In a manner consistent with the College's educational ideals and its original sponsorship by the Society of Friends, Friends World seeks to govern itself through processes that provide for maximum participation by students and other members of the Learning Community.

Each Regional Center holds community meetings attended by currently enrolled students, staff and faculty. Friends World's constitution gives the community meeting broad responsibilities in review of center-level academic and non-academic activities. Participants in community meetings strive for consensus in their decision making. Students at each Regional Center select a Student Coordinator who works with the Center Director and faculty to represent the concerns of students at faculty and administrative meetings.

At World Headquarters the student voice is heard through the Student Executive, who is elected each year. This Student Executive position carries a stipend and involves participation in all meetings of the World Council. The World Council serves as the advisory body for the Program between World Conference meetings. The World Council generally has the authority to recommend policy for the program subject to the approval of the trustees of Long Island University or its designees.

Every two years, Friends World convenes a World Conference made up of student, alumni, staff and faculty delegates from each Regional Center and the central administration. The World Conference reviews the practices of the World Council and recommends policy changes when necessary.