Rules Committee

 

Each class section elects one student to be on the Ruels Committee.  This is one of the most important positions for the lotisitcal managment of the course, as members of the Rules Committee play a vital role in organizing all the major events of the semester.  They facilitate the issue declaration process, run the elections, appoint committee chairs, and form committees. Before the Full Session they determine which bills will be heard, and they resolve questions or disputes related to the House Rules.  

 

A critical function of the Rules Committee is to demonstrate that teachers trust students to management significant and meaningful decisions that guide the direction of the course.  This committee demonstrates the committment that teachers have made to democratic decision making.  The committee in turn must earn the trust of the students they represent as they control and manage the key components of the curriculum throughout the semester.  The emphasis of this committee is non-partisan collaboration.  As teachers provide assistance to the Rules Committee early on in the semester they work to convey the importance of the group working as team and how the impact of their leadership in assuring a successful experience for all students involved in the simulation.  

 

The Rules Committee meets outside of class on a weekly basis, sometimes more often if needed.  The committee is chaired by a student, and at least one teacher serves as a non-voting member.