Indiana University South Bend
PA-3: Participatory Governance

The IU South Bend Student Government Association (SGA) is the student body government. Its purpose is to formulate policy governing the activities and welfare of the students at IU South Bend. The SGA represents the interests of the students enrolled in academic programs as well as the student viewpoint on administration and faculty committees. SGA representatives are elected by the student body. Duties include Funding Student Clubs, Organizations, and Departments and sitting on Campus wide, Faculty-Level Committees and Providing Input on both Projects and Policies. Student Government Association can name one (1) student to serve on the Biweekly Staff Council, as a non-voting member. Information about the SGA is available at https://www.iusb.edu/stu-gov/index.html The highest governing body for IUSB is the IU Board of Trustees, on which there is a student represented. Eligible students may apply for a two-year tenure. The Student Trustee Search and Screen Committee selects applicants to interview. Selected student trustee candidates are invited for interviews with the committee, which take place in the spring before the term begins. After the interviews, in accordance with state law, the search committee forwards 10 candidate names to the governor of Indiana. The governor of Indiana appoints the student trustee. This process is detailed at https://trustees.iu.edu/student-trustee/how-to-apply/index.html The IU Board of Trustees is described at https://trustees.iu.edu/

The IU South Bend Professional Staff Council gives professional staff members a voice on campus by providing representative participation in university affairs. Professional Staff Council consists of three elected officers and representatives elected from several zones on campus. A representative attends Academic Senate meetings. The Professional Staff Council provides members representative participation in University affairs by making recommendations and offering advice regarding policy formulation and problem solving on issues that affect the general welfare of, the working conditions of, and the services rendered by the Professional Staff of the University. The Professional Staff Council submits formal proposals to the Chancellor regarding these issues. The Council works for professional staff by: Submitting formal proposals to the IU South Bend Chancellor on policies affecting the general welfare of, working conditions of, and services rendered by IU South Bend professional staff; Serving as a liaison to exchange information regarding concerns of the professional staff and the IU South Bend administration; and, Encouraging opportunities for continued professional development and growth. The Biweekly Staff Council (BWSC) members are elected every two years. It has representation on campus committees, including Budget, Facilities Management, Vendor Review Board, and Campus Directions. The BWSC provides a medium for communication among administration, faculty, and staff employees at IU South Bend. It represents biweekly and hourly employees who have problems, solutions to problems, or recommendations for change. The Council acts as a liaison between the employee and the appropriate campus department(s). More information about the Professional Staff Council is available at https://facstaff.iusb.edu/pro-staff/index.html More information about the BWSC is available at https://facstaff.iusb.edu/biweekly-staff/index.html

The IU South Bend Faculty Senate provides a governmental structure for members and a forum for the exchange of ideas, promotes excellence in scholastic and professional attainment, and maximizes the participation, influence, and effectiveness of the faculty in the operation and growth of Indiana University South Bend. It has legislative authority to establish policy and determine procedures for its implementation governing the teaching, research, and service aspects of the University’s academic mission. IU South Bend administrative officials consult with the Academic Senate concerning: Planning and decisions regarding existing and prospective physical resources; University budgets and allocation of the University's resources among competing demands; Faculty compensation and benefits; Establishment of administrative offices affecting the academic mission, and appointment and review of administrators filling those offices including appointment to (1) administrative positions at the campus or college/school/library level which involve responsibility for credit or noncredit academic programs, and (2) other campus-wide senior administrative positions with significant impact on academic programs (e.g., Athletic Director, Business Manager); and, any other aspect of University operations having an impact on the academic mission. A representative of the IU South Bend Faculty Senate serves on the IU Faculty Council (comprises representatives from all campuses). More information about the Faculty Senate is available at https://academics.iusb.edu/academic-senate/index.html

The data for this credit was provided by the Director of the Center for a Sustainable Future and staff with Sustain IU.