Page 1 | TASC Resource Guide | SECTION 2 U/D: 2015
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS
RESOURCE GUIDE
SECTION 2: COUNCIL STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION
What is a Student Council? ............................................................................................................. 2
Objectives of Student Councils ....................................................................................................... 3
Minimum Standards for the Operation of a Student Council .......................................................... 4
Areas of Student Council Authority ................................................................................................ 5
Getting Along with the Principal, Faculty and Staff ......................................................................... 6
Advisors Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 8
Tips for Advisors ............................................................................................................................. 9
Writing a Constitution and By-Laws ............................................................................................. 10
Suggested Elements of a Student Council’s Constitution ................................................................11
What is my Job? ............................................................................................................................ 12
Tips for Organizing Elections ........................................................................................................ 14
Sample Student Council Point System .......................................................................................... 15
Lettering in Student Council ......................................................................................................... 16
Page 2 | TASC Resource Guide | SECTION 2 U/D: 2015
WHAT IS A STUDENT COUNCIL?
A Student Council is a group of elected and volunteer students working together with an adult advisor within the framework
of a constitution or bylaws to provide a means for student expression and assistance in school affairs and activities, give oppor-
tunities for student experience in leadership and encourage student/faculty/community relations.
THROUGH PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES, STUDENT COUNCILS WORK TO:
PROMOTE CITIZENSHIP
• Bysupportingandfurtherdevelopingdemocracyasa
way of life
• Byinvolvingstudentsinmeaningful,purpose-oriented
activities
• Byhelpingeachstudentdevelopasincereregardforlaw
and order appropriate to this democratic society
• Byleadingeachindividualindevelopingasenseofper-
sonal responsibility and earned self respect
• Byexamplethroughteachingtheprocessesandproce-
dures of a democracy
• Byencouragingdesirableattitudesandthecontinuous
upward development of valued patterns
of good citizenship
• Byprovidingaforumforstudentopinions,interestsand
desires so these may be understood by the entire student
body, faculty, administration and community
• Byhonestlyreectingandinterpretingthestudentview-
point
PROMOTE SCHOLARSHIP
• Bycontributingtothetotaleducationalgrowthofall
students in the school
• Byencouraginghigheststandardsofscholarshipand
positive student involvement in learning and thinking
• Byprovidingexperienceingenuineproblem-solving
procedures
• Byprovidingtrainingandexperiencesintheskillsand
techniques of good citizenship and leadership to prepare
articulate citizens and leaders for a progressing society
PROMOTE LEADERSHIP
• Byprovidingyoungpeoplewiththepowerandrightto
speak and, especially, the power, right
and privilege of being heard by those in authority
• Byavoidingthecommercialorculturalexploitationof
students
• Byprovidingcoordinationofschool-sponsoredstudent
activities with constant evaluation in terms
of the selected purposes
• Bypromotingopportunitiesforleadershipamongstu-
dent body members
• Byutilizingtheideasandsupportofstudentsinsolving
relevant school problems
PROMOTE HUMAN RELATIONS
• Byhelpingcreateharmoniousrelationshipsamong
faculty, administration, student body
and the community
• Byprovidingorganizedservicestotheschoolinthe
interest of the general welfare
• Bycommunicatingpurposes,activitiesandtheother
positive elements of school life through
mass media to the entire community
• Byhelpingyoungpeoplefurtherrealizethegeniusand
dignity of each individual
PROMOTE CULTURAL VALUES
• Bysparkingschoolloyalty,pride,patriotismandindi-
vidual student development
• Byprovidingrealexperiencesingroupdevelopmentand
human understandings
• Byhelpingstudentsearnandprotectindividualrights
and responsibilities
• Byselectingprojectsandactivitieswhichseektoachieve
purposes which are significant in the life
of the school community
• Bygivingyoungpeopledeeperreasonsforattending
school and the stimulus for developing
commitments to worthy goals
• Byhelpingeachstudentreachmaximumeducational
growth and development
A student council is a group of student leaders who work
with an adult advisor to collaborate with others to impact
their school community, which impacts their city or town,
which impacts our state, which impacts our country, which
changes the world.
