College Student Government Training Programs
On Common Ground, Inc. is a NJ Character Education Program of Merit

Introduction:

"The Ramapo College of New Jersey Student Government Association would like to thank On Common Ground for their work in helping our organization achieve the highest level of success since our college's founding. We hope that you will be willing to participate in the future with us again. Thank you!"
- Student Government Association, Ramapo College of New Jersey

As elected officials, members of Student Government (SGA) play a crucial role in the development of community on college campuses. In addition to their tasks as representatives, SGA members help set the tone of the college or university, provide listening and support services to students, lead group discussions on key campus issues, and serve as the cornerstone of the student body. On Common Ground, Inc. trainers bring over 100 years of combined experience in training, consultation, and community building to advanced SGA skill-building trainings. On Common Ground training can dovetail with your current SGA training program to provide a comprehensive and powerful learning experience. While a sample On Common Ground SGA training is outlined below, all On Common Ground training programs are customized to meet the unique needs of each client, and always begin with a program planning process. For more information on the program planning process, click here.

Sample Training Description

On Common Ground SGA trainings focus on the parallel processes of community building, skill building, and goal planning. (Pictured below)

"The Double Rainbow"
Community-Building and Skill-Building

Adapted from Frank (2001). The Caring Classroom

Our highly experienced trainers can help your SGA members form a supportive team. Training consists of boundary-breaking, experiential activities that help participants learn about themselves and each other. We lead participants through a customized structured sequence of activities that promote the development of trust and safety within the group. On Common Ground trainers carefully process each experience, providing continual opportunities for challenge and growth. Utilizing facilitated group discussions and unique activities, we help participants increase their self-awareness , and help them share thoughts and feelings regarding topics such as racial and ethnic bias, leadership, heterosexism, discrimination, and sexism. As the group begins to form a community, On Common Ground trainers introduce the skill-building component of the training. We focus on helping SGA's develop and practice active listening, helpful responding, conflict resolution, and group facilitation skills. The final component of a SGA training is the goal assessment piece, which seeks to establish a set number of realistic and attainable goals for your SGA to achieve. On Common Ground trainers will share with your SGA a process that has proven to be successful for several other colleges. The On Common Ground SGA training program supports the overall efforts of the college to develop a safe, inclusive culture.