best SG web site? (Episode 10: Season 2)

What are some of the best SG web sites in the nation?
https://www.asgaonline.com/asga/articles/sg-web-sites-good-sg-web-site-examples-1055

Not every SG Web site is created equal. A rare few sites have unusual features.
https://www.asgaonline.com/asga/articles/sg-web-sites-great-sg-web-features-1171

Check out ASGA's SG Web Site Tune-Up section.

You can grade your own SG web site.
You can have ASGA score it-- we already are grading your site and putting in your SG Database profile.

You can see what the essential information is that must be included at an SG web site.
There are levels: essential, enhanced, and advanced. Which are you?

Jan 10, 202303:48
Do you connect/learn from other SGs nationwide to avoid mistakes? (Episode 9: Season 2)

Do you connect/learn from other SGs nationwide to avoid mistakes? (Episode 9: Season 2)

You’re not on an island by yourselves. There are nearly 4,500 collegiate student governments just in the United States. Pretty much everything you’re trying to do, issues you’re working on solving, projects you’re trying to implement, have been done before. They’ve either succeeded or failed.

So it’s a mistake to not be connected with other institutions around the nation. It’s a mistake not to listen to them and learn from them. What they teach you can save you a lot of money and time and frustration.

You may learn that your issue is impossible to solve. You may learn that you need a new approach. The bottom line is that you’re learning from others instead of making a bunch of unnecessary mistakes.

Making mistakes hurts morale. It hurts the image of your Student Government. It harms your ability to retain members. It makes it super hard to recruit new members.

Connect with your peers. Look at ASGA’s database of every school in the nation. Learn from others. Text or e-mail other officers and advisors. Get advice from experts.

Dec 14, 202203:46
Should part-time students be permitted to serve in your SG (Episode 7: Season 2)

Should part-time students be permitted to serve in your SG (Episode 7: Season 2)

At the University of Portland, part-time students are now able to serve in ASUP.

https://www.upbeacon.com/article/2020/09/part-time-students-now-able-to-serve-on-asup

What are the criteria for your students being able to serve in your SG?

Do you have a minimum GPA requirement?
How many credits are they required to be taking currently?

Dec 05, 202203:15
How could a "think-tank" help your Student Government improve? (Episode 6: Season 2)

How could a "think-tank" help your Student Government improve? (Episode 6: Season 2)

https://martinsite.wixsite.com/torchlight

Student-driven research for better campus policy

Florida State University's student-run campus think tank

Torchlight was initially developed by Patrick Martin in 2020, and brought to life on FSU's campus by a dedicated team of students.

Following the 2021-2022 academic year, Torchlight is no longer active. The website remains online as an archive of the team's efforts.

For historical information about Torchlight, or to learn about how to start a similar organization, please contact patrick@patrickmartin.co.


Patrick Martin

pkm16@my.fsu.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torchlightcenterfsu/

https://www.facebook.com/torchlightcenter

https://www.instagram.com/torchlightcenter/

Dec 01, 202204:28
Is he the longest-serving SG senator ever at 40 years and counting? (Episode 5: Season 2)

Is he the longest-serving SG senator ever at 40 years and counting? (Episode 5: Season 2)

Felix Kinsley, 71, is an honorary senator in SG at Southeast Missouri State University and has been attending SGA meetings for almost 40 years. He attends nearly every meeting and almost always it the first person to arrive.

He is Southeast’s biggest fan and longest serving SGA senator. Once an SGA senator always an SGA senator

Southeast Missouri State University

https://www.southeastarrow.com/story/1957524.html

https://www.semissourian.com/story/1961370.html

https://www.southeastarrow.com/story/2606801.html


"Felix still does attend almost every meeting. His official role is Honorary Senator. He is not an official member on our roster and not elected.  He also does not have a vote or report weekly. It is an unusual position but Felix enjoys coming to every meeting as well as every sporting event on campus. Felix loves expressing upcoming his excitement for upcoming SEMO events with Senate and feeling involved with others and SGA gave him the opportunity to get out of his home and be around others."

