The Student Government Communications Team serves as the foremost advisors to the Student Body Executive Officers on communications, media relations, public relations, and specific policy stances. The team consists of graphic designers, photographers, videographers and more that help promote Student Government programs and initiatives through external communications. Follow student government at @UofSCSG on all social media platforms.

Director of Communications
Austin Smith
sasgcom@mailbox.sc.edu | Acs13@email.sc.edu 

Deputy Director of Communications
Julie Crosby
jjcrosby@email.sc.edu

Graphic Designers

Christina Sebastian
sebastic@email.sc.edu

Sarah Sharpe
smsharpe@email.sc.edu 

Lea Swinton
swintonz@email.sc.edu

Photographers

Qhira Bonds
qbonds@email.sc.edu

Lilly Marcadis
marcadis@email.sc.edu

Maya Queenan
mqueenan@email.sc.edu 

Megan Shannahan
shannahm@email.sc.edu

Social Media Coordinators

Mckenzie Hagwood
Mhagwood@email.sc.edu

Lindsay Miller
lrm4@email.sc.edu

Videographer
Kendric Lindsey
lindseyz@email.sc.edu

Constitutional Council (CC) is the Judicial Branch of Student Government. Consisting of four Associate Justices and one Chief Justice, the Council maintains the Student Government Codes and Constitution, and interprets them when there is a dispute on their meaning. The CC can also resolve internal disputes about the governing documents of student organizations. 

The Elections Commission is the independent body that is responsible for conducting and overseeing the annual student body election and inauguration. This Commission is headed by the elections commissioner who is appointed by the student body president. The commission also consists of the deputy elections commissioner and seven to nine assistant elections commissioners.

Freshman Council acts as an entry-level organization within Student Government with an emphasis on leadership and community involvement. Members consist of a diverse selection of students who undergo a fairly rigorous interview and application process and are chosen to represent the freshman class in Student Government.

Throughout the year, the group meets weekly to discuss pressing issues at USC. FC gets a chance to work with other members of Student Government as well as other organizations and services at USC. Through the mentor-mentee system, each member on the council is paired with an upperclassman member of student government to assist throughout the course of the year.

The council is made up of several committees that work on various projects throughout the year. Each committee has a specific role in contributing to the success of the Freshman Council. Committees meet once a week and all are welcome to attend just like the regular FC meetings.

The Senate is comprised of 50 Senators and 10 committees. Each committee is headed by a committee chairman assigned by the speaker and approved by the Senate.

The Senate has the opportunity to pass legislation in all non-academic fields. Legislation addresses issues ranging from the dispersal of funding to university administrative policy. All USC students are encouraged to voice their opinions by attending Senate sessions, by submitting suggestions through the Suggestion Box, or by applying to be in Senate.

The Student Senate meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Senate Chambers on the third floor of the Russell House.

Senators by College

The Congressional Advisory Board (CAB) is the oldest team within Government Relations. Every year, members of this non-partisan student research team travel to our nation’s capital to meet with members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation. You will gain immense political research experience as you prepare for the completion of the CAB report. The report includes 3-4 issues chosen by members and then surveyed amongst the student body for a student opinion. The data is compiled in the report and presented to persuade members to vote, support, or disprove within the congressional agenda. This experience has also included visits to  the Department of Education,  White House, and National Mall.

The Legislative Action Network (LAN) is a non-partisan advocacy entity, communicating with the South Carolina General Assembly. This communication is on behalf of the constituency of the University of South Carolina student body to share concerns with state officials. LAN members can look forward to increasing the awareness and presence of LAN with the members of the general assembly by attending legislative sessions and various committee meetings. Third, LAN looks forward to organizing a reception where members of student government have the opportunity to interact with state legislators. And lastly, LAN will be the program helping the Governement Relations secretary and deputy secretaries directly aiding in the roll out of the first ever Higher Education Day. Other initiatives also include presenting to members of the Richland County delegation in February.

 The City Advocacy Commission is a non-partisan advocacy group tasked with being the liaisons between city council-members of Columbia and students. While only in its second year, CAC has made leaps and bounds for advocacy on the municipal level. Leading the charge on student input regarding Quiet Zones, CAC has helped to lay the foundation and plead the case for Quiet Zones surrounding USC’s campus, Five Points, and the Vista. Also they plan to pilot the Extend Conference this year, a conference built to connect Richland One high schools with USC and the possibilities for political engagement while on campus. During the year, members will have the opportunity to present their research findings to council-members, local officials, and Mayor Benjamin. 

• Airport Shuttle

  Student Government partners with the University of South Carolina Parking and Transportation services to provide a shuttle from campus to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The shuttle will operate fall break, Thanksgiving break and spring break. Reservations are required. The shuttles run at 5 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. from the corner of Sumter and Greene street (right in front of the journalism school). Reservations will close the Friday before departure and return dates. The bus will only wait five minutes before departing. 

   

• Carolina Closet

  The Carolina Closet provides business professional clothes for the University of South Carolina students. With a valid CarolinaCard, students can take five items of their choosing and exchange those items throughout the semester. The closet will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Donations are accepted during closet or student government hours. Email sacloset@mailbox.sc.edu to set up an appointment or for donation inquiries.

• Creed Day

• Freshman Record

• iPad Checkout Program

• Safety Walks

  Student Government partners with USCPD to bring safety walks to campus. During the walks, students accompany police officers to look for any potential safety hazards such as defective lights or sidewalks cracks.

• Student Commencement Committee

• State of the Student Body

• USC Bucket List