Student Government Association

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.  

What is the Green Initiative Fund? 

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.

How did the Green Initiative Fund start?

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.

How much is the Green Initiative Fund?

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.

Who can apply?

• USD enrolled students. Full-time, part-time, undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. Working in teams is encouraged, though one student should identify as the main contact for the GIF.
• USD registered student organizations. (To register a new student organization, please visit usdinvolved.usd.edu.)

What types of projects can be funded?

• We are looking for projects that:
  • Measurably reduce USD’s carbon footprint and/or waste into the future.
  • Involve a visible component.
• We encourage partnering with an established campus office or department.
• All else being equal, we prefer projects that benefit people and areas of campus that have benefited least from environmental improvements in the past.
• Ineligible Projects:
  • Speakers
  • Films
  • Awards, Gifts, Scholarships

Examples of past projects include:

• Campus bike share program
• Recycling & landfill bins for residence hall rooms
• Zero-waste laundry detergent sheets

Examples of future projects include:

• Educational exhibits or displays
• Zero Waste Atlas Campus Certification improvements
  
  • Mobile water bottle refilling stations for outdoor events
  • Reusable to-go container infrastructure improvements
  • Clothes hangers for every residence hall room
  • Self-serve bicycle repair and service kiosk
  • Reusable utensil sets for incoming students
• Cargo bikes to collect recyclables at tailgates
• Bicycle parking shelters
• Electric vehicle charging station
• Science lab sustainability
• Solar phone charging stations
• Other innovative ideas are welcome!

Propose a Project 

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. 

Propose a Project Here

More Questions?

Email questions to [email protected].

Documents, Agendas & Minutes 

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.

View SGA's Google Drive

Reimbursement Process

1. Save and sign your receipt(s). If the receipt is for food then you must have a sign-in sheet to track who was at your event.
2. Print out reimbursement form
3. Fill out/follow directions on the form
4. If you are not on university payroll and/or have never received a reimbursement before, please fill out a W-9. If you are on payroll or have received a reimbursement before, you may skip this step.
5. Attach receipt to form(s) and W-9 (if necessary)
6. Bring documents to SGA Office - MUC 143. If someone is at the desk, ask them to get it to the business manager. If no one is there please place your documents on the front desk. If the door is locked, please slide your documents under the front door.
7. Expect the reimbursement process to take 1-2 weeks if you are already in the system. If you are filling out a W-9 for the first time, expect the reimbursement process to take 2-3 weeks.

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.

Explore Student Organizations

Starting a New Student Organization

To register an organization on campus:

1. Visit USD Involved to fill out a registration application.
   
   1. Click on Register an Organization, then Register a New Organization (at bottom of page) and follow the 7 steps in the registration process. You will need a constitution and the USD email address for 5 members and 1 faculty/staff advisor to complete this form. Once this is completed, the Student Services Staff will review your submission and you will receive notice of the organizations approval. 
   2. Please note, if you are interested in starting a social fraternity or sorority, please contact the Office of Sorority/Fraternity Life ([email protected]). Do not submit social fraternity and sorority registrations via USD Involved.
2. Once these steps have been completed, SGA will then review the application information and determine if the organization is funding eligible. Once declared funding eligible, they may apply for funding with SGA during the regular budget period.

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.

Organizational Review

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.

Budget Process

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. 

President: Keegan Baker

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.

Vice President: Ellie Hart

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.

Director of Operations: Karlye Maras

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.

Director of Finance: Charley Nuhsbaumer

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.

Director of Communications: Bella Engebretson

Bella Engebretson is a junior 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.

Current SGA Senators

• Aadil Ali
• Ayna Allaberdiyeva
• Tweobistya Birhanu
• Piper Connelly
• Aida Desaulniers
• Seth Gerhardt
• Md Aftabul Islam
• Carson Knudson
• Lexie Lemon
• Abbey Lienemann
• Jesse Loving
• Kara Mass
• Akhil Reddy Mendu
• FNU Nadia
• Lillian Nielsen
• Addison Oyen
• Evan Payer
• Anuska Pokharel
• Moriah Scorzafava
• Ava Sevening
• Christian Skunk
• Lily Witte
• Lulu Yousef
• Sam Yusuf

Standing Committees

Finance
Evan Payer, [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.