Definition created by 2008-09 TASC State Officers and
District Presidents
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OBJECTIVES OF STUDENT COUNCILS
1) To initiate, implement, and complete projects and activities which will be of help to the school, the
students, the faculty, the administration, the Board of Trustees and the community.
2) To develop and provide opportunities for leadership and service in the local school and in the com-
munity.
3) To encourage personal growth of leaders through participation in district, state and national meet-
ings and organizations.
4) To provide a living workshop of democratic processes, through such activities as elections, participa-
tion in a constitutional representative assembly, etc.
5) To contribute to the educational experiences of students by providing them with a positive involve-
ment in the school, with widened areas of responsibilities and with more direct participation in
organizing and implementing activities.
6) To promote respect for law and order and general welfare of the school and community.
7) To promote an awareness of human relations, of power structures and how one effectively operates
within them. These objectives are realistically approached through increasing avenues of cooperation
among the administration, faculty and students.
8) To provide a viable means for student expression and an increasing amount of self-direction.
9) To improve understanding between and within groups through interaction and communications.
10) To develop student potential and encourage to make a well-informed, honest, interested and active
citizenship.
11) To develop not only leadership abilities within the youth of today, but also leadership for the com-
munity, state and nation of tomorrow. In this process, it is also the objective to develop an aware-
ness of good leadership qualities, hopefully, for a more informed, concerned and active citizenry of
tomorrow.
12) To increase student involvement and school pride.
The projects in which the Student Council participates should be those which promote harmony among all groups
with which the Student Council works. All projects should be submitted for approval to the principal who has final
veto power on any activity.
Developed by Dr. Earl Reum
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MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE OPERATION
OF A STUDENT COUNCIL
These standards were developed and endorsed by a joint effort between the Texas Association of Secondary School Princi-
pals and the Texas Association of Student Councils. These standards are written with the understanding that conditions in
schools vary, making it necessary for student councils to function differently from school to school.
I. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
A. Local Constitution on file that recognizes Student
Council activities are subject to the approval of the prin-
cipal
B. Faculty advisor designated or approved by the principal
C. Systematic election of representatives - Student Council
Representatives should represent the total student body.
High grade standards should not be a requirement for
membership, although UIL standards should be met.
II. OPERATIONS
A. Meetings
1. Executive Board (Officers & Committee Chairper-
sons)
2. General Council Meetings (no less than once a
month)
3. Committee Meetings
B. Written agenda for each meeting
C. Minutes
1. Dated and signed with permanent record maintained
2. Copy to advisor and principal (and Superintendent,
if requested)
D. Annual evaluation and report of achievements sub-
mitted to the Principal. (Consider using Outstanding
Student Council Report)
III. FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
A. Annual budget itemizing projected income and expendi-
tures
B. TASC Dues (which include TASC District Dues) paid
by school
C. NASC dues paid by school
D. Summer Workshop for officers subsidized by Student
Council projects or school
E. State Conference registration fee subsidized by council
or school. Other costs paid by students or council
F. Advisor Workshop subsidized by school or student
council projects
IV. COMMITTEES
A. Required
1. Executive Committee - Composed of Student
Council officers
2. Election Committee - Plans and organizes the
schoolwide elections
3. State Project Committees - (Drugs, Alcohol, Safety,
Health; Energy & Environment, Pride & Patrio-
tism, Community Service)
B. Others as determined by school need
V. ACTIVITIES
A. School Activities
1. Promote school spirit/pride
2. Sponsor school social activities
3. Supervise school elections
4. Sponsor at least one activity on citizenship
5. Staff Appreciation activities
6. New student orientation
7. Support club activities
8. Involved in formulation/review of Handbook
9. Assist with school assemblies
10. Assist with Open House
11. Alcohol, drug, safety, health education
12. Provide energy and environment activities
13. Sponsor homecoming activities
14. Keep a record of council activities
B. Community Activities
1. Public relations with community
2. Sponsor Community Service projects
C. TASC State/District Activities
1. Attend TASC District meetings
2. Complete/submit Outstanding Student Council
Report Form
3. Complete/submit other TASC report forms
(DASH, E&E, P&P, CS)
4. Participate in TASC State Service project(s)
5. Receive training at one or more TASC workshop
(Advisor, Summer)
6. Attend TASC State Conference (HS or ML)
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AREAS OF STUDENT COUNCIL AUTHORITY
A breakdown of communications between the principal and the student council may result when the council fails to
understand its areas of authority. Council must recognize the levels in which it may operate, and this information must
come from the principal of the individual school. Nevertheless, council has only delegated powers, and the principal retains
the veto power over every action of the council. Cooperation, understanding, and advance planning will usually result in
relatively few veto actions.
