University Of Houston Student Government Association

The Student Government Association exists to serve as the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed and empowered in the overall policy, decision-making process, and services offered at the University of Houston. As such, the Student Government Association is committed to understanding the needs of students and advocating on their behalf. Through continuous interaction with students, faculty, staff, and administration, the organization works to improve and enhance the quality of the student experience. Structure EXECUTIVE BRANCH The Executive Power of the Student Government Association is vested in the Student Body President. The President is advised by the cabinet which consists of the President, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Director of External Affairs, Director of Public Relations, Director of Finance, and any other staff the President deems necessary. The Student Body President and Vice President are elected on a single-ticket while the Chief of Staff and Directors are appointed by the President and confirmed with advice and consent of the Senate. The Executive Branch oversees the daily operations of the Student Government Association, enforces laws and resolutions, and appoints student representatives to various university-wide shared governance committees. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH The Legislative Power of the Student Government Association is vested in the Student Senate. Through legislation, the Senate works toward improving the student experience at the University of Houston. The Speaker of the Senate is elected from within the Senate and presides over general meetings of the Senate, heads the legislative branch, assigns senators to standing committees, and sets meeting agendas and times. Other Senate officers include the Speaker Pro-Tempore (who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Speaker) and senate committee chairs. Four (4) undergraduate at-large and two (2) graduate at-large senators are elected by the entire student body. Every college elects representation to the Senate based on that college’s percentage of the entire student population. Each of the Senators serves on at least one of the standing committees of the Senate. JUDICIAL BRANCH The Judiciary of the Student Government Association is vested in the Court of Appeals. The Court is comprised of the Chief Justice and six (6) Associate Justices who are appointed by the President and confirmed with advice and consent by the Senate; and serve until graduation. The Court of Appeals is the Supreme Court for SGA and hears matters involving the constitutionality of legislation, disputes between branches, and is the court of last resort for election issues. Contact Us N220 Student Center North Houston, TX 77004-3031 832.842.6225 [email protected]