Frequently Asked Questions
Student Representation on Committees
How are students elected to serve?
Students are elected to a committee by the SGA Senate. Generally, a student seeking a position on a committee will have the opportunity to speak before the senate. They can describe themselves, give reasons why they want to serve, and give reasons why they think they should be chosen. The senate then has the opportunity to ask the candidate questions. Any students who cannot make the senate meeting in which the position is being voted on can send a speech and any other information to SGA Vice President Joshua Wallace.
Are the positions usually contested?
It depends on the committee. Some committees positions are heavily contested, while others are not. Generally, the five councils garner a lot of interest from students.
How can I find out information about a committee?
If you are just wondering what a committee is designed to do, check out the Committee page on the Academic Dean's webpage. You should also contact a student who has served on the committee, to give you some insight into how it operates. A list of currently serving students is available on the SGA Committee page.
How often do committees meet?
This depends on the committee. Some committees, such as the Curriculum Review Committee, or the Student Life Council, meet regularly every other week. Others, such as the Judiciary Committee, meet only when needed. You should contact a student on the committee to get a sense of how often that particular committee meets.
How much work is involved with sitting on a committee?
Generally not that much. For most committees, you will have to attend meetings, and perhaps read and think about items before hand. The great thing about serving on a committee is that it is not as time consuming as a number of other service opportunities on campus. Since there are differences in workload, however, you should find out more from a student representative.
How long would I serve?
If you are elected, you will officially begin as a student representative at the beginning of the fall semester, possibly your first week back, depending on when the committee meets. You will then serve for the remainder of the academic year. You may also be asked by the chair of a committee to attend a meeting or two during the end of this semester, in order to become familiarized with the committee. If you are anticipating being away from campus next spring, you are still encouraged to run for a position.
Are there any restrictions?
The only restrictions are being on academic or disciplinary probation. Other than those, any Houghton student is eligible to run for a committee.
Do I need any previous experience?
You do not need to have any previous experience. Past experience, whether on a Houghton committee, or in an official capacity elsewhere, can help you look better to the senate when they are voting on positions, but it is not necessary.
Do I get paid to serve on a committee?
Unfortunately no. You would be serving for the beneficial experience, and for your deep love for Houghton College. There are times, however, when you get some perks, such as a free lunch during a lunch meeting.
Do I actually have a voice on College committees?
Yes, you do. You will be an official member of the committee, with the same ability to vote the other members have. The administrators, staff, and faculty serving on Houghton committees are generally open to student input, and will often ask how students feel about a particular issue. This does not mean there is no adversity. True disagreements arise, and you may find yourself arguing a minority position against other members of the committee. In these cases it is up to you to state your opinion clearly and forcefully, and in doing so could actually change minds, encouraging real change at Houghton.
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