Essentially there are three levels of student participation in school government: the area in which the students have no
authority at all, the area of nearly complete authority (*subject to advisor and principal), and the areas shared with the
administration and faculty. This latter category is generally the largest. Sample areas of authority are listed below:
NO AUTHORITY
1. Grades and scholarships
2. Homework
3. School maintenance
4. School equipment purchase
5. Hiring and firing of personnel
6. Hall passes
7. Discipline and punishment
8. Cafeteria personnel, cost
9. Length of vacations and school
day
10. Teacher pay
11. Counseling, administrative
procedures
12. Student enrollment
13. Academic Credits
14. National Honor Society selection
15. Teaching procedures and curricu-
lum
16. School Board policies
SHARED AUTHORITY
1. Homecoming
2. Dances and social events
3. Organization and chartering of
new clubs
4. School morale and pride
5. General welfare of student and
faculty
6. Schedule of activities and meet-
ings
7. Code of dress and conduct
8. Charity drives
9. Promote citizenship, scholar-
ship, leadership
10. Fund raising
11. Safety Education
12. Student-faculty-student council
relations and communications
13. Freshmen orientation
14. School policy: reactions and
revisions
15. Assemblies
NEARLY COMPLETE AUTHORITY*
1. Assigned council projects
2. Staff appreciation
3. Publicity responsibilities
4. Council meetings
5. Evaluation of projects
6. Evaluation of student council
constitution
7. Elections, general school
8. Annual report to Board/Educa-
tion
9. Student attitude and involve-
ment
10. Committee recommendations
11. Committee set-up and
follow-through
12. Council fund raising
13. Spirit week
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GETTING ALONG . . .
. . . WITH THE PRINCIPAL
. . . WITH THE FACULTY
. . . WITH THE STAFF
Student councils have to “get along” to be effective. All the great ideas for projects, activities, happenings, and
events must have the support of the principal, faculty, and staff to be considered potential successes. An effective
student council will consider various approaches to insure the support of these crucial people.
GETTING ALONG WITH THE PRINCIPAL
The administration is a group of people who are legally responsible for the school program. If mistakes are made,
the administration—and, more specifically, the principal—must bear the brunt of the criticism. Because of the
principal’s authority, the council-principal relationship is crucial.
The principal cannot delegate any of his or her responsibility, but he or she can delegate authority. It is proper
for the principal to delegate certain powers to the student council. The student council has no power unless the
principal delegates it. When a student council fails to understand its areas of authority, a breakdown of commu-
nications between the principal and the student council may result. A student council needs to know the levels
in which it may operate. This information must come from the principal of the individual school.
The student council must keep the principal informed at all times about its actions, because the principal
maintains the final approval and authority for all projects.
Ideas to gain administrative support and to better relations with the principal and administration include:
1. Hold periodic meetings with the administrative team, particularly the principal, to inform them of the
student council’s activities, to discuss student council business and administrative policies. These meet-
ings could be held at lunch to encourage informality.
2. Distribute minutes of student council meetings to all members of the administrative team.
3. Invite administrators to all business meetings and give them opportunities to discuss programs they
administer with the student council.
