Representing all Vols on Rocky Top
What is the Student Government Association?
The Student Government Association (SGA) exists to provide the student body with a means to deal with the affairs of students and as a forum for the expression of student views regarding student life within the university. SGA comprises of students pursuing the better of the institution so that all members of the university community are beneficiaries of the opportunities and advantages available in an environment conducive to growth. Members of SGA serve as resources and advocates for students to ensure effective representation of students’ thoughts, ideas, and concerns about campus and community affairs. SGA is advised by the Center for Student Advocacy.
The work of SGA is done through several different branches within the organization:
Branches
The Student Government Association’s Undergraduate Student Senate is a governing body of 64 undergraduate students that represent the interests and well-being of all students at the University of Tennessee. Each academic college and residency classification is represented through senators elected by their fellow students in the annual Student Government Association elections.
The General Body is the official open public forum for the Student Government Association. We exist to provide students at the University of Tennessee an opportunity to connect and engage with the Student Government Association. There are regular meetings of the General Body where students can attend and engage in meaningful discussion on campus issues, hear from campus administrators, and participate in service opportunities.
First-Year Council is an introductory program designed to get incoming first-year students involved on campus. Throughout the year, the FYC program is designed to introduce first-years to UT with a leadership development-focused program by engaging them with different aspects of SGA and its role in the broader UT community.