Date of Graduation
Spring 5-27-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Organization and Leadership (O&L)
College/School
School of Education
Department/Program
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Alexander Porter Macmillan
Second Advisor
Dr. Darrick Smith
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine attitudes, beliefs, and feelings of student government leaders at a large West Coast research University where they enjoy a high level of autonomy in decision making and how the ability to be a partner in institutional transformation translates to personal and professional leadership development. Interviews were conducted with a number of individuals who served as campus-wide elected officials who represented the undergraduate student body. The interview participants talked about their experiences with faculty, staff, and administrators while involved in student government.
Results showed that when given access to information and considered on equal footing with campus personnel, students are able to develop leadership skills and strategies that benefit them in their post-undergraduate lives. Being able to influence academic and commercial decisions gave these interview subjects confidence, experience, and understanding of decisions in higher education and how those decisions impacted other stakeholders.
Recommended Citation
Jittrikawiphol, Robert, "Student Government Leaders and their Roles in Cooperative Transformative Change on Campus: An Examination of Undergraduate Changemakers at a California University" (2020). Master's Theses. 1311.
https://repository.usfca.edu/thes/1311