4. Recognize the principal as a resource person, who has a wide perspective on education and knowledge of
the particular school.
5. Do not be afraid to take a stand and speak for something. The principal has final authority; presenting
soundreasonsmayinuencethenaldecision.
6. Try asking a principal, “What can we do for you?” instead of “Can we do this?” (See article on “How
Student Councils can help Principals” on TASC website.)
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GETTING ALONG WITH THE FACULTY
The faculty is a very important support group for a student council. A strong working relationship with the
faculty is a definite advantage. Student council members must continuously strive through their consideration
and their activities to emphasize a student council’s place in the school and to ensure faculty support.
Ideas to encourage faculty support:
1. Issue an open invitation to all teachers for student council meetings.
2. Conduct a teacher appreciation day.
3. Start a Teacher Pal project. Have each student council member choose one or two teachers as their pals.
On holidays, during finals week, or for just a regular school day, each student council member gives their
secret pals something—a cake, a red grading pen, a little candy, a birthday or greeting card, or just a small
personal note. The teachers are not told who their teacher pals are until the end of the year when there is
some sort of get-together to reveal the teacher pals.
4. Issue a sincere welcome back to all teachers at the beginning faculty meeting before school opens. Perhaps
some sort of welcome back gift package could be arranged.
5. Request five or ten minutes at monthly faculty meetings. Ask the teachers if they have any suggestions or
ideas. Be prepared to answer questions about council activities.
6. Provide student aides for teachers a few days before school begins.
7. Invite teachers (by special, personal invitation) to all activities sponsored by the student council (dances,
Homecoming, other special events).
8. Help with moving in and out at the beginning and end of the year.
GETTING ALONG WITH THE STAFF
The support personnel in the school are often affected by the activities of the student council. Their help and
cooperation enables projects and activities sponsored by the council to run more smoothly and efficiently.
Dances, special activities after school hours, and Saturday functions such as district conventions require the aid
of custodial and cafeteria personnel. Student council members should treat them with the same respect that they
would accord anyone who helps and cooperates to make a project or activity a success.
Ideas for positive relations with support personnel:
1. Always give prior notice of any activities requiring their services.
2. Write thank you notes to all support personnel who helped at the conclusion of projects or after an activ-
ity.
3. Have a morning brunch (pastries and coffee) prepared for them before school or special desserts for lunch.
4. Do not leave all cleaning up to the custodians. See that after an activity, student council members help
clean up. If any special decorations were put up, these should be taken down by council members them-
selves.
5. Plan staff appreciation projects (not just teacher appreciation).
GETTING ALONG. . .
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ADVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Student council is as successful as the advisor wishes it to be. It takes someone with a great deal of patience,
enthusiasm and love of young people to advise, coach, inspire, communicate and, in general, to keep the council
moving successfully forward. It takes training to be successful in this role.
The advisor develops leadership in the student council members through the delegation of duties and respon-
sibilities.
The advisor walks a delicate line between representing students and representing administration. Keeping
one’s balance depends upon using common sense, communicating with those concerned and maintaining a
knowledge of the policies governing the student council.
AS A STUDENT COUNCIL ADVISOR:
1. Ask for and assist in developing a job description for the position. This will help you and others to look
at the role, objectives, and expectations of the advisor and the activity.
2. Ensure your principal has both approved and has a copy of your Constitution and By-Laws.
3. Establish communication lines and methods to be as inclusive as possible - the more information that is
commonly available, the less hassle when decision-making time occurs.
4. Provide orientation for officers and members.
A. Workshop, planning session to develop methods of operation and skills training.
B. Set goals and activities for the year.
C. Become involved in state sponsored activities.
5. Establish a periodic evaluation.
6. Maintain your public relations link with the staff and administration.
7. Evaluate what you have done at the end of the year and put it into written form for next year’s Council.
8. Continually seek training opportunities to further your skills.
Being an ADVISOR means being a resource person, a leader, a good example, a unique representative of students
to faculty and administration. It is advising and coordinating all phases of the council program while making
it a learning experience for those involved and an integral part in the school program. ADVISORSHIP is one
of the toughest challenges in the school program today. If successful, it can be one of the most beneficial and
personally rewarding experiences.