Joel Philpott
President
Student Government Association
T (618) 606-2022
sgpresident@semo.edu

Nov 30, 202203:49
Does the name of your "student government" matter? (Episode 4: Season 2)

Does the name of your "student government" matter? (Episode 4: Season 2)

Most collegiate student governments are called Student Government Association or just Student Government. Many West-Coast institution are Associated Students or ASB (Associated Student Body).

It's wise to be simple, and this starts with your name. If you find yourself having to say "we're the student government" after you say the name of your government, it's time for a name change like De Anaz College in California did. Here's their statement of how and why they made the change.

De Anza Student Government (DASG) Name Change Statement

Hello De Anza College Community,

De Anza College has existed since 1967 and for nearly that entire time the students have collectively been known as the De Anza Associated Student Body (DASB) and represented by the DASB Senate. The name of the organization, De Anza Associated Student Body (DASB), did not make its purpose clear to students even when the word "Senate" was attached to the name.

During fall 2020 and winter 2021 the Senate and its Committees discussed possible restructuring and name changes for the organization. To make it clearer that this organization is the student government for De Anza College, it was proposed to change the name to De Anza Student Government (DASG). A draft of a new Bylaws combined with the Constitution including the proposed name change was presented to the Senate at its meeting on Wednesday, January 27th, 2021, and later approved at its meeting on February 3rd.

To approve the name change and restructuring it was required to have the approval of the student body through a general election. During the 2021 Student Elections from February 22nd to March 3rd for the Student Senate and Student Trustee, the students were also asked to approve the name change and new combined Bylaws and Constitution. For De Anza student elections to be considered valid the number of ballots submitted must be at least three percent of the student enrollment, which in this case was 528 ballots. Also, changes to the Constitution, including merging them with the Bylaws and changing the name of the organization require a two-thirds approval.

Enough ballots were submitted during the election period and the student election results were released on the evening of Wednesday, March 17, 2021. With 557 ballots submitted a vast majority of 414 students voted yes to approve changing the name of the De Anza Associated Student Body (DASB) to the De Anza Student Government (DASG).

Through the spring 2021 quarter we will be changing the name throughout the college and district and hosting a contest to select a new De Anza Student Government (DASG) logo. Please keep watch for more information about the logo contest and more on our websites and social media sites.

Nov 29, 202203:52
What should your SG inauguration ceremony look like? (Episode 3: Season 2)

What should your SG inauguration ceremony look like? (Episode 3: Season 2)

With regard to Student Governments, there are good, bad, and ugly inauguration ceremonies.

Some are students in sweatpants or flip-flops taking the oath of office.  Those ceremonies are the "ugly."

Other ceremonies are very informal, with outgoing officers administering the oath of office. Those are the "bad."

The good ones? Formal business attire by all in attendance. The oath of office administered by the president/chancellor or chair of your board of trustees/visitors/regents. The oath being recited in front of a campus-wide crowd of student leaders, staff, and administrators, such as at a year-end awards ceremony or even commencement.

ASGA has assembled 50 photos of inaugurations. Soon this will be in a section showing the correct and incorrect way to do this.

Inauguration at the beginning of an institution-wide awards ceremony or function instead of an SG-only meeting or dinner.
State of the student body address by the outgoing president
inauguration ceremony of new president, vice president and other campuswide elected student leaders, if any
The president of the institution, chair of the board of trustees, at the very least, the vice president for student affairs should administer the oath of office
Brief remarks by incoming president

Nov 29, 202202:57
Has Student Government lost its relevance? (Episode 2: Season 2)

Has Student Government lost its relevance? (Episode 2: Season 2)

Do we need to "reinvent" student government? Is the current structure working?  

Student Governments nationwide are struggling with relevance to their constituents. This is particularly true after the past three years of lock-downs and remote classes and meetings.

