Student Advisory Council

Every school leader needs a support group… This could be yours!

We all know that great school culture begins with a great school principal, but student leaders are often the secrete sauce that helps to take that school culture to the next level. This is why TEEN TRUTH expanded its highly successful leadership summit program into the PRINCIPAL’S COUNCIL ON SCHOOL CULTURE. This group of 15 – 30 handpicked student leaders are directly connected to their school principal through a series of monthly meetings and TEEN TRUTH leadership summits.

What is a Student Advisory Council?

A Student Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of students selected to represent the student body and provide input on school policies, programs, and initiatives. It serves as a bridge between students, faculty, and administration, helping to create a school environment that reflects the needs and concerns of the students. SACs exist in many educational institutions, from middle and high schools to colleges and universities.

These councils are often responsible for gathering student feedback, discussing issues that affect their peers, and working with school leaders to develop solutions. By participating in an SAC, students gain valuable leadership experience, learn about governance and decision-making, and contribute to meaningful changes within their school community.

What is the Purpose of a Student Advisory Council?

The primary purpose of a Student Advisory Council is to give students a voice in school governance and policy-making. Schools use these councils to ensure that students’ perspectives are considered when making decisions about education, school culture, and extracurricular activities. By engaging with administrators, SAC members advocate for student interests and help shape a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Beyond influencing school policies, SACs also promote leadership development. Students involved in advisory councils gain skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which benefit them in both academic and professional settings. In some cases, SACs also play a role in organizing events, improving student engagement, and fostering a sense of school pride and unity.

Who is Involved in a Student Advisory Council?

A Student Advisory Council typically consists of a diverse group of students who represent different grades, backgrounds, and interests within the school. Members may be elected by their peers, appointed by school administrators, or selected through an application process. The goal is to ensure a broad representation of student voices.

In addition to students, SACs often include faculty advisors who help guide discussions, provide logistical support, and ensure that student recommendations align with school policies. School administrators, such as principals or deans, may also be involved, as they are responsible for reviewing and implementing the council’s suggestions. In some cases, parents, business leaders, or community members participate to offer additional perspectives and resources.

How can TEEN TRUTH help with you Student Advisory Council?

TEEN TRUTH will host a series of leadership summits during the school year. Summit #1 is an event focused on pulling your council together and empowering them to come up with solutions to address some of the top social-emotional issues on campus. Summit #2 is a follow up workshop hosted 1 – 3 months later and is focused on each individual student leader — asking how they can personally make a difference on your campus. Lastly, Summit #3 offered 1 – 3 months after Summit #2 recaps the progress the council has made during the year, and challenges them to come up with a service project that can support campus culture.

What is the Principal’s Involvement?

In-between each TEEN TRUTH visit you will meet with your council once a month as a way to invest in and build relationships with them. These monthly meetings could be as simple as pizza with the principal, bringing in a local politician to discuss community leadership, or hosting a brainstorming session on a school issue of your choice. In an effort to help, TEEN TRUTH has developed a list of 23 ideas to guide these meetings and support you as you build your PRINCIPAL’S COUNCIL ON SCHOOL CULTURE.

What is the TEEN TRUTH Leadership Summit?

With nearly 20 years experience behind it, the TEEN TRUTH: Leadership Summit has become the premiere solution for school culture development in schools, districts, and cities across North America. Featuring award-winning content, powerful speaking performances, and workshop-style sessions this student-centered event gives teens a critical understanding of the issues currently affecting school climate and empowers them to develop an action plan that addresses identified concerns. Overall, the goal of every TEEN TRUTH: Leadership Summit is to produce campus wide initiatives that will improve school safety and build campus culture.

👇 Watch Our Leadership Summit Promo Video 👇

What is the role of the Student Advisory Committee?

The role of a Student Advisory Committee is to serve as a liaison between students and school leadership. Members gather student feedback on academic programs, school rules, extracurricular activities, and campus life. They then present these concerns to administrators and work together to find solutions that enhance the student experience.