MEMO TO ADVISORS
1972
A hundred years from now
It will not matter
What your bank account was,
The sort of house you lived in,
Or the kind of car you drove,
But the world may be
A little different because
You were important in
The life of someone young . . .
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TIPS FOR ADVISORS
STUDENT COUNCIL PROCEDURES:
q Have a working constitution (*)
qHave an agenda for every contact with kids
q Take notes or minutes
q Use forms-project planning/evaluations/reports (*)
q Outline roles of members/officers (*)
q Use committees (*)
q Directory
q Calendar
q Member handbook
q Support opportunities for membership other than only elections
q Communication System
q Online storage of project plans, report forms, and evaluations
q Provide leadership training
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT:
q Train students in procedures/process/leadership skills (*)
q Manage stress level
q Lead by example
q Networking (*)
q Have fun
q Provide office space
q Have supportive/understanding personal relationships
PUBLIC RELATIONS:
q Administration: school board, superintendent, principal, staff leadership
q Community: media, civic involvement
q Student Body: paper, announcements, press releases, etc.
q Parents: election letter, thank you notes, newsletters
q Staff: bulletin, staff appreciation
(*) Areas where TASC can provide direct assistance.
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WRITING A CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
A student council constitution is a written document that sets forth the fundamental governing principles under
which the council is organized and operates. To many people, the word “constitution” implies formality and
intimidating rules and regulations. A constitution is simply a written set of rules for a group. The constitution
defines the limits of authority of the organization and gives a sense of both order and purpose for conducting
business. A student council’s constitution should be stated in simple, easily understood language and should
include only essential items. The student council constitution should be developed in cooperation with school
staff and the student body. Amendments should be simple and direct.
Bylaws are rules adopted by a group for its own meetings or affairs. Bylaws cover such areas as the number of
members needed to constitute a quorum (enough members to vote on an issue or proposal); procedure for filling
an office that has been vacated during the year; procedure of impeachment of delinquent members and officers.
The constitution/bylaws should be designed to help the council accomplish its goals. It must not be so difficult
to follow that it hinders the effective functioning of the council. The constitution must be studied regularly
and changed to stay vital and meaningful.
WRITING THE CONSTITUTION
Creating a constitution can be a difficult, time-consuming process. The following steps can take some of the
hassleoutoftheprocessandensurethatyourgroupdevelopsaconstitutionthatisanaccuratereectionof
its mission.
1. Gather ideas and information from group members, faculty members, administrators, and constitu-
tions from other organizations. At this stage, use a constitutions survey to gather ideas from your orga-
nization’s members.
2. Review the gathered information. It can be tedious for a group of 25 members to pour over the informa-
tion, so a smaller committee is recommended. You might want to have a constitution committee or a group
of officers compile all of the information.
3. Decide the basics of your constitution. Decide what your constitution will consist of. Think of broad,
general topics at this point rather than specific rules and regulations. For example, you may decide that
your constitution will outline the duties of officers, attendance policies, etc.
4. Decide the basics for each part of the constitution. You don’t necessarily have to use complete sentences
and ornate language. Rather, concentrate on putting down in writing of what each topic will consist. For
example, list the duties of each officer.
5. Edit the constitution. Smooth out the rough edges and write everything out in complete sentences. Use
a dictionary and thesaurus to help select the right wording.
6. Seek feedback. To make sure the constitution is clear and easy to understand, get the feedback of the entire
organization. You might also seek feedback from the advisor, principal, English or journalism teacher (for
clarity of writing), or other students who are not involved in the organization to get a fresh perspective.
7. Ratify (vote to adopt) your constitution. Vote on each part of the constitution separately so members
will know which parts they agree on so they can be adopted as is. The group will also know which parts
need to be discussed further. If necessary, continue to edit the constitution until ratification is completed.
