Getting involved in student council or student government is one of the best ways to make a real impact on your school community while developing leadership skills that last a lifetime. Whether you’re passionate about organizing events, advocating for student rights, or simply want to have a say in school decisions, these roles offer countless opportunities to learn and grow.
From representing your peers to shaping school policies, you’ll gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, collaboration, and public speaking. Ready to step up and make your mark? Here’s everything you need to know to get started!
Student Government 101
Student government organizations go by many names. At my high school, for example, it was known as ASB: All Student Body. At other schools, it may be called Student Council, Student Government, or something else entirely.
These organizations vary in their size and impact. The main point is that high school students elect their peers to represent the student population in decision-making. These elected representatives serve a variety of positions, including Class President, Co-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and more. Responsibilities may include leading campus announcements, planning events like Homecoming and Prom, and discussing potential changes to the school format.
Are Student Council and Student Government the Same Thing?
While often used interchangeably, student council and student government can have subtle differences depending on the school. Student government typically refers to a more formal organization that mirrors governmental structures, with an executive branch and various responsibilities like managing funds or influencing school policies.
Student council, on the other hand, is often viewed as a broader term that encompasses any group of elected student leaders working together to represent the student body. However, both terms generally describe a body of students who advocate for their peers and help organize school-wide initiatives.
Student Government Functions
Student government plays a crucial role in representing the student body and making sure students’ voices are heard in key decisions. These organizations work closely with school administrations to advocate for student interests, influence policies, and plan major events like dances, fundraisers, or school-wide initiatives.
In many schools, student governments also manage budgets allocated for student activities, helping fund clubs, events, and other student-driven projects. Additionally, they may work on projects that address important issues such as campus safety, mental health initiatives, and community outreach, ensuring that the student experience is enriched and student concerns are addressed proactively.
Not only does student government provide an opportunity to influence your school’s culture, but it also serves as a platform to develop practical skills like leadership, negotiation, and budgeting. Many student governments are structured similarly to real-world governmental systems, with executive, legislative, and sometimes judicial branches that offer students a microcosm of governance experience.
Video: Student Council Roles & Responsibilities
Student Government Positions
Student Body President
The Student Body President is the top representative of the student government. They are responsible for overseeing meetings, coordinating with school administration, and ensuring that student concerns are addressed. The president often takes the lead in organizing events, managing the council’s agenda, and serving as the primary spokesperson for the student body.
Vice President
The Vice President supports the president by assisting in the coordination of student government projects and committees. They often take over the president's responsibilities in their absence and ensure that the different committees stay on track with their tasks.
Secretary
The Secretary handles the organization’s documentation, such as meeting minutes, agendas, and communications. They ensure that all official records are properly maintained and distributed, making sure that the council’s work remains transparent and organized.
Treasurer
The Treasurer manages the finances of the student government. This includes overseeing budgets, handling funds, and ensuring that money is appropriately allocated to student projects, events, and activities. They also prepare financial reports to update the council on the status of funds.
Class Representatives
Class Representatives are elected by their peers to voice the concerns and interests of their specific class (e.g., freshman, sophomore). They serve on various committees, help organize class-specific events, and keep their classmates informed about council actions.
Is Student Government Good for College Apps?
It sure is! The strong aspects of holding a position in student government include:
- Demonstrating leadership, through election by your peers
- Taking initiative above and beyond to participate in your campus community
- Building strong relationships with your supervising teachers
- Serving your peers, taking responsibility for outcomes
- Practice coordinating logistics and collaborating with other officers
- Demonstrating interest in public service and operations on an institutional level
Each of these elements can demonstrate desirable characteristics in your application. Even better, you can probably ask a teacher you worked with for a letter of recommendation, since they know how you work outside the classroom!
Finally, student government is a great addition to a humanities or social science focused application. For those of you looking at majors like public policy or political science, this can be a strong way to expand your interests and experiences.
Video: The Perception of Student Government in College...
Benefits of Student Government
Engaging in student government offers numerous advantages that extend into personal development and future prospects.
1. Leadership Development:
Participating in student government cultivates leadership skills through practical experience in project management, team leadership, and decision-making, all of which are applicable in higher education and career settings.
2. Networking Opportunities:
Involvement allows students to build connections with faculty, administration, and peers, creating a network that can lead to mentorship opportunities and professional references.
Colleges seek well-rounded candidates who demonstrate commitment and leadership. Experience in student government showcases initiative and a dedication to improving the school community, distinguishing applicants in the admissions process.
4. Community Impact:
Through organized initiatives, student government members can make a positive difference in their school environment, promoting school spirit, inclusivity, and community service efforts.
5. Skill Acquisition:
Members gain critical skills such as public speaking, teamwork, conflict resolution, and project management, all essential for success in any academic or professional field. Highlighting these benefits can inspire students to view student government as more than just a title but as a transformative experience that shapes their future.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion in student government are vital for creating a welcoming and representative school environment.
