Student Government & Organizational Governing Councils

Every full-time Whittier undergraduate is a member of the Associated Students of Whittier College (ASWC). 

The ASWC was established in 1902 to serve as the official voice of the student body before the administration, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees of the College. ASWC also provides funding for student activities and represents students’ rights and interests at Whittier. The ASWC advocates for student needs and concerns while actively seeking to improve every aspect of the college experience. 

Student opinion is important to ASWC and input from the student body is valued. Students are encouraged to engage and contribute at weekly senate meetings or by running for a Senate position in Fall or Spring Elections. 

Governing Bodies

Six governing bodies represent the varied student organizations at Whittier College. These bodies are umbrella organizations for student government and special interest clubs. The focus and nature of the club or organization determines its governing body. All student clubs and organizations must be recognized by Whittier College and be registered with OSE every semester in order to receive benefits.

The elected government of the ASWC and consists of an Executive Cabinet and Legislature. Most of the officers are elected (only two are appointed) and serve one-year terms. At weekly Senate meetings, students have an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns during a Public Voice section, as well as submit legislation and discussion topics.

Oversees all student media and publications. The Council consists of student representatives from KPOET radio, the Quaker Campus newspaper, QCTV news show, Acropolis yearbook, Video Production Studios, and Whittier College Sports Network, as well as an at-large member selected by the ASWC Senate. The Media Council allocates funds to all student publications (such as the  Literary Review magazine) and media, determines the distribution for all student publications, and works with the College to enforce standards for ethical journalism.

An added voice and support system for organizations that represent underrepresented, interfaith, or affinity clubs on campus. Diversity Council encourages cooperation and collaboration among students and multicultural organizations through programming, leadership development, and fundraising opportunities. Diversity Council works closely with the Office of Equity and Inclusion. 

The student governing body for Whittier’s 10 societies (local fraternities and sororities). The Council is comprised of a representative from each society and is co-chaired by a female and male society member. ISC exists to promote beneficial relationships between the social societies of Whittier, providing self-governance of society affairs and a venue to resolve differences between societies.

Facilitates interaction between all clubs on campus and provides a forum for discussion and information exchange. Comprised of one representative from each ASWC-recognized student organization, the InterClub Council promotes a spirit of cooperation among the various student groups. 

An alliance of voluntary student groups dedicated to deepening the practice of service (based on the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge, information and resources) and to the pursuit of projects and activities that advocate and promote (1) fairness and equity in the protection of civil and human rights, and underserved communities, (2) the empowerment of individuals, especially children and youth, in accessing educational, personal and economic opportunity in order for them to realize their full potential and (3) actions that develop and understanding that care for the environment is everyone’s responsibility and that environmental challenges lead to humanitarian crises that threaten the safety and wellbeing of communities.