Date of Defense
4-22-2025
Date of Graduation
4-2025
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
J. Kevin Corder
Second Advisor
Chris Sligh
Abstract
The Western Student Association underwent several reforms between March of 2020 and April of 2025. These reforms included expanding its legislative branch both in terms of pure size and internal responsibility and restructuring its executive branch to focus more on building relationships with the administration of Western Michigan University.
The Western Student Association between 2020 and 2025 has become more successful in advocating, allocating, and being a shared governance partner, representing the three executive functions of a Student Government Association.
While the Western Student Association is more successful in 2025 than it was in 2020, the institutional weaknesses of an ineffective judicial branch, a disconnect with the student body, and the challenges that come with a large legislative branch hold it back from being a fully successful student government.
Recommended Citation
Longlet, Samuel, "Western Student Association Structure and Governing Processes: Evaluating Success for Student Government Associations" (2025). Honors Theses. 3962.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3962
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Included in
American Politics Commons, Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons