JHU SGAThe 114th Session

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The 114th session

Aboutthe SGA

The Student Government Association (SGA) at Johns Hopkins University is an official representative body of the undergraduate student body. Through elections and appointments, SGA members are responsible for advocating student interests to University administration.

01

What the SGA does

JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Committee on Student Elections (CSE), which shall be composed of seven members who shall elect a Chairperson amongst them. The CSE shall be responsible for facilitating elections for all elected SGA roles.

The purpose of the SGA is for motivated students to deliberate and cooperate with one another to pass legislation and persuade University administrators to support student interests.

Outside of hosting public Senate, Committee, Executive, and Judicial meetings, as well as funding Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), consulting faculty, and recordkeeping, some examples of the most impactful work of the SGA are:

  1. 01Lowering Bloomberg Student Center (BSC) dining prices
  2. 02Adding a Boba shop to Levering Hall dining
  3. 03Making iClicker free for students (in classes which require it)
  4. 04The existence of construction maps from JHFRE
02

Structure

Mirroring the federal government of the United States, the SGA is comprised of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. While the Legislative Branch contains many different Legislative Committees, the Executive Branch only oversees the Programming Councils, which run each class' events, while the Judiciary Branch only oversees appeals to the Committee on Student Elections (CSE), which runs elections.

For who currently holds each of these positions, see the 114th contact directory .

03

Executive branch

Student Body President

  • The Student Body President leads the Executive Branch, which holds all executive power, serves as the spokesperson for the Homewood undergraduate student body, and faithfully executes acts of the Senate. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Executive Branch shall serve as the internal governing body of the SGA. All executive power shall be invested in the Executive Branch. Such power involves day-to-day affairs of the SGA and carrying out the…
  • The Student Body President chairs and manages the President’s Cabinet, organizes and attends meetings with university administrators, and executes Senate acts, particularly by sending resolutions to administrators. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.1 Serves as the Spokesperson of SGA.
  • The Student Body President may appoint additional Cabinet members, provided the Senate gives majority consent and there is a justifiable reason or need. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.3 Executes acts of the Senate, particularly by sending Resolutions to Administrators.
  • The Student Body President must ensure regular communication with the co-chairs of the Graduate Student Organization by meeting with them at the beginning of each semester. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.4 Chairs and manages their Cabinet.
  • The Student Body President must ensure the smooth integration of new SGA members, especially freshmen, and coordinate transition documents from the Executive Branch, Standing Legislative Committees, and Class Councils for presentation to the Senate and delivery to the next SGA. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)All positions of the Cabinet shall be elected by the student body through an election administered by the CSE. After the elections, the Student Body President shall have the power to appoint additional cabinet members…
  • In collaboration with the Student Body Vice President and Chair of Programming, the Student Body President must organize at least one mandatory SGA retreat per semester. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.2.5 Collaborates with the Student Body President, the Chair of Programming, and the SGA advisor to organize semesterly retreats.
  • The Executive Branch, under the Student Body President’s leadership, must host at least three hours of office hours per semester and publish student attendance numbers for each session. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.7.1 The Executive Branch must ensure at least 3 hours of Office hours per semester are hosted.
  • The Student Body President facilitates the election of the President and Vice President of the Senate, or the next position in the executive line of succession does so if the Student Body President is absent. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)In both cases, the election for President and Vice President of the Senate shall be facilitated by the Student Body President or, in their absence, the next position in the line of succession outlined in Article VIII…
  • The Student Body President succeeds to the responsibilities specified for the Executive Branch and is succeeded by the Student Body Vice President in the event of impeachment or resignation.
  • The Student Body President’s term ends at the annual inauguration ceremony of the new SGA, when the successor’s term begins. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Terms of Student Senate and Executive Branch members shall end on the date of the annual inauguration ceremony of the new SGA, and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Student Body Vice President

