The establishment of Student Council play an integral and important role in the student community. Student Council provide a representative structure through which students can debate issues of concern and undertake initiatives of benefit to the college and the wider community

Students have a voice and a contribution to make to their college. It is important that they be given the opportunity to express their views on issues of concern to them in the college. It is equally important that they are listened to and encouraged to take an active part in promoting the aims and objectives of the college.

The guidelines mentioned in this manual are intended to provide practical guidance to Student Council members in the establishment and operation of the Student Council.

A Student Council is a representative structure through which students in the college can become involved in the affairs of the college, working in partnership with the Administration of the College, staff and students for the benefit of the college and its students.

1. To support the Administration of the College and staff in the development of the college
2. To enhance communication between students, Administration of the College and staff
3. To promote an environment conducive to educational and personal development
4. To promote friendship and respect among pupils
5. To represent the views of the students on matters of general concern to them

1. The Student Council and the Administration of the College

1. 1. The college shall establish and maintain procedures for the purpose of informing about the activities in the college.
   2. The college shall encourage and help students to set up a Student Council and shall assist a Student Council when established.
   3. The college shall draw up rules for the establishment of a Student Council; that shall provide for the selection of members and the dissolution of a Council.
   4. The college will have a role in considering the rules governing meetings of the Student Council, and the conduct of its affairs.
   5. The Administration of the College will give active support to the Student Council. This could involve designating a student advisor in the college to communicate with the Council on an ongoing basis, as well as assisting the Council in drawing up a constitution and in planning and organising its activities.

2. The Student Council and the Principal

The role of the Principal is of central importance in the establishment and operation of a Student Council. In assisting the Administration of the College in the development of college policy, and in working with teachers and to implement it at day-to-day level, the Principal is centrally placed in all aspects of the college’s operations.

In the initial stages, the Principal, together with the other teachers, will assist in the development of a Student Council in several ways, for example, by discussing with students the role of a Student Council and the role of individual representatives on the Council and by advising on the appropriate constitution or statement of objectives. As the Council develops and begins to expand its role, the Principal will assist in guiding the Council’s development, so as to allow for a constructive and purposeful Council.

More generally, the Principal can promote a college culture which recognises the potentially valuable input that students can make, through a Student Council, into the development of the college.

3. The Student Council and the Co-ordinator

The role of the Co-ordinator is of importance in the operation of a Student Council. The co-ordinator should assist the Administration of the College in the development of college policy, and in working with students and to implement it at day-to-day level.

In the initial stages, the Principal, together with the Co-ordinator and other teachers, will assist in the development of a Student Council in several ways, for example, by discussing with students the role of a Student Council and the role of individual representatives on the Council and by advising on an appropriate constitution or statement of objectives. As the Council develops and begins to expand its role, the Principal will assist in guiding the Council’s development, so as to allow for a constructive and purposeful Council.

More generally, the Principal can promote a college culture which recognises the potentially valuable input that students can make, through a Student Council, into the development of the college.

4. The Student Council and Teachers

Developing a spirit of partnership and co-operation between a Student Council and teachers has benefits for both. The Student Council can play an important role in recognising and supporting the work of teachers. Similarly, the interest and support of teachers will be of great value to a Student Council, particularly during the early stages of its development.

It is generally desirable for a member of the teaching staff to attend meetings of the Council. The support and guidance offered by a teacher will be very useful to a Council when planning its activities, and providing for a teacher to attend Council meetings will help to build a co-operative and good working relationship between students and staff of the college.

The functions and activities of a Student Council should support the aims and objectives of the Council and promote the development of the college and the welfare of its students. In planning and undertaking activities during the course of the college year, the Council should:

1. Work closely with the Administration of the College, teachers and students,
2. Consult regularly with students in the college, and
3. Involve as many students as possible in the activities of the Council. There is a wide range of activities of benefit to the college community which a Student Council may wish to undertake, some of which are outlined below:

1. Representing the views of the student body to the college Administration of the College

This should be one of the fundamental aims of every Council. It involves talking and listening to the student body, considering their views and concerns, and discussing these with the college Administration of the College on behalf of the students.

2. Promoting good communications within the college

Improving communication within the college community is a shared responsibility and a Student Council can contribute to this process. Making presentations at staff meetings to keep staff informed of activities, keeping a Student Council notice-board or organising a regular newsletter are just some ways the Council can communicate with the students and staff.