Importance of Diversity:
- Varied Perspectives: A diverse student government encompasses different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints, enriching discussions and fostering innovative solutions to student concerns.
- Representation Matters: Ensuring all voices are heard allows student government to address the diverse needs and interests of the student body, leading to more inclusive policies and programs.
Fostering Inclusion:
- Creating Safe Spaces: Student governments can take the initiative to cultivate inclusive environments where all students feel valued. This might involve hosting cultural events, awareness campaigns, and discussions on sensitive topics.
- Engagement Strategies: Actively reaching out to underrepresented groups to encourage their participation in leadership roles can help create a more inclusive atmosphere.
Promoting diversity and inclusion is not just a moral obligation; it enhances the effectiveness of student government and enriches the entire school community.
Video: SGA Promotes Diversity Week | Brady Talbert Reporting
Student Council Initiatives and Impact
Student governments can lead initiatives that significantly impact their schools and communities.
- Organizing School Events: Planning events like Homecoming, Prom, and Spirit Weeks helps foster school pride and unity among students, leading to increased engagement and a sense of belonging.
- Community Service Projects: Initiatives such as food drives, charity runs, and environmental clean-ups not only benefit the community but also instill a sense of social responsibility and awareness in participants.
- Advocating for Policy Changes: Student governments can push for changes in school policies, such as implementing mental health days or improving lunch options, directly enhancing the student experience.
- Raising Awareness: Creating campaigns focused on mental health, anti-bullying, or inclusivity encourages open dialogue and promotes a healthier school environment.
The success of these initiatives can be measured through participation rates, funds raised, or improvements in school climate, demonstrating that student government plays a crucial role in shaping a vibrant school community.
Navigating Challenges in Student Government
While student government can be rewarding, it also presents its own set of challenges.
1. Conflict Resolution:
Disagreements may arise within the student body or among officers. Effective communication and active listening are essential for navigating these situations. Developing conflict resolution skills can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
2. Time Management:
Balancing student government duties with academics and personal life can be demanding. Effective time management strategies, such as creating schedules and prioritizing tasks, can help students manage their commitments efficiently.
3. Limited Authority:
Student governments may sometimes feel constrained in their ability to effect change, particularly if faced with resistance from administration. Building relationships with faculty and advocating for student needs through well-prepared proposals can help overcome these obstacles.
4. Risk of Burnout:
The pressure to perform and meet expectations can lead to burnout. It’s crucial for student leaders to recognize their limits and prioritize self-care while maintaining their commitment to their roles.
Is Student Government a Waste of Time?
Absolutely not! Far from being a waste of time, student government can actually be one of the most valuable experiences to highlight on your college applications. Serving in student government showcases your leadership abilities, initiative, and commitment to improving your school community—qualities that admissions officers love to see.
It demonstrates that you’re not just focused on your own academic success but also care about making a positive impact on those around you. Plus, it gives you tangible examples of problem-solving, teamwork, and project management to discuss in essays and interviews.
Beyond leadership, being in student government helps you build skills that are essential for college and beyond. From budgeting and event planning to negotiating with school administrators, these experiences translate directly into the real-world challenges you’ll face in higher education and your future career.
Colleges want students who take the initiative to make a difference, and your involvement in student government shows that you're exactly that kind of person.
How Can I Make the Most of My Student Government Position?
Still unsure if student government is right for you? Of course, feel free to discuss with an expert college counselor whether this activity fits your goals. If participating does make sense for you, great! This activity can bring students focus and purpose. Here are tips on how to get the most bang for your buck:
- Quantify your projects (take note of student attendees, total money raised, or any tangible impacts on the school).
- Keep your personal reasons in mind; if you’re there to gain or practice certain skills, be sure to volunteer for projects that will help you along.
- Take initiative for “owning” and leading a few projects that you can talk about in-depth in an interview.
- Use every opportunity to demonstrate your strengths & talents so you can connect your personal narrative cohesively in your applications.
- Remember specific instances where you grew or made an impact on someone; that would be a great essay topic!
Final Word
All in all, student government is a great way to gain hands-on experience with humanities and social sciences in action. It’s a strong way to build up your extracurricular profile, and can demonstrate great leadership characteristics. However, make sure you are being intentional with your time in order to make the most of your experiences!
Remember, Empowerly is a fantastic resource to help you make these kinds of decisions and weigh your options. Our college counselors are experts in the college admissions process. We would love to tell you more about our program and how it could work for you. Book a conversation below to get the details!
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Additional Resources
- Participating in student government can enhance college applications, making it important to consider "College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed."
- Understanding the role of student organizations can also be beneficial for students considering their future academic paths, so exploring "What Are the Best Universities & Colleges in New York?" may provide helpful insights.
- Student council involvement can open doors to various opportunities, such as internships, which is why you should check out "40 Incredible Research Opportunities for High School Students."
