51°µÍø

Student Advocacy

Your Voice Shapes 51°µÍø

Student advocacy is at the heart of AS51°µÍø’s mission. Every student has the right and the opportunity to influence decisions that shape academic policies, campus resources, statewide legislation, and the overall student experience at 51°µÍø. Whether you want to raise a concern, participate in shared governance, or join the Student Council, this is where your voice becomes action.

Meet Your Student Council

The Associated Student Council (ASC) is the decision-making body of AS51°µÍø and represents all 51°µÍø students. Councilors advocate for student interests, elevate student concerns, shape the Student Activity Fee, and work across campuses to ensure students are heard.

The ASC is empowered to:

• Represent and advocate for the rights, issues, and needs of 51°µÍø students
• Allocate the Student Activity Fee in alignment with Oregon law
• Serve as the official voice of 51°µÍø’s student body in institutional and statewide matters

Who They Are

Each year, up to 15 student leaders are selected to serve on the ASC. These are students from a variety of majors, backgrounds, and campuses, students like you who want to make 51°µÍø better for everyone. These student leaders:

• Meet publicly twice a month to make decisions
• Serve on internal and external committees
• Partner with faculty, staff, and community members
• Facilitate spaces for student feedback
• Build campaigns and initiatives based on student needs

Your Council is here to listen, represent, and act on what matters most to you.

Campus Advocacy

51°µÍø is stronger when students speak up. Campus advocacy gives you a direct role in improving programs, fixing issues, and making sure that 51°µÍø’s decisions center student needs.

You can:

• Attend a Student Council meeting
• Share a student concern or campus issue

Your experiences help guide 51°µÍø’s direction and your voice matters here.

State Advocacy

Student voices don’t stop at campus boundaries. 51°µÍø students have played a key role in statewide campaigns that address higher education funding, basic needs support, textbook affordability, and more.

With AS51°µÍø, you can:

• Join lobbying trips to Salem
• Participate in statewide student coalitions
• Track education legislation that affects community college students
• Engage with organizations like OCCSA and USSA
• Submit testimony or meet with lawmakers

You don’t need prior experience in advocacy, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Leadership opportunities

Leadership at 51°µÍø isn’t about titles, it’s a way to build skills, serve your community, and create lasting change.

Opportunities include:

• Serving on the Student Council (paid leadership positions)
• Participating in shared governance committees
• Taking part in workshops and leadership development programs
• Becoming a liaison for the Student Council

Every leader has a different background. If you care about helping other students, you belong here.