3. Supporting the educational development and progress of students

The Student Council can contribute to the learning environment for students in the college by, for example, setting up study groups for students in exam classes or homework clubs, or organising lunch time activities such as language clubs.

4. Assisting with induction and/or mentoring for new first year students

Starting college life is a challenging new experience for 1st Year students. During the mentoring programme senior students help new students to find their feet and can help their integration into the college community.

5. Contributing to the development of college policy

The Student Council can actively contribute to the development of college policy in a wide range of areas viz. influencing, uniform requirements, behaviour code, extra-curricular activities etc. The Council could form sub-committees to consider individual policy issues.

6. Assisting in college sporting and cultural activities

Student Council can assist in organising and developing sports and cultural activities within the college, including, for example, sports days and drama or musical events.

7. Assisting with or organising fund-raising events for charity or any other social cause

Student Council can organise events both within the college and involving the wider community, for the purposes of raising money for designated charities or for any other social cause.

8. Bridging with Student Council in other colleges

It may be useful for a Student Council to bridge with Student Council in other colleges, particularly in the organisation of sporting and cultural activities and when fund-raising. An existing Student Council could have a useful role in helping and advising a newly formed Student Council in another college.

The college after consultation with teachers draw up rules for the establishment of a Student Council, having regard to the following basic principles:

1. The Student Council shall promote the interests of the college and the involvement of students in the affairs of the college, in co-operation with the college and teachers
2. The Council should, as far as is practicable, be representative of the student community
3. The college shall at all times retain the right to dissolve a Council or remove a Council member, in accordance with these guidelines.
4. Establishing a Student Council

The college should provide them, in a timely manner, with a copy of the rules it has drawn up in accordance with these guidelines.

5. Size and Composition of a Student Council

The size and composition of a Student Council shall be determined by the college having regard both to the need for the Council to be representative of all students in the college and the need for it to function effectively. It may not always be appropriate for each class to have a representative on the Council. Appropriate gender balance on the Council should be given priority.

6. Nominations

The Principal should set a date for the selection of representative(s) to the Student Council and its formation.

1. Elections: any number of students can contest elections to become student council representative from their own class only. Each such students are to be considered as the contestants for the said post. All such remaining students of the respective class will vote for the candidates and elect them through Open Ballot election. Among the contestants the student who seeks highest vote declared elected as a student representative from that class to the student council. It is mandatory that gender equality should be maintained. Example: 1 Boy & 1 Girl from each class
2. Oath: All elected student representatives will be administered oath by the principal on the date and time as notified.

7. First Meeting

The Principal or a designated member of staff should convene the first meeting of each newly formed Council. The first meeting of a newly formed Council should take place early in the academic year.

1. APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDENT:(Reserved for FINAL YEAR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE) Among the elected representatives of the Final Year Batch one person will be elected through In-Direct Elections by the Elected Student Council for the post of President of the Student Council.

Removal: The President may be removed from office by the process called ‘Impeachment’ on grounds of proven misbehaviour and inefficiency. The motion for Impeachment to be initiated in the Student Council. However, before impeaching the President a 14 days advance notice must be given of the said cause endorsed and signed by not less than 1/4th of the members of the student Council.

2. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT:Among the elected representatives of the one person will be elected through In-Direct Elections by the Elected Student Council for the post of Vice-President of the Student Council.Removal: The President may be removed from office by the process called ‘Impeachment’ on grounds of proven misbehaviour and inefficiency. The motion for Impeachment to be initiated in the Student Council. However, before impeaching the President a 14 days advance notice must be given of the said cause endorsed and signed by not less than 1/4th of the members of the student Council.
3. SECRETARIES:Among the elected representatives the required number of persons will be elected as secretaries through In-Direct Elections by the Elected Student Council.

Removal: The Secretary may be removed from office by the process called ‘Impeachment’ on grounds of proven misbehaviour and inefficiency. The motion for Impeachment to be initiated in the Student Council, however, before impeaching the Secretary a 14 days advance notice must be given of the said cause endorsed and signed by not less than 1/4th of the members of the student Council and Recommended by the President of the Student Council.

4. JOINT SECRETARIES: Among the elected representatives the required number of persons will be elected as Joint-secretaries through In-Direct Elections by the Elected Student Council

Removal: The joint Secretary may be removed from office on the recommendation of the President and backed up by not less than ½ number of the Student council representatives.