Why You Should Run for Student Government

When most people hear "Student Government," they think of high school: planning prom, making posters, and popularity contests.

At a community college like Santa Monica College, Associated Students (A.S.) is closer to running a small non-profit corporation. The A.S. Board manages a budget of over $1 million. They vote on funding for departments, sustainability initiatives, and student services. They sit on committees with the College President.

It is serious business. And because it is serious business, it is one of the most powerful things you can put on a transfer application to the Ivy League or UC system.

1. It's Not Just for Political Science Majors

Yes, if you are a **Poli Sci 1 (National Government)** or **Poli Sci 10** major, this is a natural fit. But A.S. needs diverse skill sets.

2. The Hierarchy: Directors vs. Commissioners

You don't have to start as President. In fact, you probably shouldn't.

The Board of Directors (Elected): These are the ~15 voting members. They are elected by the student body in the spring. It is a high-stress, high-commitment role (10-20 hours/week).

Commissioners (Appointed): Each Director hires "Commissioners" to help them. For example, the Director of Student Assistance might hire a "Commissioner of Basic Needs."
This is the best entry point. You interview for the job (no campaign needed). You do the work, you get the title, and you get the experience. If you are good, you can run for Director the next year.

3. The Secret Hack: Joint Committees

If you don't want to deal with student politics, there is a "backdoor" to leadership: Academic Senate Joint Committees.

These are committees where faculty (professors) and administrators make actual decisions about how the college runs. By law, they often need a student representative.

• Grade Appeals Committee: You sit with professors and reviewing student petitions to change grades. (Requires extreme discretion).
• Curriculum Committee: You vote on whether a new class, like CS 77, gets approved for the catalog.
• Distance Education Committee: You help decide policy for online classes (Canvas).

Why this is a "Hack": You are sitting at a table with PhDs as an equal voting member. In your transfer essay, you can write: "I served on the Curriculum Committee and advocated for more diverse reading lists in English 1." That shows intellectual maturity.

4. The Election Timeline (Don't Miss It)

At SMC, the big elections happen in the Spring Semester (usually April) for the following year.

If you miss the Spring election, keep an eye out in September. Often, people resign or drop out over the summer, and "Vacancies" open up. These spots are filled by appointment (interview), not election.

Is it worth the stress?

Being in A.S. is functionally a part-time job. You will have conflicts with your Math 8 study sessions. You will have to deal with drama.

However, for the very top schools (Stanford, Yale, Berkeley Haas), "Student Body President" is one of the few extracurriculars that universally commands respect. It proves you can lead impactful organizations while maintaining your grades.

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