Student Participation in Institutional Decision Making

Eastern Mennonite University desires students to participate in making decisions that affect them and explicitly values their role in shared leadership and change at the university. In its efforts to create a campus community, EMU administrators, faculty, and staff seek out and invite student feedback about their experience at EMU.

At the formal organizational level, student representation and advocacy are channeled primarily through the Student Government Association (SGA). Student participation occurs through student-led initiatives, student or joint student/faculty/staff organizations, and through direct membership on selected institutional committees. Under the SGA framework, Senators are appointed to serve on institutional committees, attending meetings to act as a vital liaison between the committee and the Student Senate. Students are considered voting members of the institutional committees on which they serve. In the case of departmental faculty or staff committees, the department decides whether or not student representatives are voting members.

Furthermore, student input is integrated directly into the university's highest leadership and administrative bodies. The SGA President or Co-Presidents serve as active members of EMU’s Academic Council and are invited to participate with the Board of Trustees by writing regular reports on campus life and attending open sessions of Board meetings to represent the Student Body directly.

In all cases, student voices are welcomed and expected to strengthen communication and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and administration. All members of the SGA have a designated responsibility to actively listen to diverse concerns across the student body, bring those concerns to the Senate, and work for responsible change. Students are strongly encouraged to accept opportunities to run for SGA office, serve on committees, and be active participants in student organizations to promote the well-being, inclusion, and overall improvement of University life.

Updated and Edited, June 2026