A scholar, Dr. Daniel J. D'Amico, wrote a blistering critique about deficiencies of student government back in 2004, when he was at Loyola University/New Orleans. I ran across his article, "Deliver us from Student Government" (https://mises.org/library/deliver-us-student-government), and then interviewed him for this episode. He's now a professor at Brown University.

Here are a few excerpts from his 2004 article, which in many ways was prophetic: 

"Performing the role of a student government representative is similar to that of performing the role of an actual government representative. While making decisions on matters he has no expertise in, he appears knowledgeable and benevolent. Mastering this technique makes him the perfect candidate for political office by achieving the most needed characteristic of governmental office: the ability to shirk responsibility."  

"After viewing the SGA process from electing representatives, passing inane motions, and allocating student fees the general student body is apathetic, disinterested, and generally annoyed at the presence of such a wasteful and purposeless organization."  

"Voting turnouts for SGA's across the board are absolutely dismal, marking just one more striking similarity between these student operated play grounds and the actual world of politics."

Daniel J. D'Amico
Associate Director, Political Theory Project
Brown University

daniel_damico@brown.edu
danieljdamico@gmail.com
http://www.danieljdamico.com/danieljdamico.com/home.html
http://www.danieljdamico.com/danieljdamico.com/cv_and_publications_files/cv%2007-10-2021.pdf


Apr 28, 202230:20
Are You Telling Students About Your Student Government's Accomplishments? (Episode 1: Season 2)

Are You Telling Students About Your Student Government's Accomplishments? (Episode 1: Season 2)

At Skyline College, a community college in California, the Associate Students in 19-20 created an impressive wrap--up of what they accomplished during the year.

https://express.adobe.com/page/BBOenSkUc8B7Z/

This is a rare feature at student government web sites. Most SG web sites don't even begin to include accomplishments. Many don't even have a list of officers or how to contact them!


Apr 08, 202202:45
Should your SG have a mid-year "confidence/no confidence" vote? (Episode 19: Season 1)

Should your SG have a mid-year "confidence/no confidence" vote? (Episode 19: Season 1)

At the University of South Florida in Tampa, one of the largest and most complex student governments in the nation, the spring 2021 elections were a disaster. The candidate team that won by far the most votes in the general election was disqualified, so the second-place finisher became the "selection of last resort."

The SG held mid-year elections for senators at three USF campuses, but also held a "confidence" vote for the president and vice president. Fortunately for the two, SG President Julia Cunningham and Vice President Jillian Wilson, the "Yes" votes (to keep the duo) outweighed the "no" votes.

This "confidence" vote may be unprecedented nationwide. Here are some articles from the USF Oracle newspaper:

https://www.usforacle.com/2021/10/11/midterm-election-vote-of-confidence-underway/

https://www.usforacle.com/2021/04/26/student-body-president-and-vice-president-selection-of-last-resort-to-be-held-tuesday-evening/

https://www.usforacle.com/2021/10/15/cunningham-wilson-confirmed-in-vote-of-confidence/

Nov 30, 202102:35
Perhaps the youngest SGA President in the nation? (Episode 18: Season 1)

Perhaps the youngest SGA President in the nation? (Episode 18: Season 1)

Charleston Lee is the new SGA president at Paine College in Georgia. She is a 16-year-old senior. She started college at the age of 12 through Paine's dual-enrollment program.

Ms. Lee may be the youngest SGA president in the nation, and is definitely the youngest in the 140-year-history of Paine College.

ASGA's Butch Oxendine interview Charleston Lee about her experience at Paine and plans for the future.

https://news.yahoo.com/paine-college-inaugurates-16-old-090043830.html
https://dothaneagle.com/news/ap/state/paine-college-inaugurates-16-year-old-as-sga-president/article_1d939e18-80be-52ce-a442-09f5a3436614.html

Nov 10, 202106:03
Should you lower the GPA requirement for SG members? (Episode 17: Season 1)

Should you lower the GPA requirement for SG members? (Episode 17: Season 1)

Should you lower the GPA requirement to allow for more students to run for office and serve in your SG?