8. Distribute copies of your constitution to all members, your advisor, faculty members, administrators,
and any other interested students.
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SUGGESTED ELEMENTS OF A STUDENT COUNCIL CONSTITUTION
WRITING A CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Most student council constitutions do not have a preamble. The document contains the basic principles under which the
council is organized and operated. Most constitution/by-laws follow a generally accepted form. First, most have articles.
These articles follow a logical sequence and each discusses one broad area. Generally, the following topics are articles:
Article I Statement of the name of the organization
Article II The general purpose(s) of the group
Article III Powers vested in the organization; the right of veto by the principal
Article IV Definition of membership for the group; qualifications of membership; duties of membership
Article V Establishment of the time, methods, and procedures for nomination and election of members, officers, and
advisors
Article VI Frequency of meetings and provisions for special sessions (may be omitted in the body of the constitution if
included in the by-laws)
Article VII The duties and responsibilities of the organization, the officers, the members, and the advisor
Article VIII Method and procedure for ratification of the constitution
Article IX Provisions for amending the constitution
When it becomes necessary to discuss more than one topic in any one article, it is proper to number these and refer to
them as sections. Each section also has a title for quick reference.
Example:
Article VII The duties and responsibilities of the organization, the officers, the members, and the advisor
Section 1: Organization Responsibilities
A. Conduct school elections
B. Organize homecoming activities
C. Etc.
Section 2: Officer Responsibilities
A. President
1. Preside at all meetings
2. Etc.
SUGGESTED ELEMENTS OF STUDENT COUNCIL BY-LAWS
Article I Number of members needed to constitute a quorum (enough people to legally vote)
Article II Description of standing committees and provisions for the formation of special committees as the need arises
Article III Rules for conducting elections (if not included in the constitution body)
Article IV Procedure for filling an office that has been vacated
Article V Procedure for amending the by-laws
Article VI Parliamentary authority; definition of the parliamentary rules of order for conducting business
All constitutions should include the date of adoption/revision.
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WHAT IS MY JOB?
The exact duties and responsibilities of officers will vary according to local council constitutions.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
DUTIES OF OFFICERS, MEMBERS AND COMMITTEES
The person responsible for the job must know what that job is! Each officer has specific work to achieve and
functions to perform. However, even the job description is subject to personal perceptions of what constitutes
that job, and co-workers, constituents, and political rivals have other ideas.
Obligations and responsibilities of officers, members and committees should be written, analyzed and evaluated
annually. Obligations of office should be listed along with purposes, opportunities and the channels of procedure.
Duties of office should include relationship with others in Council, the procedures and the objectives. There
should be a recognition of available resources and equipment for achieving Council goals.
Group and member roles played and status requirement fulfilled by individuals are vital ideas. Both officers
and members must be informed about the Council, its committees, its leadership and its progress in reaching
objectives. Obligations to the community should be listed as well.
STUDENT BODY/COUNCIL OFFICERS (THESE OFFICES ARE SUGGESTIONS, NOT REQUIREMENTS)
I. Student Body President
A. Represent the student body at school district and civic events and other meetings.
B. Be responsible for coordinating the interviewing, selection and functioning of committee chairpersons
and task forces.
C. Supervise the functioning of the elected student body officers.
D. Develop the agenda for and preside over the meetings of Student Council.
II. Student Body Vice-President
A. Represent the student body at school district, civic events, and other meetings as requested by
the president.
B. Coordinate the work of committees.
C. Preside over Student Council meetings in the absence of the president.
III. Student Body Secretary
A. Maintain the student body files.
B. Prepare agendas for meetings.
C. Take and distribute minutes of meetings.
D. Represent the student body at school district, civic functions, and other meetings as requested by the
president.
