About Us

Lafayette College Student Government

The Student Government is the representative governing body of the undergraduates of Lafayette College.  In addition to providing a forum for the free exchange of ideas on matters of general concern to the College community and to communicate such concerns as the Student Government deems desirable to appropriate College agencies, Student Government also:

  • promotes campus life.
  • furthers the interests of the student body.
  • supports student organizations and recognizes new student organizations.
  • allocates funds to student groups and organizations and does so in the best interest of the student body.
  • works closely with faculty and the Board of Trustees on Standing Committees.
  • encourages students to develop leadership qualities.
  • encourages students to exemplify qualities of responsible citizenship.
  • functions cooperatively with other constituent bodies to achieve the mission and purpose of the College.

Lafayette Student Government meets weekly on Thursday nights at 7:00.

Expectations of Student Government Representatives

  • Serve as an ambassador for Lafayette and hold oneself to the highest standards of conduct and behavior.
  • Hold peers accountable and set a good example by exhibiting community values and College expectations.
  • Strong interpersonal and time management skills. Creative, motivated, and possess a strong work ethic.
  • Broad knowledge of College structures, procedures, and policies.
  • Adapt to change, maintain high energy, and a positive attitude.
  • Attend and participate in Student Government weekly general body meetings, weekly committee meetings, and/or Board of Trustee committee meetings, training, and Passing the Gavel ceremony.

Membership

The Student Government shall have up to 60 General Body members. All Executive Officers will be elected from the full-time students of Lafayette College.  All of the General Body members shall have the right to vote on matters of the Student Government with the exception of budgets, which will be voted on weekly by the Executive Committee.

Term of Office

President shall be an elected position and take office in April and serve for one year.

Vice President, Executive Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors (Executive Board positions) shall be elected positions and take office in April and serve for one year.

Committee Representatives shall be interviewed through an application process and take office at the end of spring and serve for one year.

All Officers shall take their official oath of office at the Gavel Passing Ceremony at the end of April or beginning of May

Qualifications

Executive Board Positions

All full-time students who are in good academic and disciplinary standings and not graduating in the year of the election are eligible to run for any Executive Officer position beside the President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, or Treasurer.  If a candidate’s academic or disciplinary status is in question, the eligibility of a candidate will be at the discretion of the advisor of Student Government.

President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, and Treasurer should have previously served as a General Body member to be eligible to run.  Exceptions may be made based on a petition process, with a successful petition being voted on by a majority of the General Body.

General Body Positions

All full-time students who are in good academic and disciplinary standings and not graduating in the year of the application are eligible to become a Committee Representative.