Individuals willing to be considered for leadership roles should be aware of and committed to the time and energy required for the task. Officers are sometimes “drafted” or coerced into taking on leadership responsibilities, but that is not the best method to create an effective organization. Be sure students are ready and willing to take on the task.
Here are the most common officers of student organizations:
President
- Attend mandatory charter meeting
- Has overall responsibility for the operation of the club
- Calls and presides at all meetings
- Reviews and approves all financial activity
- Maintains complete and up-to-date files
Vice President
- Perform the duties of President in her/his absence or inability to serve
- Other duties as needed
Treasurer
- Attend mandatory chartering meeting
- Be responsible for the general supervision of the finances of the club
- Be responsible for the preparation of a budget
- Receive all payments due, collect dues, issue receipts
- Be responsible for the prompt payment of all bills
- Maintain up-to-date financial records
- Give a financial report at each meeting
- Sign contracts when authorized to do so
Secretary
- Keep an up-to-date membership roster
- Keep full minutes of all meetings and record all action taken by the student organization
- Maintain a file that includes minutes, copies of contracts, correspondence
- Be responsible for all official student organization correspondence
Many student organizations create other types of officer positions, either as a way to involve more members in leadership positions, or to spread the workload around. The following are some ideas that can be additional officer positions in the student organization, or can be incorporated into the typical positions outlined above.
Social Chair
- Helps plan social activities for members to get to know each other.
Recruitment
- Coordinates all efforts to recruit new members.
Fundraising
- Works closely with the Treasurer to plan fundraising activities.
Scholarship/Academic Support
- Helps members balance co-curricular involvement with academic coursework.
As a first order of business, the student organization should decide on a process whereby the commitment and ability of potential officers to successfully carry out the above tasks can be considered seriously prior to election. Leadership workshops conducted by the Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service are designed to assist elected student organization officers in meeting these obligations. In addition, new student organizations should avail themselves of opportunities to benefit from the experience of long-standing groups.
Contact the Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service for assistance in clarifying student organization officer roles and for any training/education needs. |
