The Student Council is a vital and fundamental part of the student body at Houghton College. They are a collection of students that represent the various aspects of being a student at Houghton, such as a representative from athletics, academics, and each class, etc. In an interview, Cassie Cavell (‘23), the Representative for the Class of 2023, echoed this statement, saying, “Student Council is a peer-elected group of students that represent the student body as a whole in all areas of life at Houghton.”
According to the coordinator of the Student Council, AC Taylor, the Student Council has a significant role in aiding all Houghton students to have a voice when it comes to events, conditions, and circumstances here. He remarked that “Student Council represents student concerns and opinions to the institution through councils, committees, and relationships with administrators.”
The Student Council, once known as SGA, or Student Government Association, has observed a few changes in 2021, including their office space being renovated and a name change. While Cavell stated that “the office actually did not physically move,” she did note that, “it just got remodeled and renamed over the summer! The CEO’s (chief executive officer or someone in a higher leadership role) new space features inviting glass doors on which our office hours are posted. We love the grand conference table as it incorporates our mission to hear every voice. There are also chairs for hanging out and chatting.” This inviting and comfortable space can be found exactly where the SGA office used to be, for any students interested in voicing a concern or wanting to get in touch with any of the representatives or members of the Council.
Being a member, as any of them will tell you, is a rewarding and honorable position, meant to ensure all students at Houghton College feel connected to all the administration, faculty, and staff. Class of 2022 Representative Hannah Heinl (‘22) explained that elections for the Student Council will be held on Thursday, February 24th, with petitions beginning on Monday, January 31st and closing on Monday, February 14th. Heinl also added that during the Monday, February 21 Student Council meeting, candidates will be able to give their speeches.
Cavell also commented on the election process and what an interested student should reflect on: “They should evaluate their current experience in leadership, communication skills, advocacy, and self-motivation.” There are several tasks members are required to complete each week, including sharing feedback, utilizing office hours, and continuing projects; it is no task to be taken lightly.
Another member of the Student Council, Haley Dejager (‘22), the Athletics Representative, stated, “Whether you have limited leadership experience or lots of it, I think the student council is a great opportunity to serve your fellow students! Be prepared to dedicate a couple of hours a week to various council and committee meetings. There’s also a team atmosphere in which members collaborate on many projects, while still maintaining a personal agenda specific to an individual’s role.” Even when the tasks and expectations flow in regularly, the Student Council members work together to support each other and keep each other going. Dejager also stated, “Most importantly, I really enjoy the feeling of making a difference on our campus. Knowing you’re making a difference and being able to see that difference come to life is a really great thing to experience.” While it has many responsibilities, it is a respectable and significant position to have at Houghton College, and any student hesitating to campaign should head over to the newly renovated office space named the Campus Engagement Office, and speak with any of the members there.
Taylor encourages students who are interested in running to, “Go for it! The institution wants to know what students are thinking and feeling and the Student Council is the go-to structure.” Dejager also stated, “Most importantly, I really enjoy the feeling of making a difference on our campus. Knowing you’re making a difference and being able to see that difference come to life is a really great thing to experience.” While it has many responsibilities, it is a respectable and significant position to have at Houghton College, and any student hesitating to campaign should head over to the newly renovated office space named the Campus Engagement Office, and speak with any of the members there. ★
