The College recognizes the educational, recreational and social values of student organizations and extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to participate in any or all phases of the student activities program as long as participation does not interfere with studies. All student organizations operate under the policies and guidelines set for the College by the State Board of Trustees. Approval by the Student Government and the administration is required of all student organizations seeking to make use of College facilities. All approved organizations must be open for membership to all eligible candidates and must make available to the Student Government records of officers, membership and financial transactions.

Student Government Association (SGA)
Students in each region are provided opportunities to participate in student organizations through the Student Government Association (SGA). SGA is the representative governing body of the students. SGA representatives are elected or selected according to the by-laws of each regional SGA constitution and serve as stated in those bylaws. The student body membership may consist of representatives of each program area and an advisor as established in the by-laws.

SGA was established by students to encourage participation in SGA and to promote College spirit and recognition. SGA exercises the authority, unless otherwise delegated, to legislate on student matters subject to the approval of appropriate College administrative offices. The constitutions of all student organizations must be approved by a quorum of the SGA, consisting of a simple majority of the total membership and one staff advisor, or as otherwise stated in the by-laws.The functions of SGA include:

1. Communication of bona fide concerns of the student body to appropriate College officials with suggestions for improvement.
2. Approval of student organizations beneficial to student life and worthy of being part of the College.
3. Assurance that copies of the constitution, by-laws and statement of purpose and objectives of each recognized student organization are on file in the Office of Student Affairs.
4. Referral of student grievances to the appropriate College officials.
5. Planning and conducting appropriate and socially responsible extracurricular student activities.
6. Submission of student activity budgets for review and approval by the regional administration.

Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society for two-year colleges. Its purpose is to recognize and promote academic excellence. This is done by providing leadership development opportunities for service in chapter activities on campus and in regional Phi Theta Kappa activities. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only and is based on a minimum grade point average as well as completion of a specified number of semester hours. Contact the Office of Student Life for further information.

Clubs
Students wishing to organize hobby, social or special interest clubs should submit proposals to the Student Government Association (SGA), which will determine whether sufficient interest exists. SGA is authorized to charter clubs upon approval by the administration. Each club must have a president and vice-president, a full-time employee or regional administrative approved part-time position acting as advisor, and a constitution and by-laws.

Social Activities
All group activities of the College must be approved and sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the administration. Classes, clubs and other groups should plan and conduct social activities for their members. SGA organizes and conducts social activities and gatherings in which all students are encouraged to participate, and to which many will be open to guests.

Professional Organizations
Student chapters of various professional organizations are formed in the same manner as other student organizations and are subject to the same requirements.

Leadership Development
The College sponsors a Student Leadership Academy, an eight-month-long experience to help students better understand the roles of leaders and the leadership potential that exists in everyone. Students must apply to join the Leadership Academy. Contact the Office of Student Life for further information.

Community Service
Community service is an important aspect of becoming a well-rounded citizen. Community service occurs through classroom activities, student government, student clubs and organizations, and partnerships with community agencies. Please check with the student government office for volunteer opportunities.

Many instructors incorporate service learning or community service activities in their courses.  These activities are designed to allow students to use the skills they are learning in the classroom to meet needs in the surrounding community.  These activities are an integral part of the course work and may be considered by instructors when awarding grades.

Alayne Cook
Director of Student Services
(800) 459-0561
ext. 419