An Overview of the Community College Student Government Association

Community colleges are increasingly adopting and relying on student engagement activities to build a sense of belonging and improve graduation rates. One such measure undertaken at many colleges is the use of traditional student affairs programs, including student government associations. These student governments not only build a sense of community among students, but add to student learning and the overall operation and sense of inclusiveness on campus. Using a sample of 150 community colleges, senior student affairs professionals were surveyed about their student governments and their agendas. With a near 60% response rate, survey data revealed that community college student governments typically had an advisor with multiple responsibilities that leaders regularly met with college presidents, and were funded by student fees or a direct allocation from the college. The data also included information on the range of student government offices and how agendas were aligned across campus constituencies. Cross tabs were also used to explore sources of funding support and constituent agenda alignment, noting that direct institutional allocations resulted in the highest level of agenda alignment. Respondents also noted several key agenda items that their student government addressed, including student mental health, building community on campus, and additional academic support.