The residence halls are largely self-governing. Each plans its own activities and allocates its own budget. The Student Caucus is the primary representative body for students and is part of Warren Wilson's shared governance system. The elected students on Caucus meet each week during the school year to hear the concerns of students, provide information to the student body, and discuss the Student Life division budget. The Caucus makes policy recommendations in areas affecting student life, particularly the general philosophy and direction of the College, social regulations, student discipline, student housing, student activities, intercollegiate athletics, the work program, the service program, and the academic calendar.
College standing committees include elected student members.
Students are either appointed or elected to Task Forces and Search Committees. Judicial matters are handled by an elected group of students and staff or faculty. The Student Activities Crew and the Lyceum Committee determine the main social events calendar for the campus. They hire bands, select movies, and sponsor festivals, lectures, and educational events. Gladfelter Student center houses the cafeteria, the snack bar, the post office, the book store, the bank, and student offices.