Honors Senior Theses/Projects

Author

N. J. Johnson

Date of Award

Fall 2022

Exit Requirement

Undergraduate Honors Thesis/Project

Department

Honors Program

Faculty Advisor

Megan Habermann-Guthrie

Honors Program Director

Dr. Gavin Keulks

Abstract

Student governments of universities and community colleges were created and recognized in order to uplift student voices and represent the best interests of their student body. Associated student governments are also an integral component to the concept of shared governance, where students, faculty, staff share influence in the decision-making process with administration. Influenced by factors such as the culture and current events of a campus, student bodies and student governments can take on a surprisingly wide range of goals and initiatives. Regardless of what issue the student body has identified as a worthwhile cause, student governments must be aware of and equipped to use a variety of tools to successfully advocate for their vision. This thesis walks student leaders through a real-world case study of a student government who successfully fought for autonomy over the student incidental fee after that had been infringed on by University Administration in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. This case study is written by the student body president who led these efforts and provides strategic commentary and lessons learned throughout the recount of his experience. No matter what your student government is fighting for, this thesis aims to equip leaders with versatile tools and advice that can be applied to any issue of student interest.

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