This is the focus of today's episode.

It was inspired by Florida A&M University's discussion in The Famuan about lowering GPAs for potential officers/members:
http://www.thefamuanonline.com/2011/02/14/low-gpas-could-oust-famu-student-representatives/

http://www.thefamuanonline.com/2011/11/15/sga-wants-to-lower-gpa-requirement/

Nov 09, 202102:39
Should SG leaders be compensated? (Episode 16: Season 1)

Should SG leaders be compensated? (Episode 16: Season 1)

Compensation for student leaders is pretty common. ASGA tracks this information for more than 1,000 institutions in our SG Salary Survey found at www.asgahome.org for members.

The University of Maryland/Baltimore County makes sure that student leaders "earn" their stipends through a "stipend review committee." This committee review the performance of various members and determines if they have met the minimum criteria for performing the required duties.

Also, UMBC reviewed several peer institutions to understand compensation offered to student leaders in their region of the country.

https://sga.umbc.edu/officer-stipends/
https://www.asgaonline.com/asga/sg-documents/university-of-marylandbaltimore-county-umbc-stipen-145016




Sep 24, 202103:30
What's the most common name of "Student Governments" nationwide? (Episode 13: Season 1)

What's the most common name of "Student Governments" nationwide? (Episode 13: Season 1)

What is the most common name of college and university student governments across the nation?

Student Government Association-- by far-- is the most common name with 2,269 schools that use SGA.

Student Senate is second with 440 schools, while Student Government (or SG) is next with 419.

ASGA stores data on every student government in the nation in our SG Database that is searchable by our members. Our team pulled data today (8/31/21) to see the most common names and that data is now available.

If you're in the midst of considering a name change to be more clear and concise-- and to avoid having to tell everyone you're the student government because they don't understand your organization's name when you first say it-- this guide will tell you what most student governments do nationwide.

Sep 07, 202103:28
Can you run for president if you've never been in SGA before? (Episode 15: Season 1)

Can you run for president if you've never been in SGA before? (Episode 15: Season 1)

SGs struggle with voter turnout around the country. Average turnout is about 4 percent (15-20 at private institutions, 10-15% at public, and well under 2% for community colleges). Part of the reason for this poor turnout can be blamed on uncontested races in many elections-- in other words, only one person is running for president. Sounds like a dictatorship!

Any student should be able to run for office, regardless of previous SG experience. With proper and intentional transition training, students who haven't served before can become competent public servants quickly.

One student, Asha Marie, at Furman University in South Carolina, got her SGA constitution changed to allow any student to run for office. Previously, a clause in the SGA constitution required previous service on SGA.

In February, Marie created a petition and submitted it through social networks to the student body. She far exceeded the 300 signatures to bring it to a vote of the entire student body. Then in the referendum vote, she needed 20% turnout (540 votes) to change the clause. In the vote, 735 students participated and 73.43% voted in favor, according to The Paladin student newspaper.

In the general election, 42% of the students voted and Marie was elected SGA president for 21-22.

Here are links to articles about Asha Marie's efforts to open SGA elections to all interested candidates, even though with previous SGA experience:

https://thepaladin.news/articles/sga-update-the-referendum-passes

https://thepaladin.news/articles/2021-sga-election-run-down-importance-and-results

https://thepaladin.news/articles/representation-in-sga-challenges-triumphs-progress

https://thepaladin.news/articles/petition-vote-opens-today-results-could-impact-race-for-sga-president

https://thepaladin.news/articles/i-want-to-run-for-student-body-president-but-i-cant-heres-why

https://www.furman.edu/admissions-aid/admission-blog/2021/03/16/how-i-went-from-not-being-able-to-run-for-student-body-president-to-winning/


Sep 07, 202113:02
How can your SG help students avoid date rape drugs when they're out on the town? (Episode 14: Season 1)

How can your SG help students avoid date rape drugs when they're out on the town? (Episode 14: Season 1)

At Wofford College in South Carolina, the Campus Union (the student government) sponsored a bill to bring drink coasters to campus. These coasters detect if a drink has a "date rape drug" in it.

