Organizations and Governance
Student organizations at Bennington are plentiful, energetic, and diverse in
their activities. Students, with support from the Office of Student Life, take
primary responsibility for the life of both new organizations and continuing
ones.
Many students also choose to take an advisory role in campus governance, contributing to and helping foster discussions of academic policy, community living, and other aspects of life at Bennington.
Governance at Bennington
Students participate actively in the creation and enforcement of structures that govern the College's nonacademic life. Through committee work and collaborative effort, they join with faculty members and administrators to create a culture informed by tolerance and respect for individual differences, self-discipline, and a commitment to the common good.
Several advisory organizations exist to allow student input on governance decisions: the Student Educational Policies Committee (academics), Student Council (nonacademic issues), the Program Activity Council (recreation), the Judicial Committee (nonacademic disciplinary issues), and the Student Endowment for the Arts (funding for projects in the arts).
The existence of these structures embodies the College's belief that participating in their own governance requires more—not less—student responsibility and self-restraint.
How Organizations are Funded
Every year, the College allocates funds to support the Student Activities Fund, which is overseen by the Office of Student Life. At the beginning of each fall term, campus organizations submit their proposed budgets to Student Council, which then creates a tentative overall budget to divide the Student Activities Fund among the various organizations. The student body at large then votes on this budget and funds are distributed throughout the term as needed.
Starting an Organization
In addition to the longstanding organizations that are always active on campus, new groups are founded every year.
A Student Activities Fair is held at the beginning of each fall term, and representatives from various organizations are available to answer questions, sign up new members, and solicit feedback. Students who don’t find what they’re looking for among the many current organizations are encouraged to create one. Any group of two or more students may propose an organization by submitting a registration form and budget proposal to Student Council.