Dive Brief:
- Researchers at the University of Southern California’s Pullias Center for Higher Education surveyed student trustees at 26 public colleges or college systems to bring more insight into their role.
- The researchers found that many were not effective because of the short term length — most could not get much accomplished with only one year as a voting member, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.
- As students often felt isolated in their roles, the researchers also recommend increasing the number of student representatives on a board from one to two or three, The Chronicle reports.
Dive Insight:
Most boards of trustees at higher education institutions offer a seat to a student representative. This is supposed to bring the student voice into the highest levels of decision-making. Often, though, the role is simply for show. Many students don’t say much during their terms, and even if they do, they’re limited by short term lengths overall. The new study was presented during the American Educational Association’s annual conference, held this week in Chicago. Its recommendations could improve the role of the student trustee if implemented by boards across the country.