E. Type material for student body officers and committee chairpersons as needed.
G. Sign all purchase orders.
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IV. Student Body Treasurer
A. Coordinate the preparation of the annual budget.
B. Present the proposed budget to Student Council for adoption.
C. Maintain financial records of the student body.
D. Prepare financial reports for meetings of Student Council.
E. Assist the bookkeeper with sales as necessary.
F. Coordinate fund raising projects for the student body.
G. Sign all purchase orders.
V. Student Body Historian
A. Gather materials in preparation for the Student Council Scrapbook.
B. Be responsible for the completion of the scrapbook.
C. Maintain a file of materials about activities of the school.
D. Make sure pictures are taken of all activities.
E. Coordinate work on other historical presentations (i.e., slide shows, video).
VI. Student Body Parliamentarian
A. Provide advice on questions of parliamentary procedure.
B. Make the Council members aware of good parliamentary practices.
VII. Student Body Reporter
A. Write, edit, and submit stories about the Council to the school paper and local media.
B. Organize publicity for Student Council meetings and events.
VIII. Committee Chairperson
A. Recruit members of the committee.
B. Call and preside over meetings of the committee.
C. Inform officers of progress and problems which arise.
D. Delegate tasks of committee and follow up with members to be sure plans are completed.
IX. The Council Member
A. Communicate ideas from the student body to the Council.
B. Report to the class the results of Council action.
C. Serve on or chair committees.
D. Volunteer as needed.
WHAT IS MY JOB?
(Continued)
AS A MEMBER...
•Leaveyourpersonalproblemsoutside
the meeting
•Treateveryonewithrespect
•Bepunctual
•Letthoseinchargecontrolthemeeting
•Paycloseattention
•Participateinthediscussion
•LookforwaystoHELP!
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E. Petitions - One process requires a certain number of
signatures before a name is put on the ballot
1. Petitions force a commitment from the candidate.
2. Petitions force candidates to seek support from
fellow students.
3. Contents of petition:
a. Name of candidate.
b. Office sought.
c. Blanks for predetermined number of students.
d. Approval of two teachers.
e. Counselor’s approval.
f. Office approval.
g. Parents’ approval.
4. Establish source of petitions.
a. Election committee table.
b. Student Council advisor.
5. Adhere to deadline.
6. Check petitions for accuracy.
7. List of candidates compiled.
a. Qualifications checked.
b. If required, grade point averages verified.
F. Meeting of candidates
1. Election rules are clearly understood.
2. Rules should contain:
a. Rules stated by the constitution.
b. Assembly restrictions.
c. Restrictions on campaign material
1) Total cost.
2) Number, size, placement of posters.
3) Handbills.
4) Skits.
d. Length of campaigning
1) Removal of campaign material.
2) Consequences of non-adherence to rules.
3) Election assembly planned.
G. Primary election
1. Voting machines.
a. List of candidates, verified by advisor, submitted
to Election Commission at least 4 days before
elections.
b. Election Commission prints ballot.
c. Election Commission sets voting machines and
instructs students in:
1) Method of operations.
2) Method of reading results.
d. Consider electronic voting.
A. Schedule with the master calendar
1. Avoidconicts
2. Include dates of assemblies.
a. Check with building committee for any
regulationswhichaffectconictsindates.
b. Avoid assemblies during the last week of a
marking period.
B. Schedule use of voting machines with the Election
Commission if applicable
C. Publish dates of all elections including:
1. Voter registration, if required.
2. Petitions for all school officers.
3. Candidates’ meeting.
4. Primary assembly or speak-out.
5. Primary elections.
6. Final assembly or speak-out.
7. Final election.
8. Petitions for class officers.
9. Assembly.
10. Primary election.
11. Final election.
12. Petitions for Student Council representatives.
13. Assembly.
14. Primary elections.
15. Final election.
D. Registration
1. Arguments for and against.
a. When a student registers for school, he/she is
automatically registered to vote.
b. Registration is educational and it is required
for adult citizens (not automatic).
2. Procedures
a. Forms can be used resembling legal registration
forms.
1) Are compiled into a registration book.
2) Election committee checks for errors.
b. Alphabetical lists of students in the school are
available from most principals’ offices.
1) Are available by class or school as a whole.
