Student Government Association

Legislative Branch

 

About the Legislative Branch

All law-making power of the Student Government Association is vested in the Senate. From allocating S.O.L.O. fees to passing campus-wide policy resolutions, Senators turn student ideas into action.

How the Senate is Built

Group	Seats*	Elected/Appointed By
Academic Senators	≥ 2 per college	Spring General Election Commission for Nominations (if vacancy)
Freshman Senators	≥ 2	First-Year Assembly
Transfer Senators	≥ 2	First-Year Assembly
Special Interest Senators	1 each	Partner offices (AEC, ROTC, Honors, RHA, OIA, OIE)

The Vice President serves as Speaker of the Senate (non-voting except to break ties). A Speaker Pro Tempore is elected from among Senators to preside when the Speaker is absent.

Committee System

Every Senator sits on at least one standing committee modeled on specific areas of campus life as specified in the Rules of Order of the SGA Senate.

Standing Committee	What It Handles
S.O.L.O. Funding	Funding applications from registered student organizations
Academic Affairs	Curriculum, advising, and academic policy
Campus Outreach	Civic engagement, elections, and external partnerships
Student Life	Health, safety, and student engagement
University Infrastructure	Facilities, parking, and technology

How Legislation is Made

1. Draft & File - Sponsor submits to the Chief Clerk; each bill must include 7 essential parts (title, enacting clause, etc.).
2. Committee Review - Debate, possible amendment, and recommendation to the Senate (approve/no rec/defeat).
3. Senate Floor - Majority vote passes most measures; some require ⅔ per the Constitution or Rules.
4. Presidential Action - SGA President signs, vetoes, or acquiesces (7-day window).
5. Publication - Signed or veto-overridden acts are codified by the Secretary for campus access.

 

2025-2026 Senate Officers