Columbia City Council considers advisory council made of college students
Marie Moyer
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
EDITOR’S NOTE: AI was used to help research the background for this story.
The City of Columbia could vote Monday to create a Collegiate Advisory Council to engage college students in local policy issues affecting students.
University of Missouri System President Mun Choi proposed the council after the Sept. 27 shooting death of Stephens College student Aiyanna Williams in downtown Columbia.
According to city documents, the advisory council would provide input to the City Council on policy issues affecting student residents, including safety, housing and transportation. It aims to strengthen partnerships between the city and local higher education institutions.
The advisory council would consist of nine student members representing the University of Missouri, Columbia College, Stephens College and the Moberly Area Community College Columbia campus. The City would appoint members following an application process.
The council would meet monthly during the academic year, with subcommittee meetings as needed. It would have an elected chair and vice chair, and a staff liaison from the City Manager’s Office would provide support.
The initiative builds on the success of the Youth Advisory Council, established in 2015, which involved high school students in civic engagement. The Collegiate Advisory Council aims to extend this model to university and college students.
The item is currently up for a second read and vote on the City Council’s agenda, meaning the council can discuss and also choose not to vote on the item.
The Columbia City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall.