Welcome to the Senate
The Legislative Branch is made up of the Senate, which consists of 60 Senators, the Speaker, the Associate Speaker and non-voting Special Assistants. The 60 Senators represent the Undergraduate Body at the University of Massachusetts Amherst by class year. The Office of the Speaker: The Speaker and the Associate Speaker lead the Senate. They are elected by the Senators in the spring. The Speaker then appoints Special Assistants to each committee. Each Special Assistant helps the Speaker work with one of the eight Senate committees. The Senate is responsible for passing resolutions and enactments, allocating around $6 million budget, and expressing the will of the undergraduate student body on campus. Senators are appointed to one of the standing committees. Committees tackle projects related to various areas of campus. Committees and their chairs can be found on the Leadership page. Senators can also sit on Faculty Senate Committees or Vice Chancellor Advisory Boards such as the Academic Matters Faculty Senate Council or the UMass Police Department Advisory Board.
Announcements
Senate Records System
The Senate Records system is the SGA's method for documenting, organizing, and maintaining the proceedings, motions, votes, and other formal activities of the Legislative branch. The Senate Records System is maintaing by the Records Officer of the Senate. For inquiries regarding Senate Records, please email sgaassociatespeaker@umass.edu.
Senate Meetings
Senate Meeting Agendas
Senate Meeting Minutes
Senator Attendance
Request Senate Records
Senate Standing Committees
The Senate has seven standing committees, each of which specialize in a particular area relating to student affairs. Each committee is directed by a chair, and is composed of 6 Senators. Committees conduct in depth analyses of proposed legislation and offer their specialized knowledge to advance student wellness on campus.
Committee On Academic Oversight
Academic Oversight communicates with the Provost’s Office, works on reducing classroom material costs, and manages the iClicker lending library. It reviews graduation requirements, evaluates internship opportunities, and fosters positive student-professor relationships.
Committee on Administrative Affairs
Administrative Affairs maintains the Constitution and General Bylaws of the SGA, and reviews motions for amendment; hears appeals for RSO applications, ESO suspensions, ESO budget allocations, and Finance Reserve allocations; reviews motions pertaining to Agency and Subsidiary Governance Body affairs; and, hears all petitions to expel or impeach and officer of the SGA.
Committee on Outreach and Development
Outreach and Development maintains communication between the SGA and students, organizes events to gather student input, and educates on existing campaigns. It also manages SGA trainings, reviews transparency legislation, and oversees Senator appointments and outreach efforts.
Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment
Social Justice and Empowerment organizes campaigns for student rights and representation, collaborates on higher education advocacy, and works with the Secretary of University Policy and External Affairs to promote social justice campaigns.
Committee on Undergraduate Registry Oversight
Undergraduate Registry Oversight manages RSO records, ensures compliance with SGA policies, and advises on new RSO applications. It compiles research on student organizations, provides recommendations for improving RSO management, and reports on common RSO issues and proposed solutions at the end of the academic year.
Committee on Undergraduate Services
Undergraduate Services acts as a liaison between undergraduates and the university administration to improve campus services, including parking, dining, health, safety, athletics, and residential life.
Committee on Ways and Means
Ways and Means sponsors enactments to recommend SATF fee levels and formulates the Annual SGA S-1 Budget Act. It collaborates with RSO council representatives to ensure compliance with spending policies and assists the Secretary of Finance in implementing financial acts within its jurisdiction.
Public Meeting Calendar
The locations and times of all public SGA meetings can be found below. The SGA encourages students to attend, participate, and ask questions. No prior notice of attendance is required.
Legislation Tracker for '24 - '25
The legislation tracker is a tool that monitors and provides real-time updates on the progress of bills, laws, and policy changes through legislative processes. It allows users to track amendments, votes, and key developments for informed decision-making.
Senator of the Month
"The University of Massachusetts at Amherst is not simply an institution of higher learning, it is our home. Be a leader, make a difference, take risks, and dare to be great. We here in the SGA do not stand on the sidelines. We have chosen, and have been chosen, to serve our fellow students. Let’s make a difference, together!"
Sïonan Barrett
Speaker of the University Undergraduate Senate (2013-2015)
"You are a part of the Student Government Association to be a leader of your peers and to listen to the experiences and needs of your constituents. Do not forget about the importance of outreach and transparency. You have been elected for students by students - empower each other, unite with your peers, appreciate all perspectives and make a difference to better UMass."
Lauren Coakley
Speaker of the University Undergraduate Senate (2015-2017)
“Remember that we are not here for ourselves, but we are here for the students we represent, and to make UMass the best experience for all our students.”
Ryan Mahan
Speaker of the University Undergraduate Senate (2017-2019)
“As students at UMass Amherst, we all play a role in representing this University. The positions within the SGA provide a platform and we must use that privilege to uplift the voices of students. Serving in the SGA has shown me the power and influence students have on this campus and I urge you to utilize it. Practice determination, resilience, and ‘Be Revolutionary.”
Jacqualin Fallon
Speaker of the University Undergraduate Senate (2023-2024)