2) Registration can be accomplished by
signing next to students name.
c. Takes a large campaign to get students to
register.
TIPS FOR ORGANIZING ELECTIONS
Any election procedure should teach use of the democratic process to students. Elections should be a significant learning experi-
ence in citizenship. The democratic process includes procedures for candidates to announce their intention to run a campaign
which acquaints voters with candidates, and voting which teaches young people the value of citizen’s participation.
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STUDENT COUNCIL POINT SYSTEM
Many student councils employ a point system for active membership/participation. For best results, point systems should be
positive (not punitive) and should be designed to create successful engagement with the council. Success should be reasonably
achievable and attainable, while still maintaining high standards. In most cases, students accumulate points through local par-
ticipation and minimum points are required to maintain active membership. Often, advisors use points to determine student
eligibility in special activities such as attending workshops/conferences, running for office or fulfilling councils “work-on” re-
quirements. There are many variations of the actual systems used, methods for tracking and purposes of points. As with other
areas, it is up to each school to determine whether or not to use a point system and the methods for implementation. Below
are two samples of point systems used by TASC schools.
POINT SYSTEM SAMPLE #1
Midway High School, Waco
STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICER AND MEMBER
25 points per hour - Attending Stu-Co Monthly Meeting
25 points per hour - Community Service – non-Stuco Event
10 points per item - Donation of items for events (x multiples by discretion of advisor)
25 points per Committee - Points only accumulated if you work the meeting event
50 points per hour - Working Stu-Co initiated events
500 points per semester - required to maintain StuCo membership
Minimum of 1500 points accumulative – in order to be eligible for State Student Council Conference
POINT SYSTEM SAMPLE #2
For a member to remain in good standing or to work-on to the council, a student must earn 50 points each semester.
Students can earn points as follows:
Meetings: Attending a meeting +1 point
Committees: Attending and contributing to committee +1
Projects/Events: Participation/work on projects or events +1 point/per hour
Special Activities: points vary and are designated by the advisor. Special activities may include attending a TASC
training or workshop, special leadership roles (such as district activities or serving as a TASC junior counselor)
Students are required to record and submit accumulated points to the secretary
Page 16 | TASC Resource Guide | SECTION 2 U/D: 2015
LETTERING IN STUDENT COUNCIL
UIL does not govern how students letter in any school-sponsored or extra-curricular activity. Lettering standards are defined
by the individual school or local district. Schools or districts may choose to award major awards to other groups not listed as
an official UIL activity. Just because it is not a UIL sanctioned activity does not mean it is not worthy of a major award by
your school.
For UIL documentation visit www.uil.utexas.edu and the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules (C&CR) Chapter 1, Sub-
chapter O, Section 480 Limitations of Awards and the UIL & TEA Side by Side document.
UIL and TEA encourage school districts to include unsanctioned UIL teams, clubs, and organizations under UIL rules for
the purpose of academic eligibility standards and extracurricular absences much like those used for cheerleading, drill team,
and FFA.
The decision to include organizations in addition to those specified by UIL is left up to the local school district’s board of
trustees. All extracurricular activities are subject to state law, whether they are UIL or not. So these non UIL activities are
required to follow state law as it applies to extracurricular activities.
Student Council Advisors are encouraged to develop lettering standards for your council. A student lettering in Student
Council should be an active participant and significant contributor to your council.
See sample criteria below (from Texas High School, Texarkana):
LETTERING
1. Must have held an office for 2 years.
2. Must have been in Leadership Class for at least one year.
3. Must have a specific number of documented volunteer hours in the year receiving the letter.
4. Must have approval of the principal and advisor.
PATCH PURCHASING
1. Must have been an active member of Student Council for 2 years.
2. Must have the advisor's permission.
3. The council does not pay for the patch.
GRADUATION CORDS AND DIPLOMA SEALS
1. Local schools determine the wearing of honor cords at graduation and the placement
of seals on diplomas.
2. Graduation cords and diploma seals are sold to advisors only.