University Committees: Student Inclusion And Its Impact

Student councils and committees are a common feature of universities, and they can play a significant role in shaping campus life and policies. These groups are typically composed of elected or volunteer students who work together with an adult advisor to address school affairs and activities. While their influence can vary depending on the university and country, student representatives generally have the opportunity to impact decision-making processes and advocate for their peers. In some cases, students may even have voting rights on governing boards, allowing them to directly influence issues such as tuition increases, campus policies, and endowment allocations. However, the power of student councils and committees can also be limited, with their role sometimes being reduced to providing input and recommendations to the administration. Nonetheless, participation in these groups offers students valuable leadership experiences, a chance to develop their skills, and an opportunity to shape their educational environment.

Benefits of joining a university committee

Joining a university committee can be a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits for students. Here are several advantages to consider:

Personal Growth and Development

Joining a university committee provides students with valuable opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. It allows individuals to identify hidden talents, cultivate new hobbies, and broaden their horizons beyond their academic pursuits. By stepping outside their comfort zone and engaging in new experiences, students can enhance their overall university experience and develop a more well-rounded personality.

Leadership Skills

Being part of a university committee is an excellent avenue for students to cultivate leadership skills. They can refine decision-making, delegation, conflict resolution, and team management abilities. Taking on leadership roles within committees empowers students to inspire and guide their peers, fostering a sense of confidence and responsibility that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.

Networking Opportunities

University committees offer a fantastic platform for networking and building connections. Students get to interact with diverse individuals, including fellow committee members, alumni, and professionals. These connections can evolve into lifelong friendships or open doors to future career opportunities. Networking within committees enables students to seek mentorship, gain industry insights, and expand their professional horizons, setting them up for success in their chosen fields.

Soft Skills

Involvement in university committees contributes to the development of essential soft skills, such as communication, attitude, work ethic, and emotional intelligence. Through their interactions and collaborations, students enhance their ability to engage effectively with others, fostering productive relationships with peers, mentors, and future colleagues. These soft skills are highly valued by employers and are applicable in various aspects of life.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Committee work inherently involves teamwork and collaboration. Students learn to work collectively toward shared goals, sharing ideas and responsibilities. They develop the ability to take advice from others and offer their own insights, fostering a collaborative mindset that will be beneficial in both academic projects and future workplace endeavours.

Resume Building and Employability

Participation in university committees enhances students' resumes and boosts their employability. It demonstrates to prospective employers that these students are proactive, well-organised, and capable of handling multiple responsibilities. The skills gained through committee work, such as time management, problem-solving, and event management, are highly transferable and valued across various industries, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.

Roles within a committee

President and Vice President:

They are responsible for running the committee, making crucial decisions, and resolving disputes. They have the most responsibility and are expected to be confident and capable leaders.

Secretary:

Handles administrative tasks such as paperwork, sign-ups, and email communication. They ensure the smooth flow of information within the committee.

Treasurer:

Manages the committee's finances and budget. They may work with other departments or offices to allocate funds effectively.

Social Secretary:

Organises social events and activities for the committee members and the wider student community. They play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and social interaction.

Committee Chairs:

Lead specific committees and are responsible for overseeing the work of that committee. They may also represent the committee in meetings with other groups or departments.

Members:

Active participants who contribute to discussions, decision-making, and the implementation of committee initiatives. They may have specific roles or focus areas within the committee.

It is important to note that the structure and roles within a committee can vary depending on the university and the nature of the student society or group. Some committees may have additional roles, such as event coordinators, publicity managers, or student representatives. It is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the specific procedures and roles available within the committee you are interested in joining.

Application process

The application and appointment process for students to join university committees typically takes place annually, in July and August. The process varies depending on the university and the committee in question.

At the University of London, for example, students can enjoy full membership status and voting rights on most committees and sub-committees. Membership usually lasts one academic year and can be renewed for up to two years. Students can contribute to discussions and decision-making in areas such as the student lifecycle, learning, teaching, assessment, and technology.

The University of Houston also offers students the opportunity to join various committees, such as the Student Government Association, where they can make connections with university representatives and facilitate change on campus. The application process and specific committees available will differ for each university, so it is important for students to refer to their university's guidelines and application process.

Campaigning for a role

Being part of a university society committee is a great way to get more involved in your favourite group, gain leadership skills and improve the society for others. If you're keen to be part of the society committee, there are likely to be procedures specific to your university and group, but here are some general tips for campaigning for a role:

Find Out What Positions Are Available

Different societies will have varying roles, so it's important to find out which roles they have and which are available to you. Common roles include:

• President and Vice President – they run the society, make crucial decisions and resolve disputes
• Secretary – handles the paperwork, sign-ups and emails
• Treasurer – handles the society’s finances
• Social secretary – organises social events for the society

Decide Which Role Is Best for You

Consider the following:

• How much time do you have? Can you dedicate a lot of time to a significant role, or do you have demanding studies or a part-time job?
• How committed are you? Are you ready to put your all into the society, or do you just want to gain new skills?
• What suits your personality? Are you extroverted and thrive around people, or do you work best behind the scenes?

Prepare for the Application Process

Applications for committee roles for the next academic year usually take place in the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This usually involves a speech on why you should hold the position, followed by a vote. If the role is competitive, there may be a written application process to narrow entries down. When preparing your application, consider:

• Why do you want the role?
• What skills do you have that make you right for the role?
• What value can you bring?

Launch Your Campaign

If you’re applying for an influential society or university sports team, you may be required to campaign for your role. This often involves:

• Creating a campaign video
• Having an online presence
• Spreading your manifesto

Enlist friends to help create your campaign, share their skills and build an on-campus presence. This is the most fun part of applying for a committee role, as well as the most intense. Engaging content, either provocative or entertaining, often builds the most successful campaigns.

Prepare for Your Speech

Being on a society committee is a position of responsibility and authority, so it’s important to come across as confident and capable in your speech. Remember the key points of why you want the role, but don’t memorise the speech entirely. Ask friends from the society to attend the AGM for support.

Committee meeting frequency

The frequency of committee meetings varies depending on the university and the specific committee. While some committees may meet weekly, others may meet bi-weekly, monthly, or even just a few times a year. It is important to note that different universities have different procedures and structures for their committees.

For example, at the University of North Carolina, the Advisory Committee on Undergraduate Admissions meets at least once each semester or more if the chair of the committee calls for it. On the other hand, the Faculty Welfare Committee is appointed by the chair of the faculty and meets as needed to monitor and improve faculty working conditions.

New York University's Student Government Assembly, on the other hand, has committees that meet with varying frequencies. The Academic Affairs Committee meets bi-weekly, while the Violet 100 Committee, responsible for hosting programs and events for the university during NYU Violet 100 Spirit Week, meets bi-weekly as well. The Alumni Relations Committee, on the other hand, meets weekly to foster the relationship between NYU alumni and students.

Additionally, some committees may only meet a few times a year or as needed. For instance, the Conference Fund Committee at NYU reviews applications for conference funding on a rolling basis throughout the academic year and meets as needed.

It is worth noting that the frequency of meetings may also depend on the time of the academic year, with some committees meeting more frequently during certain semesters or months than others.

Frequently asked questions