College Governance

At COA, governance is unlike most colleges—there’s no separate student government. Instead, students serve as full voting members on nearly all college committees, giving them the opportunity to propose and approve new courses, help shape admission processes, guide campus planning and sustainability initiatives, and participate in faculty reviews and hiring decisions. Every Wednesday is reserved for governance activities, including committee meetings, the All College Meeting, and, of course, brunch, ensuring that participation is woven into the rhythm of campus life.

The heart of COA’s shared governance is the weekly All College Meeting (ACM), where students, faculty, and staff come together as equals. Committee decisions are reported and voted on, policies are debated—and sometimes rewritten on the spot—and campus issues, both large and small, are discussed openly. Announcements are shared to keep the community informed and engaged, making ACM a place where everyone has a voice and every voice truly matters.

Participating in governance at COA provides hands-on experience in leadership and facilitation, critical thinking and negotiation, organizational planning and budgeting, collective decision-making, and principles of equity, justice, and participatory democracy. This experience goes beyond civic education—it’s real-world practice that equips students with the skills and confidence to make meaningful change both on campus and in the world beyond COA.

How to get involved with governance at College of the Atlantic? Check out an independent study by Kiara Carman ’24

COA’s committees do the essential day-to-day work of governance:

• Academic Affairs Committee: Reviews and approves new courses and academic policies.
  
• Admission Committee: Participates in evaluating student applications.
  
• Campus Planning and Building Committee: Helps guide decisions about campus development and facilities.
  
• Faculty Review Committees: Engages in faculty hiring, evaluation, and retention processes.
  
• Student Life Committee: Shapes policies and programs affecting student wellness, housing, and engagement.
  

Most committees meet weekly, typically on Wednesdays. Summaries and meeting minutes are shared at ACM, ensuring full transparency.