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Student Government

Overview Courses Faculty

Student Government (SGVT) Courses

SGVT 300 Introduction to Student Government

  • Units:2
  • Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides a study of the legal, educational and philosophical basis of student government. The course may include travel to other campuses, local, regional and state conferences and provide the opportunity to participate on faculty and administrative committees. Topics are designed to teach leadership skills and to give practical experience in the social and civic responsibilities of student government.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • ANALYZE GROUP DYNAMICS AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR (SLO-1).
  • Assess and express organizational behavior that is effective and appropriate for student government tasks and relations, such as goal setting, stress management, motivation, and basic oral and written communication skills of active listening, interpersonal communication, and diversity awareness.
  • Evaluate and develop effective leadership skills which may include personal assessment, delegating, problem solving, budgeting and critical thinking.
  • DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT IN ACTIVITIES AND EFFECTIVE STUDENT GOVERNANCE (SLO-2).
  • Analyze and audit the Student Senate budget to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
  • Plan and organize a variety of campus activities.
  • Identify and use campus resources to complete class projects.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
  • Advocate for fair representation of college students.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance to an organization of clearly articulated vision and tenets.
  • EXAMINE CRITICALLY THE WORKINGS OF A STUDENT GOVERNMENT (SLO-3).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Title 5 and student governance at the community college.
  • Cite and apply basic principles of the Ralph M. Brown Act.
  • Reflect on the effectiveness and appropriateness of personal and group efforts within student government activities.
  • PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY BEYOND THE CAMPUS, DEMONSTRATING AN UNDERSTANDING OF PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE LARGER CONTEXT (SLO-4).
  • Participate in student government planning, meetings and activities on campus, and/or at the district, state and national levels.

SGVT 315 Dynamics of Leadership

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental elements of leadership as it pertains to student governmental processes, team and community building. Students will examine contemporary leadership models as well as their own values and beliefs to develop a personal philosophy of leadership. Through activities and projects facilitated by student government, students will learn how to apply theory and experience leadership in the college and community settings. Students interested in broadening their understanding of diverse topics related to self-knowledge, group dynamics and leadership are encouraged to enroll.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • DEFINE AND DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS OF LEADERSHIP (SLO 1)
  • Analyze and evaluate diverse leadership theories, styles and philosophies including gender, cultural and ethnic influences.
  • Evaluate and articulate personal leadership values and beliefs.
  • Correlate leadership theories, styles and approaches within the planning and conduct of organized events facilitated by student government.
  • DEVELOP ORGANIZATIONAL AND SITUATIONAL ACUMEN AND LEARN STRATEGIES TO MANAGE AND EFFECT CHANGE (SLO 2)
  • Incorporate and apply leadership theories and models to activities facilitated by student government and community life experiences.
  • Demonstrate effective critical thinking and ethical decision making skills.
  • CLARIFY VALUES AND SELF-KNOWLEDGE OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND ABILITIES (SLO 3)
  • Critique self-assessment and recommend purposeful feedback of others.
  • Construct and articulate a personal philosophy of leadership that includes an understanding of self, others and community.

SGVT 495 Independent Studies in Student Government

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • SLO #1: Actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 4).
  • Discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
  • Design an independent study (to be completed individually or by collaboration of a small group) to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience that are not available in any one regularly scheduled course.
  • Use information resources to gather discipline-specific information.
  • SLO #2: Utilize modes of analysis and critical thinking to apply theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study to significant problems and/or educational activities (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 3).
  • Analyze and apply the knowledge, skills and experience that are involved in the independent study to theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study.
  • Explain the importance of the major discipline of study in the broader picture of society.
  • SLO #3: Communicate a complex understanding of content matter of the major discipline of study (College Wide Outcome – Area 3).
  • Demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
  • SLO #4: Identify personal goals and pursue these goals effectively (College Wide Outcome – Area 4).
  • Utilize skills from the “academic tool kit” including time management, study skills, etc., to accomplish the independent study within one semester term.

SGVT 499 Experimental Offering in Student Government

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.