Seattle University
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

--UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: As the elected representatives of the Seattle University undergraduate student body, the Student Government of Seattle University (SGSU), formed in harmony with the University's mission, is the official voice and advocate for students. SGSU communicates with students regarding their collective and constituent interests, promotes opportunities for student leadership and involvement, assists in the development of a cohesive undergraduate community, and provides the undergraduate community with political and financial support. https://www.seattleu.edu/sgsu/

--GRADUATE STUDENTS: The Graduate Student Council (GSC) represents the graduate and professional students of Seattle University. The GSC works with all members of the university to advance services and policies and create a supportive community that better meets the needs and improves the experience of the graduate and professional students of Seattle. https://www.seattleu.edu/gsc/

--ACADEMIC STAFF: The Academic Assembly is the elected body at SU through which the faculty participates in decisions involving academic, university-wide matters, as well as areas that influence student learning. Such matters include among other things: academic quality, terms of faculty service, curricula that require coordination across programs, strategic planning, budgets, and physical facilities. https://www.seattleu.edu/governance/academic-assembly/

--NON-ACADEMIC STAFF: The purpose of the Seattle University Staff Council (SUSC) is to serve as a formal representative voice of our diverse and intersectional staff community. The Staff Council will advocate on behalf of staff and make recommendations to University leadership, including the President's Cabinet, on matters which impact staff including Seattle University culture. To ensure a positive environment and the personal and professional growth of all staff, SUSC will partner to develop opportunities for staff across all levels and departments. https://www.seattleu.edu/staff-council/

The Seattle University Standing Advisory Committee (SAC):
The SAC is a representative group of adjacent community members who are interested in Seattle U and advise Seattle U and, in turn, the City of Seattle on matters related to the adopted master plan for Seattle U. A major component of the work of community members on the SAC is commenting on the concept plan and identification and mitigation of the potential impacts of institutional development on the surrounding community. The group meets as needed but must meet at least once a year.

The SAC is made up of at least 10 external stakeholders, all community members from adjacent neighborhoods of Seattle U's campus and representative of their respective communities. SAC members come together and receive information and presentations from leaders of different Seattle U departments, most often departments dealing with campus infrastructure, like facilities or public safety or real estate, but also departments like athletics or marketing. Members of the SAC have the opportunity to point out to the Seattle U representatives issues in which SAC members believe Seattle U may be falling short in its obligations to the neighborhood, like not providing enough lighting at public pathways or failing to meet construction timelines. And because Seattle U wants to involve the community in its decision-making processes, members of the SAC often weigh-in on the look and feel of a new building, or piece of art or landscape project or messaging. The comments from SAC members often inform the design or maintenance decisions of Seattle U, in addition to building rapport and support for increased communications between the institution and its community members.

For more information about SAC, see: https://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/programs-and-services/major-institutions-and-schools/major-institution-advisory-committees/seattle-university

--NOTE related to PART 2: The SGSU President (Student Government of SU), GSC Chair (Graduate Student Council), Academic Assembly President, and SUSC President (SU Staff Council) are non-voting representatives invited to attend the Board of Trustees meetings.