Student Government Development and Use of Comprehensive University Planning Documents

摘要: This paper describes the process by which a student government at public liberal arts and sciences university wrote two planning documents over four-year period. It discusses cultural impacts that these efforts had on community improvements in resulted from documents. The further explores educational benefits accrued to students who worked projects ongoing have for role of within university. concludes outlining principles other governments could engage produce similar outcomes. ********** Although participation governance has increased past quarter century (Moore, 1995), it is typically limited scope effectiveness (Cuyjet, 1994). Underscoring this point, Carnegie Foundation study undergraduate education found "student involvement campus almost nonexistent" (Boyer, 1987, p. 244). lack substantive denies leaders valuable, intellectually challenging learning experiences deprives institutions useful perspectives (Terrell & Cuyjet, While narrow may be norm, not universal nor necessary relationship between policy-making. For instance, Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman University) Student Senate produced comprehensive long-range span four years, served as excellent vehicles development institutional improvement. explains processes used develop documents, evaluates their impact policy intrinsic value, identifies several lessons helpful those undertaking environments. Process Description Continuing Renaissance (CAR), developed during 1990-1991 academic year, began response then-new president's request provide input into initiative he was launching. formed special vision committee, gather opinions formulate its response. First, committee held series open forums ideas regarding university's future direction. Second, researched current assessment data, discussed with some faculty administrators formulated them. Third, compiled list issues then addressing, circulated among Senators comment. expressed findings work draft version CAR, reviewed, amended, ultimately approved full Senate. resulting document covered topics such program, residential living, facilities, admissions, faculty, affairs. Presented first president, CAR subsequently released all whose influenced proposals an unveiling ceremony. Four years later, realized context changed greatly felt new would assist functioning environment. writing Challenges New Era (Challenges) generally patterned after although included more targeted approach gathering input, also utilized NCA re-accreditation reports, state evaluations, customized researching administering program. Building upon open-forum issue-specific focus groups were convened Challenges. …