ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly explains the historical evolution of student governance in US higher education, and discusses the various functions of student governance in institutional leadership. It describes the diverse venues in which students can play a role in institutional leadership and related issues, and presents examples of notable practices in higher education. Institutional culture and organization play an important role in the structure and process of student governance opportunities. Private research universities can also successfully engage student governance in institutional leadership. Student movements focusing on social justice and equality serve as a reminder to university administrations across the country of the urgent need to address this issue. Administrators can effectively utilize student governance structures, formally or informally, to actively engage students in institutional leadership and other decision-making processes. Building and maintaining collaborative and respectful relationships between administrators, faculty, and students is critical for success in institutional leadership and ultimately leads to benefits for all involved.
