University Policy 2290
Effective Date
January 02, 2025
Responsible Party
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, (208) 426-1418
Scope and Audience
This policy applies to all students, staff, and faculty associated with the activities of Student Governance Groups.
This policy does not apply to student clubs and organizations (see University Policy 2120 – Co-curricular Programs and Services for guidance on university-recognized student clubs and organizations).
Additional Authority
- Idaho State Board of Education Policy, Section III.B. (Academic Freedom and Academic Responsibility)
- Idaho State Board of Education Policy, Section III.P. (Students)
- University Policy 2120 (Co-Curricular Programs and Services)
- University Policy 3150 (Tuition and Student Fees)
1. Policy Purpose
To define the university’s relationship with and expectations of Student Governance Groups.
2. Policy Statement
Boise State University recognizes that as members of the campus community and recipients of campus services, students have an interest in the governance of the university. Student Governance Groups can provide feedback on policies and processes relating to student life.
Consistent with our educational mission, the university is committed to providing advice and information to students to support their learning and self-governance. As stewards of student tuition and fee dollars, the university is committed to engaging with and receiving input from students, including their elected student representatives.
3. Student Governance Groups
A Student Governance Group is a group of students who are elected or appointed to represent all or a portion of the student body and advocate for their interests. The university supports students in organizing and joining Student Governance Groups. Student Governance Groups may include undergraduate and graduate student government associations (e.g., the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU)) but do not include university-recognized or independent student clubs and organizations.
4. Recognition of Student Governance Groups
Students may establish a Student Governance Group for their own duly constituted organization, consistent with Idaho State Board of Education Governing Policies and Procedures and Boise State University Policy. Students have the right to create a constitution for their Student Governance Group. Each student constitution must be reviewed and approved by the President of Boise State University. Any amendments to the student constitution must also be reviewed and approved by the President of Boise State University.
5. Relationship Between the University and Student Governance Groups
a. The university may provide guidance and support to Student Governance Groups in the process of establishing goals, priorities, and strategic direction, but allows groups to make decisions that align with their visions and needs.
b. University leadership and Student Governance Groups will meet annually to review and share respective goals, plans, and outcomes. While both bodies, particularly the Student Governance Groups, retain autonomy, collaboration in sharing goals and visions is crucial.
c. The university will assist Student Governance Groups in developing their constitutions, bylaws, and codes to ensure compliance with Idaho State Board of Education and Boise State University policies and procedures.
d. Student Governance Groups enforce their own constitutions, bylaws, and codes, but the university may assist in providing clarification, advising, and interpretation of their governing documents.
e. The university recognizes the right of student autonomy in the process of voting to elect peers who will represent them in a student governance structure; however, the university may provide assistance and advice with an election or voting process.
f. The university may provide guidance and support to Student Governance Groups relating to budgeting, fiscal procedures, and management of finances.
g. Student leaders and at-large members of student governance groups have the right to participate in University-level committees, advisory boards, workgroups, and commissions as allowed under faculty and staff association governing documents. Their participation provides an invaluable voice on behalf of their student constituents.
6. Expectations of Student Governance Groups
a. Student Governance Groups must have a written constitution, code, and process for continuity of leadership that is reviewed annually.
- Student Governance Groups are required to attend training with university staff, and both respective parties will collaboratively determine the appropriate cadence for training sessions.
- Student Governance Groups must develop clearly defined grievance procedures in their governing documents to settle disagreements regarding continuity of leadership, budgeting procedures, and ethics violations by student leaders.
- Student Governance Groups may not adjudicate or settle alleged violations of their governing documents or rules that are outside of their scope, such as conduct covered by the Student Code of Conduct under University Policy 2020 or allegations of protected class discrimination or harassment covered under University Policy 1060 (Non-discrimination and Anti-harassment) or University Policy 1065 (Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking). Alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students. Students may learn about their rights in the conduct process by reviewing University Policy 2020.
- In accordance with their core mission of student representation, Student Governance Groups are obligated to integrate a broad range of perspectives representing the many kinds of students into all deliberations and decision-making processes.
b. Student Governance Groups are required to operate in accordance with Idaho State Board of Education and Boise State University governing policies and procedures and will be informed of possible consequences for failure to do so.
c. Student Governance Groups must implement a fair, secure, and accessible process for voting to elect peers who will represent them in a student governance structure.
d. Student Governance Groups must exercise fiscal responsibility and must follow all applicable policies, procedures, and laws.
e. Student Governance Groups are expected to provide representatives when invited to university committees, advisory boards, workgroups, and commissions.