Recognition of Student Government

Policy

Minnesota State University, Mankato values student participation and involvement in campus governance. It will be a policy of the University to invite student representation wherever possible in decisions that affect student learning or experience. The Campus Student Association has sole authority to make all student appointments to serve on University-wide committees, workgroups, task forces, etc. Student Government as a representative body, provides the official voice of all university students in the shared governance process.

This policy shall go further in scope then existing Minnesota State Board Procedure 2.3.1 and is intended to increase, expand, and further explain the shared governance process and to ensure students have a voice at the University.

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Procedure

University-Wide Representation

A request of student representation on University-wide boards, committees, or other groups relevant to shared governance must be given in advance to the President of Student Government. Student Government then has 10 business days to make such appointments. If no appointments are made within the 10-day window, then the University may make an appointment or move forward without student representation.

Consultation

Consultation will be defined as when administration seeks an opinion or position from the Student Government and considers it in the decision-making process. Consultation includes presentation of materials, discussion, and an opportunity for students to ask questions and provide feedback during a meeting or a series of meetings.

University administration must include students early on in the process so feedback can be considered before a decision is made. The consultation process will not occur at the end of the decision-making process and should not be merely a formality.

In addition to the items listed in Minnesota State Board Procedure 2.3.1, the following items require consultation or representation on appropriate University-level committees from Student Government.

• Tuition changes, including differential tuition rates
• The creation of new fees
• The renewal or modification of existing academic, student life, and technology fees (including but not limited to the following)
  • Course fees
  • College-wide fees
  • Online Differential fees
• University contracts over $1 Million that will have a significant impact on students (e.g. Bookstore Contract and Dining Services Contract)
• Potential long term campus closures
• University planning
• University admission policies
• Graduation requirements
• Facility use and regulations
• Changes to the academic calendar
• Changes to undergraduate General Education curriculum
• Significant structural changes to academic programs
• University budget
• Any non-curricular campus proposals that have a significant impact on students
• University strategic planning

Self-Governance and Shared Governance

As the Student Government Constitution is reviewed and approved by the University President, the University shall respect and uphold that document as the official document defining student involvement and engagement within the University. The University shall also play a part in maintaining that the Constitution is being followed by the Student Government and the student body.

The University President (or their designee) will acknowledge and respond to Student Government resolutions or recommendations in a timely manner.

During the fall and spring terms, the University shall hold regular Meet and Confers with Student Government at least once every six weeks or more frequently at the request of the Student Senate, the Student Government President, or the University President. By mutual agreement, Meet and Confer sessions may be deemed unnecessary, held in alternative formats, or scheduled during summer terms or interim periods.

During summer periods or interim periods (defined as periods outside the regular academic calendar), the University will consult and seek feedback from Student Government. If Student Government fails to respond or provide feedback in reasonably adequate time, then Student Government will forfeit their ability to be consulted on the specific item.

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Rationale