The Student Government Association (SGA) is organized into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, each serving a distinct role in advocating for student needs and enhancing the campus experience.
Working alongside the Student Government President, the Cabinet, led by the Chief of Staff, focuses on managing special projects and supporting SGA initiatives.
- SGA has representation on most university-wide councils and committees
- SGA sets aside a portion of its monies to encourage organizations to sponsor activities which can benefit all students
- SGA allocates funds each year to assist students in traveling to professional conferences to present research findings in conjunction with Georgia College faculty
About SGA
The SGA first emerged in 1936 on Georgia College’s Milledgeville campus. The organization was founded to serve as a vehicle through which students can have their concerns addressed by elected student representatives. Since its inception, the SGA has had an industrious and successful tenure. The organization has offered a legitimate voice to the University administration, championing students’ interests, and partially funding various speaking events, campus structures, student organizations, and students attending academic conferences.
Mission Statement
Acting as the voice of all students enrolled at Georgia College & State University, the Student Government Association will actively work to improve the quality of life for the student body, along with the university community as a whole. Believing in the right of self-governance, all students enrolled at Georgia College & State University shall be members of the Student Government Association and be entitled to the rights, privileges, and protections thereof.
Core Values
Student-Driven Results
We value ensuring that decisions made at GCSU that impact student success and life are steered by student perspective.
Balance
We value ensuring that balance is in place to maintain a proactive organization that serves our student body and institution.
Accountability
We value ensuring the effectiveness of our servant leadership and the use of deliberative rhetoric and trusted information to support responsible decision-making.
Champion of the 3 R's
We value upholding and protecting the 3 R's of GCSU.
Engagement
We value the cultivation and preservation of relationships among our fellow students, faculty, staff, administration, and members of the community. Through meaningful engagements, we strive to promote a campus climate that prioritizes social awareness and embraces diversity.
Structure
Similar to the United States Government, the SGA is composed of three separate and distinct branches, which work cooperatively but operate independently.
The Executive Branch
The Executive Branch is headed by the Student Body President who serves as a representative and advocate for the student body. With the assistance of the Executive Board, the Student Body President works to implement Student Senate legislation and coordinate the activities of Student Government.
The Student Senate
SGA's main legislative body is the Student Senate, which conducts most of our business and fills the committees. Senate positions are all elected at the fall of each year and serve a one-year term. The requirements to represent your fellow students are to simply be an enrolled student at any branch of Georgia College, have a Grade Point Average of at least 2.75 or higher and be in good academic standing.
The Judiciary
The Judicial Branch is headed by the Attorney General with the assistance of the Assistant Attorney General. The Judicial Board, students appointed by the SGA President, are in charge of interpreting and enforcing all policies of the Student Government Association and having original jurisdiction in any cases concerning Student Government Association policies, laws, and activities, including elections.
SGA Cabinet
In addition to the three branches, the SGA President appoints a number of staff members who serve as special advisors to the president and are managed by the Chief of Staff.
Responsibilities
The SGA is in charge of managing the Student Activity Fee through the Student Activity Budget Committee. The fee funds the Department of Campus Life, intramural field maintenance, the GIVE Center, homecoming activities, the Campus Activity Board (CAB), and student organizations on campus.
Through the University Students’ Council, made up of registered student organization presidents, the SGA keeps students informed on the latest happenings on campus and helps them address issues.
Meetings
Regular meetings of the Student Government Association (SGA) are held to fulfill its responsibilities in addressing student welfare, supporting campus activities, and empowering student organizations. These meetings involve initiating and reviewing legislation, investigating student appeals, managing SGA funds, and overseeing the financial records of all registered student organizations. Resolutions passed by the Senate are presented by the SGA President to university administrators, ensuring that student requests are thoughtfully considered and implemented whenever possible. Through these efforts, SGA strives to uphold and enhance the customs, traditions, and overall student experience at Georgia College & State University.