  • The Student Body Vice President is a member of the President’s Cabinet, which advises the Student Body President on matters related to the SGA.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Student Body President shall have a President’s Cabinet to advise them on all matters related to the Student Government Association.
  • The Student Body Vice President assists the Student Body President in all duties and succeeds the President in cases of impeachment or resignation.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall assist the President in all their duties.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall succeed the President in case of their impeachment or resignation.
  • The Student Body Vice President accompanies the Student Body President to meetings with administrators when necessary and fosters community within the Senate.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall accompany the Student Body President to meetings with administrators when necessary.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.2.4 Fosters community within the Senate.
  • The Student Body Vice President collaborates with the Student Body President, the Chair of Programming, and the SGA advisor to organize semesterly retreats.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.2.5 Collaborates with the Student Body President, the Chair of Programming, and the SGA advisor to organize semesterly retreats.
  • The Student Body Vice President assists new members with writing legislation and fosters communication with governing bodies of other University divisions.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.2.6 Assists new members with writing legislation.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.2.7 Fosters communication with the governing bodies of other divisions of the University (e.g., GRO, CSAC, JHUC).
  • Within the first month of each Senator’s or Cabinet Member’s term, the Student Body Vice President determines their primary short- and long-term goals.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.2.8 Within the first month of each Senator’s or Cabinet Member’s term, uses campaign material, a form, and/or discussion with the member to determine their primary short- and long-term goals for their term in SGA.
  • The Student Body Vice President regularly monitors members’ progress toward their goals, at least once a month, and connects members with support when they are not making progress.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.2.9 Regularly references legislative and non-legislative work of each member to determine if they are making progress towards their goals.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)3.2.2.9.1 This must be done at least once a month, but the Vice President is encouraged to check on different members throughout the month rather than examining every member at the same time.
  • The Student Body Vice President serves as an ex-officio member of the Committee on Internal Affairs and votes only in the event of a tie.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)The Student Body Vice President and the Parliamentarian shall serve as ex-officio members of the Committee on Internal Affairs.

Secretary

  • The Student Body Secretary creates and maintains the SGA’s internal infrastructure.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall be responsible for the creation and maintenance of internal SGA infrastructure.
  • The Secretary keeps detailed minutes of each meeting, including attendance and votes.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall keep detailed minutes of each meeting and shall take a roll call of attendance and votes.
  • The Secretary is responsible for all SGA record-keeping.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall be responsible for all record-keeping in SGA.
  • The Secretary tracks how frequently non-Senate SGA bodies report to the Senate and notifies their chairs when they are not in compliance.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)Records how frequently each of the non-Senate bodies within SGA issues a report to the Senate during general body meetings and notifies the Chair of the body if they are not in compliance.
  • The Secretary archives SGA’s digital records in a secondary technological archive at the end of each year and ensures that the LEED Office and JHU Libraries receive copies of all records.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)Stores all of SGA’s digital records for protection in a secondary technological archive at the end of every year.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)Ensures that the Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development (LEED) Office and the JHU Libraries have copies of all records.
  • The Secretary takes minutes at every Senate and Cabinet meeting, or designates someone to do so when absent.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)Takes minutes at every Senate and Cabinet meeting, or designates someone to do so in their absence.
  • Meeting minutes must include the meeting’s date, time, location, attendees and absentees, guests, matters discussed, main ideas, major motions, and votes.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended November 3rd 2026)Minutes shall, at the very least, always include the following:
  • The Secretary uploads Senate General Body Meeting minutes to the SGA Google Drive by 12 PM Eastern time on the day after the meeting.Source: S-B.114.04.21.26-1 Rules Bill (Amended November 3 2026)S-B.114.04.21.26-1 Rules Bill (Amended November 3 2026)The Secretary shall upload a copy of the General Body Meeting minutes to the SGA Google Drive Folder no later than 12 PM EST the next day following the meeting.
  • The Secretary may appoint an Assistant Secretary, subject to confirmation by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall have the power to appoint an Assistant Secretary, subject to the confirmation of a ⅔ vote of the Senate.

