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.

What the SGA does

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the official governing body of Homewood undergraduates at Johns Hopkins University.JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The official governing body of the Homewood Undergraduates shall be referred to as the Student Government Association at the Johns Hopkins University (SGA).
Its purpose is to protect and improve the rights, opportunities, and quality of life of every Homewood undergraduate student.JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The purpose of the SGA is to protect and improve the rights, opportunities, and quality of life for every Homewood undergraduate student at the Johns Hopkins University.
The SGA represents undergraduates in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering and serves as their principal representative body.JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The SGA shall be the principal representative body of the undergraduates of the Krieger and Whiting Schools.
The SGA has three branches: the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch.JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The SGA shall be composed of the legislative branch, executive branch, and judicial branch.
The Executive Branch consists of the Student Body President and the President’s Cabinet. It handles the SGA’s day-to-day affairs and carries out Senate instructions.JHU SGA Constitution…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.
The Executive Branch includes the Student Body Vice President, Student Body Secretary, Student Body Treasurer, Director of Communications, and Chair of Programming. Class Programming Councils provide class-specific programming and are overseen by the Chair of Programming.JHU SGA Constitution…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.
The Legislative Branch is the Student Senate. It includes class representatives, academic representatives from KSAS and WSE, Student Organization Senators, and Caucus Senators.JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Senate shall be comprised of the following representatives, elected from amongst their constituent groups:
The Senate has standing legislative committees, including committees on Academic Affairs, Civic Engagement, Finance, Health, Safety, and Sustainability, Internal Affairs, Student Organizations, Student Services, and Programming.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)The following Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be established:
The Senate may also establish ad-hoc committees by a two-thirds vote to address matters of great importance to the student body.JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Senate may, by a 2/3 vote, convene ad-hoc committees to deal with matters of great importance.
The Committee on Finance handles SGA financial matters, including appropriations, funding procedures, and financial management.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Deals with all financial matters of the Student Government Association, including appropriations, funding procedures, and financial management.
The SGA Finance Committee, also called SGA-FC, reviews student-group funding requests and may approve, deny, or table budgets and proposals on a case-by-case basis.Governing Guidelines for…Governing Guidelines for the SGA Finance Committee.pdfWhile the SGA-FC Guidelines describe the proper procedure for student group funding, the SGA-FC reserves the discretion to approve, deny, or table each budget and proposal on a case-by-case basis.
The Judicial Branch is independent and consists of the Judiciary Board and the Committee on Student Elections (CSE).JHU SGA Constitution…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. Judicial shall be an independent branch, composed of:
The Judiciary Board consists of five Justices and interprets the Constitution and Bylaws, enforces election procedures, and serves as the final avenue of appeal for SGA matters.JHU SGA Constitution…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. Judicial shall be an independent branch, composed of:
The CSE consists of seven members and facilitates elections for all elected SGA roles. It operates under its own Constitution and Election Rules and is free from SGA interference during election periods, subject to the Constitution’s stated exceptions.JHU SGA Constitution…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. Judicial shall be an independent branch, composed of:

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:

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

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 .

Executive branch

The Executive Branch is the SGA’s internal governing body. It exercises the SGA’s executive power, manages the SGA’s day-to-day affairs, and carries out Senate instructions.JHU SGA Constitution…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…
It consists of the Homewood Undergraduate Student Body President and the President’s Cabinet.JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Executive Branch shall be composed of the Homewood Undergraduate Student Body President, hereafter referred to as the Student Body President, and the President’s Cabinet.
The Cabinet includes:
Student Body Vice President
Student Body Secretary
Student Body Treasurer
Director of Communications
Chair of ProgrammingJHU SGA Constitution…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. In addition to advising the Student Body President through regular meetings, the…
The Chair of Programming and the original three-person Class Programming Councils elected through class-wide elections are members of the Executive Branch.JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)While the Chair of Programming and the original three-person Class Programming Councils elected via class-wide election are considered members of the Executive Branch, appointed members on the Councils they oversee are…

