Student Government
Student Government works closely with university administration and faculty and staff
members to represent the interests of students, preserve and protect the traditions
at South Carolina and support students and student organizations in their academic
and community endeavors.
Executive Officers
All executive powers of the Student Government are vested in a student body president,
student body vice president, speaker of the Student Senate and student body treasurer
who are elected by the student body each spring semester.
Patton Byars, Student Body President
The president serves as the official representative of Student Government upon request
of the president of the university and oversees the Executive Cabinet.
Office Hours
By Appointment Only
Contact Patton
To learn more about Patton, click HERE.
Courtney Tkacs, Student Body Vice President
The vice president oversees the general administration and organization of Student
Government programs on a day-to-day basis. These programs include Swipe Out Hunger,
Airport Shuttles, CarolinaBeYOUtiful Week and Freshman Council.
Office Hours
By Appointment Only
Contact Courtney
To learn more about Courtney, click HERE.
Maura Grace Hamilton, Speaker of the Senate
The speaker of the Student Senate serves as the presiding officer of the Student Senate,
which is composed of 50 senators from across the university.
Office Hours
By Appointment Only
Contact Maura Grace
To learn more about Maura Grace, click HERE.
Jacob Vaught, Student Body Treasurer
The Treasurer assists in the preparation and presentation of the Student Government
Budget and assists student organizations in understanding of the finance request process
through Treasurers’ Workshops.
Office Hours
By Appointment Only
Contact Jacob
To learn more about Jacob, click HERE.
Student Government is an active body that works for university students through numerous
initiatives and programs, such as the Carolina Closet, which provides business and
professional clothes for students, and Swipe Out Hunger, where students can donate
unused meal swipes. Student Government even assists in providing a shuttles to the
Columbia Airport during fall break, Thanksgiving break and spring break.
All students are encouraged to serve the university in a leadership role through Student
Government. There are opportunities for all students regardless of classification
and discipline. Ways to get involved include Freshman Council, Government Relations
and within the Student Senate.
Since 1908, Student Government has had a distinguished history at the University of
South Carolina. Former members can be found within various career fields, including
business executives, lawyers and community leaders. Stay in touch with what is happening
by connecting with us on social media.