Treasurer

  • The Student Body Treasurer works with the Committee on Finance to formulate the SGA’s annual budget, assists with funding student groups, keeps the SGA’s ledgers, and coordinates with the Committee on Finance as the SGA’s financial officer.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall work with the Finance Committee to formulate an annual budget for the SGA.
  • The Treasurer submits all purchase requests on behalf of the Senate.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.4.1 Submitting all purchase requests on behalf of the Senate.
  • The Treasurer co-chairs the Committee on Finance and meets regularly with the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.4.2 Co-Chairing the Committee on Finance and meeting regularly with the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations.
  • The Treasurer assists new Senators with financial policies and HopkinsGroups financial processes.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.4.3 Assisting new Senators with understanding financial policies and HopkinsGroups financial processes.
  • The Treasurer works with the Committee on Finance to formulate an annual budget for the SGA, assists with funding student groups, and keeps the SGA’s ledgers.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.4.4 Shall work with the Finance Committee to formulate an annual budget for the SGA. 3.2.4.5 Shall assist with the funding of student groups. 3.2.4.6 Shall act as the financial officer of the SGA, keeping all of…
  • The Treasurer works with the Student Body Chair of Programming and the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations as a liaison between registered student organizations and the LEED Office on questions involving finances, registration, and event creation.
  • The Executive Treasurer serves as an ex-officio member of the Committee on Finance, whose membership otherwise is restricted to serving Senators.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.5.3.1 The membership of the Committee on Finance is restricted to duly serving members of the Senate. The Executive Treasurer shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Committee on Finance.
  • The Committee on Finance evaluates and votes on legislation allocating funds from the Senate that is referred to it by the applicable deadline.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.5.3.2 Evaluates and votes on all legislation of allocating funds from the Senate, that is sent to the Finance Committee by the Sunday immediately preceding the General Body Meeting by the time set by the Rules…
  • The Committee on Finance can approve certain Senate-budget allocations of $500 or less when the general body does not meet for two consecutive weeks, as well as funding requests received between the general election and the first meeting of the newly elected Senate and up to $250 in summer promotional funding.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.5.3.3 Has the ability to approve any funding allocations from the Senate’s budget that are equal to or less than five hundred dollars ($500) if the general body does not meet in two consecutive weeks, or any…

Director of Communications

  • Manages SGA social media, maintains and develops the SGA website, performs graphic design, and completes other tasks delegated by the Senate or Executive Branch.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall be responsible for: 1. Social media management. 2. Website maintenance and construction. 3. Graphic design. 4. Other tasks as delegated by the Senate or Executive Branch.
  • Maintains all SGA email lists and serves as the point of contact for SGA communications.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall be responsible for: 1. Social media management. 2. Website maintenance and construction. 3. Graphic design. 4. Other tasks as delegated by the Senate or Executive Branch.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall be responsible for maintenance of all SGA email lists and shall serve as the point of contact for all SGA communications.
  • Monitors SGA email and social media notifications and reviews school-wide emails.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall be responsible for maintenance of all SGA email lists and shall serve as the point of contact for all SGA communications.
  • Publishes public SGA documents on the website within one week of receiving them from the Secretary, and updates the record of SGA members within one week of an election or appointment.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.5.1.1 Monitoring the SGA email and social media notifications. 3.2.5.1.2 Reviewing school-wide emails.
  • Completes additional website updates and maintenance within one week when requested by an undergraduate student or SGA member and approved by a majority vote of the Senate.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.5.2.1 Places any SGA document deliberated in the public sphere – legislation, minutes, amendments to guiding documents, and initiatives – onto the website within a week of receipt from the Secretary. 3.2.5.2.2…
  • Responds to and honors undergraduate requests for SGA information within one week; if information cannot be provided, gives a legitimate legal or personal privacy-related reason in writing.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.5.2.3 Perform additional updates and maintenance on the website, within a week, when requested by an undergraduate student or SGA member and approved by a majority vote of the Senate.
  • Presents the Senate with a monthly report of completed work at the first General Body Meeting of each month.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.5.3 Responds to and honors any JHU undergraduate’s request for SGA information sent to HopkinsGroups or the SGA email within a week of request, and if information cannot be provided, a legitimate legal, or personal…
  • Posts a monthly update to the official SGA Instagram page containing updates on SGA’s work, including policies passed and important meetings with administrators.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.5.4 Present to the Senate a report of what they have completed at the first GBM of every month, and shall be subject to review by the Committee on Internal Affairs to ensure compliance.

