All University of South Carolina system institutions will be closed through the end of the spring semester. Columbia campus virtual instruction will continue through the end of the Summer II semester (Aug 1). Details can be found on the coronavirus landing page.
All students are encouraged to serve the university in a leadership role through student government. There are opportunities for any student regardless of classification and discipline. Explore the information below to find out how you can play an active role on campus within Freshman Council, Government Relations, and the Student Senate.
The 2020 Elections cycle to elect the new senators and executive officers is underway. If you are interested in running in the election, attend one of the information sessions to learn more about the process.
2020 Student Body Election Results [pdf]
| Inauguration | March 26, 2020 at 4 p.m. | The inauguration marks the start of the new administration. Each candidate-elect will take their oath of office and begin their term. |
Any student, faculty member, or staff member at the University of South Carolina-Columbia may file a complaint of an alleged election violation or election fraud. Any complaint of an alleged election violation may be filed with the Elections Commission at any time from the beginning of the filing period until 5:00 PM on the second (2nd) university day following the conclusion of the final voting period for the particular race in question.
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.
Commissioner: Bennett Lunn
Email: saec@mailbox.sc.edu
Student Government advocates to the university administration and local, state, and federal entities to express the needs for the student body.
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.
Director: Wilfredo Anderson
Email: wilfredo@email.sc.edu
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 Government 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.
Director: Vacant
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 UofSC 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.
Director: David Olds Email: dolds@email.sc.edu
Application opens April 2020
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 UofSC. FC gets a chance to work with other members of Student Government as well as other organizations and services at UofSC. 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.
Application opens Summer 2020
Email: sgfroco@mailbox.sc.edu