Student Body President

The Student Body President leads the Executive Branch, which holds executive power over the SGA’s day-to-day affairs and carries out the Senate’s instructions. The Student Body President serves as the spokesperson of the Undergraduate Student Body at Homewood and faithfully executes acts of the Senate. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)All executive power shall be invested in the Executive Branch. Such power involves day-to-day affairs of the SGA and carrying out the instructions of the Senate.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Student Body President shall serve as the spokesperson of the Undergraduate Student Body at Homewood and faithfully execute acts of the Senate.
The Student Body President chairs and manages the President’s Cabinet, which advises the 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.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.4 Chairs and manages their Cabinet.
All Cabinet positions are elected by the student body through a CSE-administered election. After the election, the Student Body President may appoint additional Cabinet members at their discretion with a justifiable reason or need and the majority consent of the Senate. 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…
The Student Body President organizes and attends meetings with administrators and executes Senate acts, particularly by sending resolutions to administrators. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.3 Executes acts of the Senate, particularly by sending Resolutions to Administrators.
The Student Body President ensures 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 September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.5 Ensures regular communication with their counterparts in the Graduate Student Organization (GRO) by meeting with the co-chairs of the GRO at the beginning of each semester.
The Student Body President ensures the smooth integration of new SGA members, especially freshmen, into the SGA. The outgoing President coordinates transition documents from the Executive Branch, Standing Legislative Committees, and Class Councils, and the President organizes at least one mandatory SGA retreat per semester with the Vice President and Chair of Programming. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.6.1 The outgoing Student Body President shall coordinate the production of transition documents compiled by the Executive Branch, Standing Legislative Committees, and Class Councils. These documents shall be…Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.6.2 The Student Body President, in collaboration with the Vice President and Chair of Programming, shall organize at least one mandatory SGA retreat per semester to clarify its goals and promote group development.
The Student Body President writes and sends a monthly email to the student body through the SGA email account providing updates on the SGA’s work and attaching policies passed during General Body Meetings. Source: S.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules BillS.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules BillBy precedent, the Student Body President shall write and send an email to the student body each month through the [sga@jhu.edu](mailto:sga@jhu.edu) email that provides updates on the SGA’s work.
If the Student Body President is impeached or resigns, the Student Body Vice President succeeds the President. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Student Body President shall be succeeded in the order in which the Executive positions are outlined in Article III Section One.
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

Assists the Student Body President in all presidential duties.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)1. Student Body Vice President 1. Shall assist the President in all their duties. 2. Shall succeed the President in case of their impeachment or resignation. 3. Shall accompany the Student Body President to meetings…
Succeeds the Student Body President if the President is impeached or resigns.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)1. Student Body Vice President 1. Shall assist the President in all their duties. 2. Shall succeed the President in case of their impeachment or resignation. 3. Shall accompany the Student Body President to meetings…
Accompanies the Student Body President to meetings with administrators when necessary.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)1. Student Body Vice President 1. Shall assist the President in all their duties. 2. Shall succeed the President in case of their impeachment or resignation. 3. Shall accompany the Student Body President to meetings…
Ensures that the President’s Cabinet and Senate make progress toward the administration’s goals.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)1. Student Body Vice President 1. Shall assist the President in all their duties. 2. Shall succeed the President in case of their impeachment or resignation. 3. Shall accompany the Student Body President to meetings…
Organizes semesterly retreats with the Student Body President, Chair of Programming, and SGA advisor.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.2.5 Collaborates with the Student Body President, the Chair of Programming, and the SGA advisor to organize semesterly retreats. 3.2.2.6 Assists new members with writing legislation. 3.2.2.7 Fosters communication…
Fosters community within the Senate and communication with governing bodies of other University divisions.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.2.5 Collaborates with the Student Body President, the Chair of Programming, and the SGA advisor to organize semesterly retreats. 3.2.2.6 Assists new members with writing legislation. 3.2.2.7 Fosters communication…
Assists new members with writing legislation.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.2.5 Collaborates with the Student Body President, the Chair of Programming, and the SGA advisor to organize semesterly retreats. 3.2.2.6 Assists new members with writing legislation. 3.2.2.7 Fosters communication…
Determines each Senator’s and Cabinet member’s primary short- and long-term goals within the first month of their term.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.…
Reviews each member’s legislative and non-legislative work at least once a month to determine progress toward those goals.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.…
Contacts members who are not making progress, connects them with appropriate support, and, if necessary, convenes a meeting with an SGA advisor and other relevant members after two months.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.2.9.3 If a member does not seem to be working towards their goals, the Vice President shall contact the member to either meet with them or to connect them to another member of SGA who would be more capable of…
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 September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.2.5.5.1 The Student Body Vice President and the Parliamentarian shall serve as ex-officio members of the Committee on Internal Affairs. 4.1.2.5.5.1.1 The Student Body Vice President shall only vote only in the case…
Serves as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Senate as a member of the Executive Branch.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)All members of the Executive Branch serve as non-voting ex-officio members of the Senate.