Source: S-B.114.04.21.26-1 Rules BillS-B.114.04.21.26-1 Rules Bill12.1. Once a month, the Director of Communications shall post an update to the official SGA Instagram page containing updates on SGA’s work 12.2. This shall include a list of policies passed and important (at the…

Student Body Chair of Programming

  • The Student Body Chair of Programming oversees the Executive Team of the SGA’s Class Programming Councils, which provide regular programming and class-specific events.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall oversee the Executive Team of SGA’s Class Programming Councils – which are tasked with providing regular programming and class-specific events.
  • The Chair maintains oversight of Class Council activities, ensures coordination and communication across councils, supports the Executive Branch’s vision, oversees SGA-sponsored programming, and leads initiatives that increase school spirit and student engagement.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall maintain oversight on Class Council activities and ensure proper coordination and communication across councils.
  • The Chair heads the Committee on Programming, presents legislation concerning SGA events, organizes tabling events, leads S.I.F. Presence and semesterly retreats, and collaborates with the Treasurer on the administrative-year budget.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.6.1 Heads the Committee on Programming and presents all bills regarding SGA Events, including but not limited to Tabling Events, Workshops, Retreats, and general events.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.6.3 Organizes SGA Tabling Events
  • The Chair manages the Committee on Programming and may appoint additional officers or members. All Programming Council members must serve on the Committee on Programming, while additional SGA members may also join.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.6.4 Chairing, appointing, and managing the Committee on Programming.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.5.8.3 All Programming Council Members must be on this committee. Additional members from all of the Student Government may join this committee.
  • Class-specific events are led by the relevant Class Council’s Programming members with assistance from the Committee on Programming. When the Committee does not meet, individual Class Councils meet independently with the Vice of Programming and the Class Council Coordinator.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.5.8.4 Class specific events, such as formals, will be led by the respective Class Council of Programming members with assistance from the Committee on Programming.
  • The Chair collaborates with the President, Vice President, and SGA advisors on retreats; with the Secretary on reports for tabling events; and with student organizations and university departments on co-sponsored events and initiatives that enhance the student experience.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.6.6 Collaborates with the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, and SGA Advisors to organize semesterly retreats.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.6.7 Collaborates with the Secretary to ensure the creation, dissemination, and preservation of reports for each tabling event.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)3.2.6.8 Collaborates with other student organizations and school governance bodies to create co-sponsored events that will either enhance campus life or promote the common good of all Homewood undergraduate students.
04

Legislative branch

President of the Senate

  • The President of the Senate is elected from among the senators at the first Senate meeting following inauguration. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The President and Vice President of the Senate shall be elected from amongst its members at the first Senate meeting following inauguration.
  • The President of the Senate presides over Senate meetings. If the President is absent or recused, the Vice President of the Senate chairs the meeting as the Presiding Officer. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The President and Vice President of the Senate shall be elected from amongst its members at the first Senate meeting following inauguration.
  • The President of the Senate sets the Senate’s agenda, reviews legislation before adding it to the agenda, and refers legislation to the appropriate committee. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The President of the Senate shall preside over the meeting except in their absence or recusal, in which case the Vice President of the Senate shall chair the meeting. The chair of the meeting is hereafter referred to…
  • The President of the Senate sorts senators into standing legislative committees by the third Senate General Body Meeting, after considering their wishes, availabilities, passions, and legislative priorities. Senate confirmation is required. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall preside over the Senate and set its agenda.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall review legislation prior to adding it to the agenda.
  • The President of the Senate oversees the appointment of the Senate Parliamentarian, who is appointed with the majority consent of the Senate. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall refer legislation to the appropriate committee.
  • Under the 2026–2027 Senate Procedural Rules, the President of the Senate sends the General Body Meeting time, location, and agenda by noon on the Monday before the meeting. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Legislative Branch shall also have the authority to appoint a Senate Parliamentarian with the majority consent of the Senate. The Senate Parliamentarian shall be tasked with knowing and maintaining the Senate’s…

Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.7.3 The President of the Senate shall thereafter proceed to sort Senators into committees by the third Senate General Body Meeting in a manner which, in the opinion of the President of the Senate, will allow…Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.7.1 Pursuant to the Constitution, the President of the Senate shall sort Senators into Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate, and confirmation of these appointments shall require ratification by a…Source: S-B.114.04.21.26-1 Rules BillS-B.114.04.21.26-1 Rules Bill4.3.1. The President of the Senate shall send a given week’s General Body Meeting time, location, and agenda by the Monday immediately preceding the General Body Meeting by no later than 12:00 PM ET.

Class Senators and Class Presidents

  • Each graduating class elects five Class Senators, for twenty class representatives across the four classes. The five include one Class President and four other Class Senators. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Five Class Senators from each graduating class, totalling twenty class representatives.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)One of these representatives, who shall be the primary class representative and must run as a separate position on the ballot, shall be chosen by a classwide election for “Class President.” This position remains that…Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The remaining four representatives shall be chosen by a concurrent classwide election for “Class Senators.”
  • The Class President is one of the five Senators, is elected in a separate classwide election, and serves as the primary class representative for communication with students and administrators. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)These five Class Senators shall include one Class President, who shall serve as the primary class representative for purposes of communication with students and administrators.
  • Class Senators have equal authority to vote and introduce legislation in Senate meetings. They pursue student interests and concerns, lobby relevant administrators, prioritize their SGA commitments, and strive to attend all SGA-related meetings. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Each senator shall have equal authority to cast votes and to introduce legislation during meetings of the Senate. No senator shall be restricted in their work on the basis of the constituent group from which they were…Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Senators shall be proactive in pursuing student interests and concerns in addition to actively lobbying relevant administrators.
  • The CSE Constitution contains a conflicting provision that states four individuals are elected as Senators of each class. The SGA Constitution governs because it supersedes other governing devices. Source: CSE Constitution Feb. 2024CSE Constitution Feb. 2024The four individuals that command the greatest number of votes of the senatorial poll shall be elected as Senators of their class.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)This Constitution shall supersede all other governing devices of student organizations, commissions, and committees.

KSAS and WSE Senators

  • Seven Academic Senators represent the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, and five represent the Whiting School of Engineering, for 12 Academic Senators total. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Seven Academic Senators from the Krieger School and Five Academic Senators from the Whiting school, totaling twelve representatives.
  • The Bylaws also contain a conflicting general provision stating that “the top five representatives from each school are chosen.” The Constitution’s seven-KSAS, five-WSE allocation controls because the Constitution supersedes other SGA governing devices. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Representatives shall be chosen by raw vote total within each election (i.e. the top five representatives from each school are chosen).Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)This Constitution shall supersede all other governing devices of student organizations, commissions, and committees.
  • Academic Senators serve as members of the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Senators participate within SGA as members of the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees.
  • They pursue student interests and concerns and actively lobby relevant administrators. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Senators shall be proactive in pursuing student interests and concerns in addition to actively lobbying relevant administrators.
  • They prioritize their SGA commitments and strive to attend all SGA-related meetings. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Senators shall prioritize their commitments to SGA and strive to attend all SGA-related meetings.

Student Organization Senators

  • There are five Student Organization Senators. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Five Student Organization Senators from any category of student organizations that SGA recognizes.
  • They represent student organizations from any category recognized by the SGA. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Five Student Organization Senators from any category of student organizations that SGA recognizes.
  • They serve as members of the Senate and its Standing Legislative Committees. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Senators participate within SGA as members of the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees.
  • They pursue student interests and concerns, lobby relevant administrators, and prioritize attending SGA-related meetings. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Senators shall be proactive in pursuing student interests and concerns in addition to actively lobbying relevant administrators.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Senators shall prioritize their commitments to SGA and strive to attend all SGA-related meetings.
  • Like other senators, they may vote and introduce legislation during Senate meetings. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Each senator shall have equal authority to cast votes and to introduce legislation during meetings of the Senate.

