The Student Council serves as the leadership body for our virtual co-op community, giving students a voice in shaping their educational and social experience. Council members will represent their peers, organize events, and work with advisors and the administration to improve the community. Student Council participation offers students valuable experience in leadership, decision-making, and teamwork.
Student Council Mission
To empower students to take an active role in their community, foster meaningful connections, and develop skills in leadership, communication, and responsibility.
Structure & Roles
The Student Council will consist of elected and volunteer members, including:
- President
- Leads the council meetings and serves as the primary student representative.
- Works closely with advisors to plan and implement initiatives.
- Sets goals and manages council projects and timelines.
- Vice President
- Assists the President and steps in to lead if the President is unavailable.
- Coordinates communication between council members and other student groups.
- Manages outreach and coordinates with group advisors.
- Secretary
- Takes minutes during meetings, organizes council documents, and tracks action items.
- Helps manage council correspondence and maintains the council’s calendar.
- Oversees student feedback collection and shares insights with the council.
- Event Coordinator
- Plans, organizes, and promotes virtual social events, fundraisers, and activities.
- Ensures a variety of events to cater to different student interests.
- Collaborates with group moderators and advisors for event support.
Council Responsibilities
- Community Engagement: Facilitate student discussions on community forums, encourage group participation, and help peers feel connected.
- Event Planning: Organize and host virtual events, such as game nights, study groups, career talks, and themed social events, to enhance student life.
- Feedback Gathering: Regularly collect feedback from students on classes, events, and overall community experience to guide future improvements.
- Student Advocacy: Serve as the voice for the student body in discussions with the administration and advisors, representing students’ concerns and ideas.
- Leadership & Skill Development: Commit to personal and professional growth by participating in leadership workshops and team-building activities offered by the community.
Expectations & Guidelines
- Attendance: Council members are expected to attend monthly meetings and participate in planned events.
- Communication: Members should maintain regular contact with peers, advisors, and council members through designated platforms.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other council members and advisors to bring ideas to life and address community concerns.
- Conduct: Council members should model respectful and positive behavior, upholding community guidelines and encouraging peers to do the same.
- Time Commitment: Student Council requires a commitment of approximately 2-4 hours per month, depending on events and initiatives.
Elections & Application Process
- Application Phase – Students interested in joining the council will fill out an application highlighting their interest, skills, and goals.
- Elections – Certain positions, such as President and Vice President, will be elected through a student vote.
- Appointment of Other Roles – Some roles, like Event Coordinator and Grade Representatives, may be appointed based on applications, ensuring diverse representation.
Support System
The Student Council will work closely with:
- Student Council Advisor: An adult mentor who supports council activities, offers guidance, and ensures council initiatives align with community values.
- Group Advisors: Assigned to individual student groups to ensure projects are on track, provide resources, and address group-specific needs.
- Community Moderators: Help maintain a safe and positive environment for discussions, events, and activities across the community.
Meeting & Event Schedule
- Monthly Council Meetings: Meetings held on the first Monday of each month to discuss ongoing projects, future initiatives, and any community concerns.
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): 7:00 PM
- Central Standard Time (CST): 6:00 PM
- Mountain Standard Time (MST): 5:00 PM
- Pacific Standard Time (PST): 4:00 PM
- Quarterly Student Assembly: An open virtual gathering where council members present updates to the community, receive feedback, and discuss upcoming plans.
- Monthly Community Events: Virtual events planned by the Student Council, such as trivia nights, talent shows, or virtual field trips, providing students with regular socialization opportunities.
Benefits of Participation
- Leadership experience and skills development.
- Opportunities to collaborate with peers and advisors in a structured, positive environment.
- Community recognition as a student leader.
- Ability to influence and improve the student experience within the co-op.
