Oregon Community College Associated Student Government Certification Barbara Delansky, Lane Community College Linda Reisser, Portland Community College Mandy Ellertson, Portland Community College Kendi Esary, Portland Community College Jim Eustrom, Chemeketa Community College

Agenda Origins of the certification process Dean’s perspective Advisors’ perspective Reader’s perspective Questions/discussion

17 Oregon Community Colleges

Background 17 Oregon Community Colleges, several with multiple campuses Colleges vary in size, resources, and institutional organization. Some colleges are very small, and have no designated staff to work with Student Government or student activities. Other colleges are large and have staff and resources to implement a full range of student activities and student leadership programs. The Oregon Community College Student Association is a statewide group comprised of student government leaders. Advisors provide training and support to the group and also meet as a group several times a year for planning and mutual support. The Student Services Deans group also meets several times throughout the year to discuss issues and concerns within Student Affairs, including student government.

“Good Student Life Programs” In 2003, several of the student advisors met with CSSA deans group to discuss characteristics of good student life programs. At that meeting, the advisors offered a general description of “good student life programs” In general, a good Student Life program provides opportunities for students to: get involved in areas of interest, and; reflects the institution’s mission, goals and values by supporting and enhancing instructional programs, and; allows student government representatives a voice on campus and the space and patience to work through issues and implement programs and services according to their interests.

An advisor also said... “In addition to student initiated programs, a good Student Life program also has professional staff with the responsibility of providing programs and events that are both prescriptive and challenge students to experience different ideas, perspectives and cultures; and responsive to the expressed needs and interests of students…………the most common characteristic seems to be hope. Good Student Life programs provide students opportunities to be hopeful. Hopeful about their own abilities to contribute in a meaningful way, hopeful about their capacity to persevere and learn, and hopeful about the best qualities in themselves and others. “

The ASG certification model was developed in July, 2007 Primary Goals: 1)To provide some consistency related to best practices among student government groups at Oregon Community Colleges. 1)To provide a reference for incoming student government members and advisors. 2)To reward student government groups for reaching a standard of excellence. 3)To provide some institutional policy development and support for student government leaders and advisors.

Certification Process Student governments create a portfolio of required items and submit it by May 1. The deans of students designate a reviewer. Recommendations are brought to the statewide deans’ group. For those who are certified, letters are sent to the advisor and campus president. Plaques are awarded at a statewide retreat.

Dean’s Perspective

Importance of buy-in from the statewide Deans’ group Proposal presented by advisors at the Council of Student Services Administrators (CSSA). Volunteer liaisons identified Process posted on our website Updates and reminders given at meetings Growing interest based on feedback about the impact on the campuses

So far Seven notebooks were submitted. Six received certification (based on meeting at least 10 of the 14 criteria) 2008 – 2009 Twelve notebooks were submitted. Ten received certification (based on meeting at least 8 of the 10 criteria)

Revisions After the pilot, in , feedback was elicited from the advisors. Slight revisions were made for

Goals OLD: 2.Goals for the year and a short progress report on each goal. NEW: 2. Goals for the year and a short progress report on each goal. How well did you meet your goals and what data do you have to support your assessment?

Training/Cultural Competency OLD: 8. List of trainings attended and/or conducted by individuals and by the group 14. Cultural competency NEW: 8. List of trainings attended and/or conducted by individuals and by the group. Demonstrate that student leaders received training related to cultural competency, college policies and procedures, event planning, goal setting, vision, and decision-making.

Programs and Events OLD: 9.List of programs and events with sample flyers or other promotional information and assessment of each event NEW: 9. List of programs and events with sample flyers or other promotional information and assessment of each event. The events should demonstrate a balanced approach in terms of education, cultural competency, and community building.

Additions 11.Description of how assessment is done (e.g., evaluation of programs, clubs, student leaders’ performance, etc.). 10.If clubs are part of student government, include a list of active student organizations, and a description of the process for chartering clubs.

Hard copies Clarification added: The document(s) would be submitted in a portfolio (hard copy) and/or a CD (electronic copy) and include the following items, clearly marked. (Do not them.)

Advisors’ Perspectives

Reader’s Perspective

Questions/Discussion