The company that makes the coasters, Drink Safe Technologies, is based in Tallahassee, Florida. See www.drinksafe.com.

Basically, you put a drop of the liquid from your glass on the coaster and it will indicate if a date rape drug is present.

Here's an article about the coasters:
https://woffordogb.com/2021/02/17/the-proposal-to-keep-our-students-safe/

Sep 03, 202102:54
Has there ever be two presidents of a college or university? (Episode 12: Season 1)

Has there ever be two presidents of a college or university? (Episode 12: Season 1)

Yes. The College of Idaho has two presidents, co-presidents.

I've been doing Student Government research for nearly 40 years and I have never seen this model at any college or university. Just a handful of student governments have a co-president, including the University of Boulder at Boulder. But I've never seen it at the administrative level before.

Doug Brigham & Jim Everett, Co-Presidents

The College of Idaho appointed two highly successful business and non-profit leaders to the office of the President to lead the state’s oldest private college into the future. Former President of TitleOne Corporation Doug Brigham and the former CEO of the Treasure Valley YMCA Jim Everett have been selected as the Presidents of The College of Idaho. The appointment was finalized by a unanimous Board of Trustees vote of approval on Friday, Feb. 23.

https://www.collegeofidaho.edu/about/leadership


The selection of Co-Presidents, while unique in higher education, is perfectly suited to the needs of the College at this time. The College’s Presidential Search Committee had identified Brigham and Everett as two top individual candidates among a diverse pool of traditional and non-traditional candidates. When the pair reframed their candidacies as a co-presidential team, the Search Committee was intrigued by this innovative approach and the candidates’ shared vision for the College.

Aug 30, 202102:54
How can you benefit from the expertise of former SG leaders? (Episode 11: Season 1)

How can you benefit from the expertise of former SG leaders? (Episode 11: Season 1)

ASGA encourages student governments to communicate with past leaders, to even create an alumni organization for student government. Former leaders often can offer great insight, as they served in these roles before! They can give advice about problems to avoid, group to partner with, and many other insights to help you save time and pain in making needless mistakes.

Here are a couple of examples, found in the ASGA SG Database, searchable to all members:

Murray State University in Kentucky, had a gathering of 24 past SGA presidents.

University of Arizona has a regular gathering for former leaders.

Oxford College of Emory University
https://www.facebook.com/mn4vp/?ref=page_internal

California State University/Northridge
Past, present associated students meet at annual President’s Day event
https://sundial.csun.edu/100954/news/past-and-present-associated-students-meet-at-annual-presidents-day-event/

https://sundial.csun.edu/163090/news/associated-students-and-alumni-discuss-student-leadership-during-presidents-day-event/

Aug 13, 202103:41
Are your SG job descriptions useful to train new members? (Episode 10: Season 1)

Are your SG job descriptions useful to train new members? (Episode 10: Season 1)

Most Student Governments don't train their members very well.

You can start by offering detailed job descriptions for each position and also provide FAQs about your government for anyone interested in possibly serving.

The University of Wisconsin/Stevens Point has a nice resource about the role of SGA there and also a job description for student senators. Here are details below.

https://www.uwsp.edu/sga/Pages/senators.aspx

Why should I become a Senator?

Becoming a Senator is a great way to get involved with the Student Government Association and make a difference on campus!


Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a High School Student Council and our Student Government?

High School Student Councils typically organize dances, spirit days, and community volunteering.

Our University Student Government distributes millions of dollars for student services and activities, lobbies for students' rights at the local and state level, represents student opinion in major campus initiatives, stands up for student interest by creating and passing campus policies, with the goal of improving lives and experiences for the entire student body.

What is the role of our Student Government Association on campus?

Distribute student segregated fees to campus entities to fund student services, events, and activities.

