Systemwide Committees: Input as Student

As possibly the only student on your committee, your perspective will be sought. The opinions you offer and the critical outlook you provide from the student perspective will be valued and taken seriously. While it may be somewhat daunting at first to be seated around a table with campus presidents, senior administrators, and faculty, there are some steps you can take to ensure that once you are actually at a committee meeting, you will feel prepared, at ease, and ready to participate.

• Either the chair or the Chancellor’s Office staff person who supports the committee (.pdf) will initiate contact with you, perhaps through their staff, to provide logistical information about meeting times and places, as well as to provide background information and documents. Get to know this person, who will want to ensure that your experience on their committee is productive.
  
  
• Seek input from other students, from your Associated Students officers and board, and from CSSA board members and staff. You will be speaking from your own experience to your committee, but you will also be representing CSU students at large, and the more information you have about student positions on issues, the more comfortable you will be in this role.
  
  
• Thoroughly read all material sent to you in advance of meetings, so that you can come to the table prepared. Research any points you want to elucidate to provide the student perspective. Remember, the more informed you are, the more effective you will be.
  
  
• Don’t hesitate to speak out, even to raise a point that seems to be in conflict with what other committee members think. Often a single member can sway the opinions of the entire committee. It is extremely important that you state your opinion, even if it is just for the record. The student view is essential to the committee and may offer a fresh perspective for everyone.