Additionally, SAC members help foster a positive school culture by promoting student involvement and encouraging open communication. They may organize meetings, plan events, and work on initiatives that improve student well-being. Their role is crucial in ensuring that school policies reflect the real needs of students rather than being made without their input.

What does an advisory council do?

An advisory council provides recommendations and feedback to school administrators on matters affecting students. These councils discuss important topics such as school safety, curriculum improvements, extracurricular programs, and student mental health. By collecting input from students, SAC members help ensure that policies and initiatives meet the needs of the student body.

Beyond offering advice, some advisory councils take an active role in implementing changes. They may organize awareness campaigns, help with school improvement projects, or collaborate with faculty on academic initiatives. Their work can lead to tangible improvements in student life, from better cafeteria options to new mental health resources.

What is the purpose of the SAC?

The purpose of the SAC is to empower students by giving them a platform to voice their opinions and influence school decisions. Many students feel disconnected from the decision-making process in schools, and the SAC helps bridge this gap by ensuring that their concerns and ideas are heard.

By participating in the SAC, students also develop leadership skills that will benefit them in the future. They learn to advocate for their peers, engage in meaningful discussions with adults, and take responsibility for making positive changes in their school community.

What is the role of a student council advisor?

A student council advisor plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting the Student Advisory Council. Their primary responsibility is to mentor student leaders, helping them navigate challenges and effectively communicate with school administrators. Advisors ensure that SAC meetings run smoothly, that students stay on task, and that initiatives align with school policies and regulations.

Beyond logistical support, advisors also serve as role models and sources of inspiration. They encourage students to take initiative, think critically, and develop problem-solving skills. Their guidance helps SAC members grow as leaders while making meaningful contributions to their school.

What is the purpose of a school advisory council?

A school advisory council exists to enhance school operations by incorporating input from students, parents, teachers, and administrators. These councils focus on improving academic programs, student engagement, and school policies to create a well-rounded educational experience.

Through regular meetings and discussions, the council helps shape policies that benefit students and faculty alike. By fostering collaboration among different stakeholders, school advisory councils contribute to a more effective and inclusive educational environment.

What are the duties of the advisory committee?

Advisory committees have several key duties, including gathering student feedback, discussing concerns with school leadership, and proposing solutions to school-related issues. Members are responsible for staying informed about student needs and working collaboratively to address them.

They may also assist in organizing events, running student surveys, or working on special projects that improve school life. Their role is not just to advise but also to take an active part in making the school a better place for everyone.

What is the power of the advisory committee?

While advisory committees do not have direct decision-making power, they hold significant influence by presenting well-researched recommendations to school administrators. Their input can lead to policy changes, new student programs, or improvements in school facilities.

In some cases, advisory councils work closely with decision-makers to implement new initiatives. Their ability to influence school leadership makes them a powerful voice for students and other stakeholders.

Why do you want to be on the advisory council?

Many students choose to join an advisory council to develop leadership skills, contribute to positive change, and represent their peers. Being part of the SAC allows students to have a direct impact on school policies and culture while gaining valuable experience in teamwork and communication.

Additionally, involvement in an advisory council looks great on college applications and resumes. It shows initiative, responsibility, and a willingness to engage in civic leadership, making it a great opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Do advisory committee members get paid?

No, student advisory council members typically serve on a voluntary basis. Their involvement is driven by a passion for leadership and a desire to improve their school environment rather than financial compensation.

However, some schools may offer incentives such as community service hours, leadership certificates, or special recognition for SAC members to acknowledge their contributions.

What does SAC stand for in education?

In education, SAC typically stands for Student Advisory Council or School Advisory Council. Both terms refer to groups that provide guidance and recommendations to improve the school experience for students.

While the exact responsibilities of an SAC may vary between schools, their core mission remains the same: to ensure student voices are heard and to foster collaboration between students, faculty, and administration.

“Working with my council has not only helped me to improve my school culture, but also helped take my student leadership program to new heights.”

Vince Ferry

Principal, Castaic High School

Start Building Your Council Today!

JC Pohl, LMFT
President & CEO
info@teentruth.net
818.237.5082

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