Caucuses and Caucus Chairs

A passage cited below has changed since this was written, so it is awaiting recheck.

  • An SGA caucus represents a defined body of students with unique challenges, perspectives, or identities and is represented by a cohort of student organizations. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Caucus Senators shall be established for the purpose of representing defined bodies of students with unique challenges, perspectives, or identities, and which are currently represented by a cohort of student…
  • The caucuses currently listed in the SGA Bylaws are:
  • Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.5.1 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Students
  • Black and African-Origin Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.5.2 Black and African-Origin Students.
  • Disabled Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.5.3 Disabled Students.
  • First-Generation/Limited Income Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.5.4 First-Generation/Limited Income Students.
  • Hispanic/Latine Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.5.5 Hispanic/Latine Students.
  • Women and Gender Minority-Identifying Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.5.6 Women and Gender Minority-Identifying Students.
  • Student Athletes. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.5.8 Student Athletes.
  • Each caucus has a Chair elected from the student body. The Chair is a Senator when the caucus was established in the Bylaws before the student-body-wide election period and remains in existence at the time of elections. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)A Chair of each SGA Caucus shall be elected from amongst the student body, and be a Senator in the Senate, if the following conditions are met:
  • Caucus Chairs work as the primary liaison between the SGA and the represented group and advance, represent, and promote that group’s needs. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Caucus Senators shall work to advance, represent, and promote the needs of the community they represent. They shall serve as the primary liaison between SGA and the represented group.
  • Caucus Chairs are accountable to their representation groups and must advocate for and represent them through an approved method of engagement. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Each Caucus Senator shall be accountable to their representation group, and must be involved in advocating for and representing that group.
  • Their responsibilities include advocating for the represented group during Senate deliberations, reviewing legislation for its effect on the group, maintaining communication with relevant student organizations, conducting required outreach, and serving as the liaison between the SGA and the represented group. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)Caucus Senators Shall:
  • Each Caucus Chair must submit an annual report summarizing the group’s outreach and the issues it raised; the report goes to the President of the Senate and Student Body Secretary and must be made available online. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.3.1 Advocate for the represented group in Senate deliberations.

Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.3.3 Maintain communication with relevant student organizations.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.3.4 Conduct required outreach as defined above.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.3.5 Serve as liaison between SGA and the represented group.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.3.3.6 Submit an annual report summarizing outreach and issues raised by the represented group. This must be submitted to the President of the Senate and Student Body Secretary, and made available online.

