Information

Size

The GRC is led by the Government Relations Officer and an identified Deputy Chair, who oversee four committee officers dedicated to fulfilling specific critical tasks. Together, these six individuals comprise the Executive Panel. 

Underneath the Executive Panel is the Subcommittee, composed of other interested ASBSU members as well as students-at-large. The size of the Subcommittee is at the discretion of the Committee Chair. 

Structure

At the helm of the Government Relations Committee is the Government Relations Officer, followed by a structured hierarchy to ensure efficient communication and decision-making.

1. Government Relations Officer (Chairman)

• • Leads the committee and oversees all operations.

2. Deputy of Government Relations Committee

• • Acts as second-in-command, assisting the Officer in all duties and stepping in when necessary.

3. Executive Panel

• • Secretary
    • Manages documentation, meeting minutes, and correspondence.
    • Prepares meeting reports of discussions and decisions made.
  • Outreach and Engagement Specialist
    • Focuses on building relationships with external stakeholders.
  • Community Service and Involvement Specialist
    • Promotes and organizes community service initiatives.
  • Civic Engagement and Advocacy Specialist
    • Encourages student participation in civic activities and advocacy efforts.

4. Subcommittee Members

• • Senate Members
  • Assembly Members
  • Students-At-Large Members

Diagram

Eligibility

All committee members shall meet the following requirements:

• Be a current student at Boise State University in good standing
• Be willing and able to devote an hour minimum per week and expertise as may be necessary to consider issues affecting the activities within the committee’s jurisdiction and to advise Boise State staff in developing legislation concerning such issues of benefit to the association’s membership.

Additionally, all committee members shall acknowledge that their participation on the committee is intended to benefit the Associated Students of Boise State University.

Any committee member deemed to be acting contrary to the best interests of the Associated Students or the GRC and its members will be removed from the committee.

Appointments

ASBSU Members

All appointments of committee members shall be approved and affirmed by the Government Relations Officer. The Government Relations Officer retains the right at any time to remove members from the committee.

Students At-Large

All appointments of committee members shall be approved by the Committee Chair they intend to join and shall be reviewed by the ASBSU President. The ASBSU Government Relations Officer retains the right at any time to remove members from the committee. 

Meeting Schedule

The committee will meet every two weeks to discuss proposals and ongoing projects. The schedule is as follows:

• Full Committee Meeting: Week 1
  • All committee members, including at-large committee students, Senate, and Assembly members, convene to discuss proposals and updates.
• Panel Meeting: Week 2
  • Only Executive Panel members meet to delve deeper into topics discussed in the full committee meeting and make strategic decisions.

Attendance

Regular attendance of every committee member at meetings is preferred and is required if the committee is to use the combined expertise of its members. Habitual, non-consecutive absences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Government Relations Officer. 

Meeting Agendas

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
3. Updates from Committee Leadership
4. Discussion Items
5. Proposal Presentations
6. Decisions and Action Items
7. Other Business
8. Next Meeting
9. Adjournment

Non-Partisan Advocacy

In accordance with ASBSU Code, the Government Relations Officer and the GRC will pursue a non-partisan agenda that focuses on advocacy for student needs and interests rather than partisan political causes. We hope to foster bipartisan cooperation both among the study body and the stakeholders and political leaders with whom we work.

Professionalism and Respect

The Government Relations Committee is structured to empower students to advocate for themselves, ensuring they are actively engaged in government affairs. The structured approach allows for a smooth transition of documentation and ensures professionalism in all submissions, whether for state legislation or internal university legislation. This structure helps mitigate potential issues and streamlines the delegation of topics within the committee.

Members should remember that at all times their behavior reflects on ASBSU and on the University.

Freedom of Expression

The GRC abides by Boise State University’s commitment to freedom of expression, as outlined by the Dean of Student’s Office. Additionally, we follow local, state, and federal protections for freedom of speech.