Represent students regarding issues of campus policy and practice.

Serve as official government representatives for the student body.

Work with faculty, staff, and administration to identify issues affecting students and work towards a solution.


What does a Senator do?

Attend and participate in the weekly Student Senate (General Assembly) meeting. Traditionally held every Thursday at 6:15pm throughout the academic year, Dreyfus University Center Legacy Room.

Attend and participate in at least one University committee, and at least one SGA committee.

Write, present, and/or vote on legislation.

Seek student input on various issues and concerns. Represent fellow students while voting on campus legislation, approving money allocation, and while planning events.

Be knowledgeable about new campus initiatives.

Be an active and positive community member on the UWSP campus.


What are committees, and what do they do?

Committees are groups of representatives charged with a specific function or an area of oversight. 

Student Government committees are organized by students to work on issues pertaining to specific facets of campus concerning students.

Committee representatives can be students, faculty members, and staff members.

While all senators need to be part of a committee, not all student committee members are necessarily senators. Any student can become involved in a committee, contact us if you are interested or just show up.

Committees do a variety of things, including:

Plan events

Research students' concerns and needs

Recommend policy changes

Carry forward new and existing initiatives

Create legislation


What is a Student at Large? What is a Student Interest Representative (SIR)?

A Student at Large is any student participating in a committee, but who was not approved for voting rights by senate. We have open meetings; any student may attend and share their opinion.

A Student Interest Representative (SIR) is a position confirmed by senate. In addition to sharing their opinion, SIRs have voting rights at committee meeting.

Aug 11, 202103:34
How often does your college/university president attend your SG meetings? (Episode 9: Season 1)

How often does your college/university president attend your SG meetings? (Episode 9: Season 1)

Does your SG invite the college/university president to your meetings? Does the president inaugurate new officers/members after your elections?

ASGA encountered an institution in Washington, Whitman College, and their campus newspaper reported that it was the first time in 10 years that a president attended a student government meeting. This is not ideal! It was shocking for me to read this.

Presidents should attend SG meetings at least once a year and should be the one who inaugurates new officers/members.

Here's the link: https://whitmanwire.com/news/2015/12/10/murray-first-sitting-president-to-attend-aswc-meeting-in-over-a-decade/

Jul 21, 202102:13
Should your SG have business cards for officers and members? (Episode 8: Season 1)

Should your SG have business cards for officers and members? (Episode 8: Season 1)

At Eastern Michigan University, the Student Government voted to not fund business cards for its members. That's a mistake.

Butch talks about the universal nature and relevance of having business cards for any professional.

It's a simple and low-cost way to help professionalize your officers and members.

EMU Student Government votes against purchasing business cards for senators

http://www.easternecho.com/article/2016/10/emu-student-government-senate-meeting-oct-18


Jul 15, 202102:25
How often should you amend your constitution? (Episode 7: Season 1)

How often should you amend your constitution? (Episode 7: Season 1)

The Florida Gulf Coast University SG is required to review its constitution every five years, then have the changes ratified by the student body through a campus-wide vote.

Too many student governments amend their constitutions every year. The idea is reviewing it every four or five years is a wise use of organization time. No more than 10 percent of your SG's time should be spent on internal infrastructure matters like your constitution, bylaws, or election codes.

https://eaglenews.org/news/constitution-changes-what-students-may-not-know-theyre-voting-on/

Jul 14, 202104:05
Is your web site good enough to connect with your constituents (your students)? (Episode 6: Season 1)

Is your web site good enough to connect with your constituents (your students)? (Episode 6: Season 1)

Check out ASGA's member resource, SG Web Site Tune-up, found in the SG Toolbox at www.asgahome.org.

It will teach you how to enhance and improve your Student Government web site (and your social network presence) so that you are better able to connect and communicate with your constituents (your fellow students).

