Student Activities
George Mason University

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Student Governance

Q: What does Student Government do?
A: The primary purpose of Student Government is to address the needs and concerns of the Student Body. The Student Government maintains an active and open relationship with various departments and administrators of the University in order to work collectively to address concerns facing the greater Mason community.

Q: How does Student Government function?
A: Student Government is organized into three branches, including: the Executive Branch (the Offices of the Student Body President, Vice President and their Cabinet), the Legislative Branch (the Student Senate), and Judicial Branch (the Supreme Court). The three branches work similar to the United States Federal Government. The membership of the organization can range from 60 to 80 people depending upon the election year. The Student Body President, Vice President and all members of the Student Senate are elected by their peers annually. From time to time vacancies arise in elected positions where members may be appointed. The members of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President to serve a term commensurate with the remainder of their time here at George Mason University.

Q: When I have a concern I feel the Student Government should address, whom should I contact?
A: If you feel an issue should be addressed within SG, please contact the Student Government President at sbp@gmu.edu or call 703.993.2923. You may also contact the student senator who represents you. A list of senators and their constituencies are located at http://sg.gmu.edu/Meet%20the%20Senators.htm.

Q: How can I get involved with Student Government?
A: There are many different ways to become involved with Student Government. In addition to serving on one of the three branches within Student Government (Executive, Legislative, or Judicial Branch) you may choose to serve on one of the many committees that work for Student Government. Please visit http://sg.gmu.edu/Committees.html for more information and contact information on the different committees. Any student at George Mason University may be a member of the Student Government. It is as easy as walking into the office or sending an email to: sg@gmu.edu or calling 703-993-2923. Remember, you do not have to be elected to get involved with Student Government.

Q: Where is the Student Government office located?
A: The Student Government office is located on the first floor of the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus - Suite 133. Please feel free to stop by if you have any questions or concerns that you would like to address.

Q: Are Student Government meetings open to the public?
A: Yes, Student Government Senate meetings are open and the public is encouraged to attend. In fact, there is typically a section of the meeting where the Speaker of the Senate invites anyone from the gallery to address the entire Senate.

Q: I can't make it to the meetings, how can I stay informed with what is going on in Student Government?
A: To stay updated with what the Student Government is working on, please find the meeting journals at http://sg.gmu.edu/SenateJournals.html.

Q: I am here for my education, but I would also like to be involved - can I realistically do both?
A: The answer to that really depends on your level of involvement and your personal time management skills.

Q: Is there a cost associated with being in Student Government or the Graduate Student Assembly?
A: No, like all student organizations with the exception of Greek letter organizations, SG and GSA are free for all Mason students.

Q: Who can be a member of the Graduate Student Assembly?
A: Like any student organization, the Graduate Student Assembly is open for all Mason students. However, the purpose of the GSA is to provide a forum for Graduate Students to voice concerns, meet colleagues, and develop professionally.