The acronym "ASB" stands for "associate student body," the term for student government popularly used in the United States. However, depending on location and institution, associated student body officers may be referred to as "student council representatives/officers," "student union representatives/officers," or by other names.
The responsibilities of an ASB officer vary based on institution and specific position. Generally, university ASB officers propose policy on university, local or state affairs and advocate for student interests. These duties may include on-campus activities, trips to conferences, meetings with elected public officials and other administrative, outreach or advocacy projects.
ASB officer positions vary by institution, and several positions may be held by an individual. Senators, often the largest body of officers, represent various categories of students, as prescribed by the body's bylaws. Often, a board of directors or executive board steers policy agendas. President, vice president, treasurer and secretary are commonly elected; other support staff may be hired or appointed.
Term lengths vary based on position and institution. In high schools, terms often last for a year, but may only last for part of the academic year. University student government term lengths vary; often they last for a semester or entire year, though some ASB positions have even longer term lengths.
High-school student government representatives are usually unpaid, and compensation varies for university student government jobs, based on institution and position. Many positions are strictly volunteer positions. Other student governments pay a nominal monthly stipend or only cover expenses; others get scholarships or monthly stipends in the hundreds of dollars.