Student Government Represents UMass Amherst's Diverse Population
With more than 23,000 undergraduate students across its sprawling campus, UMass Amherst reverberates with a diversity of voices, perspectives, and experiences. This vibrant tapestry of individuals from all walks of life contributes to the rich intellectual atmosphere on campus and fosters a culture of collaborative growth and learning. However, it also warrants adequate representation of all these voices in university policy and other matters. This is where the Student Government Association (SGA) plays a crucial role.
The SGA was established to institute a democratic and fair system of governance for the undergraduate student body, as well as promote the general welfare of undergraduate students across campus. Its structure mimics that of the U.S. government, comprising legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
One of the major functions of the SGA is to act as a strong liaison between university administration and undergraduate students. Through representation in the Advisory Boards and the faculty Senate, SGA ensures that students’ voices are centered throughout the policy decision and implementation processes. For example, when the administration sought to implement changes to the academic year calendar the SGA surveyed the student body to gauge their opinion on the proposed changes and ensured that their interests were prioritized throughout the process. Though the administration did not accept all of the recommendations offered by students, the SGA was successful in convincing the university not to hold classes on Election Day in coming years.
The SGA also plays a strong role in funding and overseeing Established Student Organizations (ESOs), including Agencies and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). These ESO budgets are reviewed and voted on by the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee. The Ways and Means Committee manages a multi-million dollar Student Activities Trust Fund (SATF) that supports 300+ student clubs. Additionally, the SGA supports the creation of new RSOs by laying out the guidelines for establishment, with requests reviewed by the Undergraduate Registry Oversight Committee (UROC).
Given the vastness of the student body, the SGA undertakes numerous projects centered around improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at UMass. Last year, the SGA organized its inaugural Multicultural Night, uniting members of the community to appreciate the array of cultures our campus houses. Tanyi Muanya, the current Secretary of Diversity, hopes to hold more such events to further the SGA’s DEI mission and to “assure students from all backgrounds that the SGA has a place for them.” The SGA’s Social Justice and Empowerment Committee also spearheads initiatives aimed at delivering social justice to various groups on campus. One plan that Marckenson Ulysse, the chair of the committee, is most keen on bringing to fruition is setting up the first emergency contraceptive vending machine on campus.
There are many other areas of student life that the SGA focuses on to help enhance the undergraduate experience at UMass Amherst, from the conduct advising program that advocates for students throughout the conduct process to the Veteran Affairs program. It is this dedication and commitment to student advocacy that underpins the SGA’s mission and its vital role in fostering a positive campus environment.
