Do you see yourself as a leader amongst your peers? Make an impact on campus by running for student government. Through cooperation and leadership the Student Government Association promotes the best interests of students and the university.
As the liaison between students, administration, faculty and the South Dakota Board of Regents, Student Government Association (SGA) works to enhance communication, understanding and cooperation throughout the university.
One of the responsibilities of SGA is to allocate money each year to student organizations that provide cultural, recreational, educational and social opportunities outside of the classroom. At the same time, we work with university faculty, administration and students to address important campus issues. Contact us to learn how you can be involved with SGA at [email protected].
Student Government Association
Muenster University Center Room 143
414 E. Clark St.
Vermillion SD 57069
Office:605-658-3584
[email protected]
SGA has been a consistent supporter of sustainability at USD. From 2017-2019, SGA allocated over $30,000 to install water bottle refill stations in North Complex and the Fine Arts building. Many prominent campus sustainability initiatives have their roots in SGA as well, including Charlie’s Cupboard, Charlie’s Closet, and the Bike Share program. From 2016-2024, SGA committed over $100,000 to campus sustainability initiatives. One of SGA’s greatest commitments has been its annual allocation of the Green Initiative Fund.
Beyond financial support, SGA has been a persistent advocate for greater campus sustainability, from passing resolutions calling for greater native landscaping on campus to asking the University to establish a campus sustainability action plan.
The Green Initiative Fund addresses challenges facing our planet by granting students financial resources to make long-lasting environmental improvements on campus. The fund gives students the opportunity to learn project planning and implementation skills while generating ideas, pride, and momentum to inspire further action in our community.
The President’s Joint Committee on Sustainability reviews all project proposals and makes recommendations on how to award the funds. SGA senators serving on the Committee bring the recommendations to the full SGA Senate, and then Senate votes on the final decision. Multiple projects may receive funding each application cycle. Funds are to be used within a single fiscal year: July 1st through the last day of the spring semester final exam period.
The Student Government Association (SGA) started the Green Initiative Fund (GIF) in April 2016, and the first funds were spent in fiscal year 2017 to start the campus bike share program.
Each spring semester, SGA allocates funds to the GIF through the annual budget process, which requires the full SGA Senate to pass a bill approving the SGA budget for the fiscal year beginning in July. The Senate typically allocates $5,000 to the GIF, but the amount can vary. These funds come from the General Activity Fee (GAF) paid by students.
Students have the opportunity to apply for the Green Initiative Fund in both the Fall and the Spring semester. Start by submitting a pre-proposal. Selected pre-proposals will be given feedback and asked to submit a full project proposal for consideration. Please see the timeline for deadlines.
Email questions to [email protected].
SGA's bills and resolutions, governing documents, meeting agendas and minutes can be accessed through the SGA's public Google Drive. If you have any issues accessing the drive, contact the SGA office at [email protected] or 605-658-3584.
Please reach out to our Director of Finance, Anton Pratsenko ([email protected]).
The University of South Dakota has more than 170 student organizations that are officially recognized by the Student Government Association. Student organizations are based on, centered around, led, governed and directed by students. These organizations make a difference in the lives of students by creating a connection to campus, the community and their peers. Student organizations on campus are based on an array of topics, interests and fields of study.
The large number of organizations allows students to connect with a group of peers with similar interests. When coupled with the dedication of its student members, the campus culture is greatly enriched. Student organizations have a real and profound effect on the university and the outside world through their vision, goals and accomplishments.
To register an organization on campus:
Organizations determined to be a club sport must be active for one year before applying for funding. Funding for these organizations is provided by campus recreation.
Each organization will be reviewed every 3 years by the SGA Student and Internal Affairs Committee. The review is to assess if the organization is operating consistently with the way it was intended and to assist with any problems the organization may be having. If an organization chooses not to participate, their privileges may be revoked.
Only recognized, funding-eligible organizations are eligible to participate in the budget process. All organizations must send a representative to the Leadership Development Seminar each spring to remain eligible for SGA funding. Budget hearings for the organizations will be held in early April.
Keegan Baker is a junior majoring in Accounting. Prior to her term as president Keegan served as the Director of Operations her sophomore year and a senator her freshman year. The main goal she is working towards this year is advocating for all groups of students to the administration and state government. While advocating for students, she also plans to keep the student body informed on what is going on within the administration and state government.