Jul 13, 202103:52
How much do you know about student activity fees? (Episode 5: Season 1)

How much do you know about student activity fees? (Episode 5: Season 1)

University of West Georgia

Student Activity Fee training

https://www.westga.edu/administration/vpsa/assets/docs/safba-training-20-21.pdf

Jul 13, 202104:14
Are you any good at training your new officers and members? (Episode 4: Season 1)

Are you any good at training your new officers and members? (Episode 4: Season 1)

This is from Michigan Tech's transition section:

Transitions between outgoing and incoming executive boards are crucial to maintain organizational consistency. In order to facilitate easy transition officers should start, maintain, and update a living set of documents. This can be created in the form of a binder or digitally in a google team drive. Here is a helpful list of what you should include.

Before the newly-elected officers of your organization officially assume their responsibilities, it is recommended for the old and new officers to get together for a “transition meeting.” This meeting can be conducted in person or digitally in order to allow the new officers to learn from the experience of the outgoing officers. Officer continuity is a key to growth for your organization and having a casual, open atmosphere is encouraged. This type of meeting allows for honest evaluation of the accomplishments and problems of the previous year

Below you will find a host of resources to guide your transition.

Group Transition Meeting Agenda
https://www.mtu.edu/student-leadership/student-orgs/rso-resources/transitions/transitionmeetingagenda.pdf

Officer 1-1 Transition Meeting Handout
https://www.mtu.edu/student-leadership/student-orgs/rso-resources/transitions/oneononetransitionhandout.pdf

Outgoing Officer Manual
https://www.mtu.edu/student-leadership/student-orgs/rso-resources/transitions/outgoingofficermanual.pdf

Incoming Officer Manual
https://www.mtu.edu/student-leadership/student-orgs/rso-resources/transitions/incomingofficermanualpdf.pdf

Officer Retreat Planning Guide
https://www.mtu.edu/student-leadership/student-orgs/rso-resources/transitions/retreatplanning.pdf

Transition Goal Setting Guide
https://www.mtu.edu/student-leadership/student-orgs/rso-resources/transitions/livingdocumentlist.pdf
https://www.mtu.edu/student-leadership/student-orgs/rso-resources/transitions/goalsettingfortransitions.pdf


Jun 30, 202102:32
Should you have three student government presidents? (Episode 3: Season 1)

Should you have three student government presidents? (Episode 3: Season 1)

The vast majority of student governments nationwide have a single president, almost always elected by their peers. But the University of Colorado/Boulder has three "co-presidents." They're called "The Tri-Executives."

UC Boulder is one of the largest and most complex universities in the nation, the CUSG manages a $35 million budget. The government here has had the 3-president model for many years and it seems to work for them in spreading out responsibility so no one student is overwhelmed or overburdened.

It's not the "norm" nationwide, but it seems to work for this Colorado institution.

https://custudentgov.org/

Jun 24, 202102:56
What's the best camera for live-streaming your SG Meetings? (Episode 2: Season 1)

What's the best camera for live-streaming your SG Meetings? (Episode 2: Season 1)

Butch talks about the Mevo camera (www.mevo.com) that is made for live-streaming meetings, events, and concerts. The power of the camera is being able to edit with zooms, pans, different shots right on your mobile phone or tablet.

Another useful tool, PIVO (sounds lime Mevo, but is completely unreleated) follows faces and rotates your camera during meetings or events. Useful.

Being fully transparent, Butch invested personally in Mevo a few years ago. The company recently sold to a bigger company, Logitech.

http://www.mevo.com
https://getpivo.com/

Jun 24, 202103:10
What is the ASGA Minute Podcast? (Episode 1: Season 1)

What is the ASGA Minute Podcast? (Episode 1: Season 1)

This is a quick welcome from the podcast host, Butch Oxendine. Butch is executive director of the American Student Government Association and has been research and writing about student governments for more than 37 years.

You can learn about ASGA at www.asgahome.org.
We produce 11 conferences at www.asgaconferences.org
We also help with consulting/training: see www.sgconsultant.com.

Butch can be reached at butch@asgaonline.com.

Jun 17, 202103:30