Who are we?
The UMBC Student Government Association (SGA) takes the lead as representatives of UMBC’s undergraduate students. We work on your behalf to create a distinctive community, support co-curricular and academic experiences, identify and give voice to students’ hopes and concerns, engage students in campus activities and decisions, build mutually beneficial partnerships with individuals and organizations on and off-campus, and promote and defend the welfare of the university. As members of the UMBC community, we constantly seek ways to build a better sense of community for all students—even virtually!
How is the SGA Structured?
Like many traditional forms of governance, SGA has three branches (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial). The separation of powers paves the way for a checks and balances system to be put in place, so that each branch is equally as instrumental. Elected and appointed officials work in each of these branches, all of whom serve in order to carry out their respective branch’s overarching objectives.
- The Executive Branch contains the SGA President, Executive Vice President, Vice President for Student Organizations, the Treasurer, along with eleven other members working under the aforementioned. The Executive Branch is tasked with managing and implementing programs related to student led projects, academic affairs, civic engagement, and more!
- The Legislative Branch is composed of the Senate, in which eleven elected members serve to act as delegates for UMBC students by coordinating forms of outreach while acting as the hub for representation and policy creation, and the Finance board, in which nine voting members apportion funds ($250,000) for student organizations.
- Finally, the Judicial Branch, which houses the Appeals and Election boards, ensures that equity in all forms are factored into any and all decisions made by the SGA. This includes facilitating fair and honest SGA elections and ensuring objective decision making internally.
How Can You Participate?
The SGA is heavily reliant on the general student body; thus, you are greatly encouraged to participate in any way possible! Remember, your voice is important—the SGA exists to further implement and execute all of YOUR thoughts and ideas. There are a plethora of ways in which you can get involved; for starters, our First Year Ambassador Program (FYA) may pique your interest. This program is open for both first-year transfer and freshmen students. As an FYA, you are familiarized with not only principles of SGA, but also with leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. More information can be found here.
You can also apply to be a departmental committee member for the SGA! Interest forms, along with a comprehensive description of the positions can be found here. Not only will you receive a UMBC Internship/Co-op/Research Practicum (PRACC) community service notation on your transcript, you will also find that this is an excellent way to both network and pursue professional growth!
Additionally, you can follow us on any of the social media platforms listed below. This way, you stay up-to-date with any and all announcements or events the SGA may have:
Apart from social media, you can also check for updates in our SGA monthly newsletter!
All UMBC students are a part of the SGA, and thus are welcome to attend open meetings of the Senate and Finance Board (Senate meetings on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; Finance Board meetings on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.). Also, you are free to share your suggestions and concerns, whatever they may be! Check out our Questions and Concerns form and Initiative Suggestion form.
We want to wish you a successful semester that is filled with joy, prosperity, and change-making.
Yours in service,
The UMBC Student Government Association
Mehrshad Devin, SGA President
Joshua Gray, Executive Vice President
Nailah-Bena Chambers, Vice President for Student Organizations
Ayah Aligabi, Treasurer