Ellie Hart is a senior majoring in political science, with a double minor in Spanish and legal studies. Ellie is involved in Panhellenic Council, where she serves as President. She also is the Founder of Days For Girls, a new nonprofit organization on campus. Ellie is the co-president for Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honors society on campus, is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, and serves on the board of directors for Charlie’s Cupboards. Ellie’s goal is to collaborate with various stakeholders in innovative ways to better enhance student’s experiences at University of South Dakota. She is passionate about the value of higher education, and is committed to building upon the great work that is done at the University of South Dakota.
Karlye Maras is a senior majoring in Marketing with a minor in Legal Studies. Prior to her role of Director of Operations she served as an At-Large Senator on SGA. Alongside her involvement in SGA she is the Chapter President of Alpha Phi, the External Relations Chair on Panhellenic Council, a Peer Advisor for the Beacom School of Business, and a member of Dakotathon and HEAL. Her goal for her term as Director of Operations is to increase efficiency and transparency of Student Government Association’s initiatives and operations.
Charley Nuhsbaumer is a junior majoring in Accounting and Finance. Along with her involvement in the Student Government Association, she also mentors incoming freshman business students. Charley is committed to ensuring all clubs are able to obtain funding. Her main goal this term is to make sure all clubs understand fiscal guidelines and to make the reimbursement process as transparent as possible.
Bella Engebretson is a sophomore majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Business Administration. In addition to serving as Director of Communications, she is the vice president of New Member Education and Member Experience for Alpha Phi. She is also passionate about community service and volunteers with Big Pal Little Pal for SERVE. Bella is committed to amplifying student voices, ensuring resources are accessible to all USD students, and increasing awareness of SGA, its executive team and the Senate.
Finance
Tejas Budharamu, [email protected]
The Finance Committee recommends action to the full senate on all SGA special appropriations - money appropriated after the spring budget process. The committee also recommends approving or disapproving the requested funds reallocations within student organization accounts.
Government Affairs
Moriah Scorzafava, [email protected]
The Government Affairs committee is responsible for building community and university relations, maintaining contact with alumni, communicating with the South Dakota Student Federation, and handling issues related to Board of Regents meetings.
Internal Review
Lily Witte, [email protected]
The Internal Review Committee is responsible for identifying and communicating student concerns to the student judicial process, reviewing all amendments to the constitution and bylaws, and holding our members accountable.
Student Life and Wellbeing
Tewobistya Birhanu, [email protected]
The Student Life and Wellbeing Committee is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of student services and maintaining positive relationships between SGA and the Office of Student Life. It also advocates for the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the University of South Dakota’s initiatives relating to student life and well-being.
Student Outreach
Piper Connelly, [email protected]
The Student Outreach Committee is responsible for communicating with the broader campus community concerning SGA affairs.
If you are interested in running for senate in the future, please refer to the step-by-step process below.
Your college is dependent on your major. If you have two majors in different colleges, you can choose the college in which you want to run. Undecided majors must run in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Consult the table below to see the number of available seats in each college and the number of signatures you need to be eligible to run. Download the election petition form or pick one up in the SGA office.
Download the Election Petition Form
| College | Number of Seats | Signatures Required |
| College of Arts & Sciences | 11 | 75 |
| Beacom School of Business | 3 | 34 |
| School of Education | 2 | 30 |
| College of Fine Arts | 1 | 30 |
| School of Health Sciences | 4 | 46 |
| Law School | 1 | 30 |
| Sanford School of Medicine | 1 | 30 |
| Executive Campaigns |
- | 500 signatures |
Signatures must be from students in your college. Collecting signatures in the library is prohibited; collecting signatures within a classroom requires the professor's permission and an explanation of what the petition regards.
Signature petition forms are due at 5 p.m. on February 5th in the SGA office (MUC 143).
Voting begins February 25th and ends February 26th at 5 p.m. Students may cast their vote via the myUSDportal.
Any Questions? Email [email protected] or stop by the SGA Office MUC 143.
The Student Government Association funds a local attorney to assist with student legal needs. Student legal aid is available for all current students attending the University of South Dakota. Legal aid services are provided by Phillp Terwilliger, attorney at law. You can contact Phillp Terwilliger at [email protected] or 605-659-6688.
One of my favorite memories at USD was being apart of the Student Government Association and going to Students for Higher Education Days in Pierre as well as Board of Regent Meetings. It was great to have met so many people.
Christian Skunk
M.A. Public Administration '21
B.S. Political Science, '19
Public Relations Director, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Lower Brule, SD
