Student involvement in decision-making

General provision

To promote appropriate levels of student participation in system and college or university decision-making and to assure that student perspectives are considered, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities’ students shall have the opportunity for representation in system and college or university committees involving or affecting student interests.

Student involvement

• Students shall be given the opportunity for representation on system committees, conferences, and issue forums that are a part of the policy development and/or decision-making process.
• Selection of student committee members or student representatives at the state college, student members shall be selected by the recognized campus student association(s).

Exceptions

This policy shall not apply to:

• Committees established for the evaluation of personnel.
• Committees established under collective bargaining agreements.
• Management teams, presidential cabinets, and committees of the board.

Definitions

Consultation. Consultation means that the administration seeks an opinion from the campus student association and considers that information in the decision-making process. Consultation includes presentation of materials, discussion and an opportunity for students to ask questions during a meeting. The consultation process is used to gather student input and/or recommendations and can provide a forum for developing agreements between the administration and the student association. Prior to a consultation meeting, the student association is notified of the agenda items. Necessary background materials are provided in advance of the meeting except under very unusual circumstances as reported to the Chancellor. If the campus student association requests further information, a response shall be provided within a reasonable time period. If a resolution or agreement is proposed, the students association shall have a reasonable amount of time to discuss and consider the issue internally.

Review. A review is an information report by the administration and includes an opportunity for students to ask questions on the information presented. The review process requires a meeting to inform the student association of an issue of potential concern to the students. Prior to the meeting, the student association is notified of the agenda items.