Weber State University
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

Students can participate on a variety of governing bodies. The Weber State University Student Association has an Executive Branch comprised of one President and seven Vice Presidents over various areas. WSUSA also has a Legislative Branch comprised of 23 Senators representing every College on campus and special constituencies. All of the above-mentioned positions are filled through an election by the student body. There are multiple committees that fall under each Vice President that can be filled through direct appointment of students or by student volunteers.

The President of the Weber State University Student Association is one of ten WSU Board of Trustees members. The Weber State University Student Association Vice President over academics is a member of Dean's Council. Again, both of these positions are elected positions.

WSU has a Staff Advisory Council comprised of elected representatives from every department on campus. This committee seeks input from all staff on campus and works to resolve issues or advocate for policy changes if needed. The SAC Chair serves on WSU's President's Council. This committee also participates in the Utah Higher Education Staff Association. The SAC Chair does not have a seat on the Board of Trustees.

WSU has a Faculty Senate comprised of representatives from every College. The Faculty Senate Chair is a voting member on the Dean's Council and the President's Council. They do not have a seat on the Board of Trustees

Weber State University has two bodies that fit this description. The first is the National Advisory Council. The WSU president offers invitations to WSU alumni and friends to serve on the National Advisory Council. The group provides:

- Guidance on strategic issues
- An independent sounding board
- Feedback from the community
- Expertise, as needed, on projects or programs
- Assistance in identifying opportunities for the university in key communities
- Advocacy for the university in the communities where members live and work

This group is also comprised of representatives from local government and/or educational institutions, private sector organizations, and civil society.

A description of the Council can be found here - https://www.weber.edu/PresidentsOffice/NationalAdvisoryCouncil.html

The second community engagement body is the College-Town Coalition. The shared initiative between Ogden City government and the university, which first began in 2012, has led to an ongoing partnership that opens new doors to future opportunities and collaborations. The partnership has resulted in the adoption of a College Town Charter, the creation of various working committees and further integration of university and city life. More information about this coalition can be found here https://weber.edu/collegetowncoalition

Weber State University's highest governing body is the Utah Board of Higher Education. The Utah Board of Higher Education is the governing body for the Utah System of Higher Education. The Utah Legislature grants it the power to control, manage, and supervise USHE. The Board’s major responsibilities include selecting and evaluating institutional presidents, setting policy, reviewing programs and degrees, approving institutional missions, and submitting a unified higher education budget request to the Governor and State Legislature.

The Utah Board of Higher Education is comprised of 18 Utah citizens, all appointed by the Governor. There are two student Board members, one from a degree-granting public college or university and one from a technical college.

Sixteen of the members are appointed to six-year staggered terms while the student Board members are appointed to a one-year term. More information about the UBHE can be found here https://ushe.edu/board/about-the-board/