Committees

Committee Chairs

  • For standing Senate committees, the President of the Senate presides over chair elections at the first Senate meeting of the year, and the entire Senate votes on the chairs. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.1 At the first Senate Meeting of the year, the President of the Senate shall preside over elections for the chair of each Standing Legislative Committee, where the whole Senate votes on Committee Chairs.
  • Senate members may nominate themselves or other Senate members, but a person may not chair more than one committee or chair one committee while serving as vice chair of another. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.2 At this Senate Meeting, the President of the Senate shall accept nominations of Senate members to serve as chair of the committee. Individuals may not serve as chair of more than one (1) committee, as the…
  • Each nominee may give a speech of no more than three minutes describing their qualifications and priorities. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.4 Those responding in the affirmative shall each give short speeches of no more than 3 minutes outlining their qualifications and priorities.
  • Senators select the chair by confidential paper ballot or another confidential voting method. A candidate must receive an absolute majority of all Senators to be installed as chair or co-chair. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.5 Without a discussion, each Senate member shall then cast a vote for the chair by confidential paper ballot or another confidential voting method.
  • If no candidate receives an absolute majority, the Senate repeats the election or removes the lowest-vote candidate and holds another vote, depending on the number of candidates. If a tie prevents an absolute majority, the President of the Senate casts the tie-breaking vote. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.6.1 In the case of an election consisting of only 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the Senate shall repeat the elections for the committee chair until an absolute majority can be…Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.6.3 If no candidate receives an absolute majority due to a tie, the President of the Senate shall cast a tie-breaking vote.
  • The Internal Affairs Committee and Finance Committee each have two co-chairs, including the Student Body Vice President or Student Body Treasurer as an ex-officio co-chair, respectively. Every other standing and ad hoc committee has one chair and one vice chair. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.1.1 The Internal Affairs Committee and Finance Committee shall each have two c0-chairs automatically. In addition, these committees shall have one vice chair.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.1.2 Every other standing and ad-hoc committee shall have one chair and one vice chair.
  • An ad hoc committee’s establishing legislation designates its chair, whose term ends when the committee expires. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.4.4.1 The legislation providing for the establishment of the particular ad-hoc committee shall designate a chair.
  • A committee chair must issue reports at General Body Meetings about committee projects or activities that the Senate needs to know about. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.5.1 To issue a committee report at General Body meetings, informing the Senate of projects or activities of the committee for which Senate awareness is essential to the success of the committee or the Senate.
  • A committee chair must submit reports on reviewed legislation to the President of the Senate and the Secretary, create and publish the agenda for each committee meeting, appoint a committee member to take meeting minutes, and send the minutes and attendance to the Secretary within 48 hours of each meeting. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.5.2 To submit reports on reviewed legislation to the President of the Senate and Secretary.
  • Chairs of the Finance Committee and Committee on Student Organizations must hold at least monthly coordination meetings outside their respective committee meetings. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.5.3 To create the agenda for each committee meeting and publish these agendas to the Senate.
  • Standing legislative committees must meet at least once every two weeks. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.5.4 To appoint a member of the respective committee to take the minutes of each meeting. This may be the same person as the Committee Vice Chair. If this is not the Committee Vice Chair, serving as the Vice…

Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.5.5 To send a copy of the committee minutes and attendance to the Secretary within 48 hours of each meeting.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.8.5.7 The Chairs of the Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations must have at minimum monthly coordination meetings outside of their respective committee meetings.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended October 20th 2026)4.1.2.9.1 The Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be required to regularly meet at least once every two (2) weeks.

05

Judicial branch

Chief Justice

  • As a Justice on the Judiciary Board, the Chief Justice is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and Bylaws, enforcing election procedures, and serving as the final avenue of appeal for matters relating to the SGA. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Judiciary Board shall be responsible for interpreting the Constitution and Bylaws, enforcing election procedures, and shall serve as the final avenue of appeal for all matters relating to the SGA.
  • The Chief Justice is responsible for notifying members of the Judicial Branch when they are removed from the SGA. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Chief Justice shall be responsible for notifying any member of the Judicial Branch of their removal.

Justices

  • The Student Body President proposes Judiciary Board appointments after receiving the Senate’s advice. Each appointment requires approval by two-thirds of the Senate.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Appointments to the Judiciary Board shall be proposed by the Student Body President, upon the advice of the Senate, and subject to the approval of 2/3 (two-thirds) of the Senate.
  • The Judiciary Board has five Justices, who elect a Chief Justice from among themselves.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Judiciary Board, which shall be composed of five Justices, who shall elect a Chief Justice amongst them.
  • Justices serve until resignation as long as they remain undergraduates of KSAS or WSE.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Provided that Justices remain undergraduates of KSAS or WSE, they shall serve their term until resignation.
  • The Judiciary Board has jurisdiction over all SGA matters, including SGA-approved groups and their internal disputes.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Judicial Branch shall have jurisdiction on all matters relating to the SGA, including SGA-approved groups and their internal disputes.
  • Its responsibilities are interpreting the Constitution and Bylaws, enforcing election procedures, and serving as the final avenue of appeal for all SGA matters.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Judiciary Board shall be responsible for interpreting the Constitution and Bylaws, enforcing election procedures, and shall serve as the final avenue of appeal for all matters relating to the SGA.
06

Committee on Student Elections

07

Programming councils