Secretary

The Student Body Secretary is responsible for creating and maintaining internal SGA infrastructure.
The Secretary keeps detailed minutes of each meeting and records attendance and votes. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)2. Shall keep detailed minutes of each meeting and shall take a roll call of attendance and votes.
The Secretary maintains all SGA records. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)3. Shall be responsible for all record-keeping in SGA.
The Secretary serves as SGA’s primary recordkeeper, stores digital records in a secondary technological archive at the end of each year, and ensures that the Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development Office and the JHU Libraries receive copies of all records. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.3.2.1 Stores all of SGA’s digital records for protection in a secondary technological archive at the end of every year. 3.2.3.2.2 Ensures that the Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development (LEED) Office…
The Secretary takes minutes at every Senate and Cabinet meeting, or designates someone to do so when absent. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.3.3 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, including each senator’s vote when possible. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.3.3.1.1 The date, time, and location of a meeting. > > > > > > 3.2.3.3.1.2 Those present at and absent from a SGA meeting, including whether the absence is excused or unexcused. > > > > > > 3.2.3.3.1.3 Any guests…
The Secretary makes meeting minutes available no later than one week after the meeting. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.3.3.2 Minutes shall be made available to the Secretary no later than a week from the meeting at which they were recorded. Failure to send minutes shall be in violation of the Bylaws.
The Secretary uploads General Body Meeting minutes to the SGA Google Drive Folder by 12 PM Eastern Standard Time the day after the meeting. Source: S.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules BillS.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules Bill4.4.1. 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 maintains records of disciplinary infractions and marks against senators and informs the Internal Affairs Committee of reported infractions. Source: S.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules BillS.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules Bill10.1.3. Any SGA member may report disciplinary infractions to the Secretary, who will keep a record of the reasons for and number of marks against a senator. The Secretary will then inform the Internal Affairs…
The Secretary sends senators notifications for every third excused absence and every unexcused absence and updates the general absence spreadsheet.
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)4. Shall have the power to appoint an Assistant Secretary, subject to the confirmation of a ⅔ vote of the Senate. The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary in fulfilling their duties, although the Executive…

Treasurer

Works with the Committee on Finance to formulate an annual SGA budget.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Student Body Treasurer 1. Shall work with the Finance Committee to formulate an annual budget for the SGA. 2. Shall assist with the funding of student groups. 3. Shall act as the financial officer of the SGA, keeping…
Assists with funding student groups.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Student Body Treasurer 1. Shall work with the Finance Committee to formulate an annual budget for the SGA. 2. Shall assist with the funding of student groups. 3. Shall act as the financial officer of the SGA, keeping…
Serves as the SGA’s financial officer, maintains its ledgers, and coordinates with the Committee on Finance.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Student Body Treasurer 1. Shall work with the Finance Committee to formulate an annual budget for the SGA. 2. Shall assist with the funding of student groups. 3. Shall act as the financial officer of the SGA, keeping…
Submits purchase requests on behalf of the Senate.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.4.1 Submitting all purchase requests on behalf of the Senate. 3.2.4.2 Co-Chairing the Committee on Finance and meeting regularly with the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations. 3.2.4.3 Assisting new…
Co-chairs the Committee on Finance and meets regularly with the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.4.1 Submitting all purchase requests on behalf of the Senate. 3.2.4.2 Co-Chairing the Committee on Finance and meeting regularly with the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations. 3.2.4.3 Assisting new…
Helps new Senators understand financial policies and HopkinsGroups financial processes.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.4.1 Submitting all purchase requests on behalf of the Senate. 3.2.4.2 Co-Chairing the Committee on Finance and meeting regularly with the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations. 3.2.4.3 Assisting new…
Serves as a liaison between registered student organizations and the Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development Office, alongside the Chair of Programming and the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.4.7 Works alongside the Student Body Chair of Programming and the Chair of RSOs as the liaison for communication between RSOs and LEED, assisting with questions regarding RSO finances, registration, and event…
Serves as an ex-officio member of the Committee on Finance.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.
Serves as an ex-officio co-chair of the Committee on Finance.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.7 The Student Body Vice President and Student Body Treasurer, in their respective roles as ex-officio members of the Internal Affairs Committee and of the Finance Committee, shall also serve as respective…
The Committee on Finance handles SGA financial matters, including appropriations, funding procedures, and financial management.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.2.5.3.2 Deals with all financial matters of the Student Government Association, including appropriations, funding procedures, and financial management.
The Committee on Finance evaluates and votes on legislation allocating money from the Senate.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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…

Director of Communications

The Director of Communications manages SGA social media, maintains and builds the SGA website, performs graphic design, handles other tasks delegated by the Senate or Executive Branch, maintains 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)4. Director of Communications 1. 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. 2. Shall…
The Director of Communications maintains SGA email lists through HopkinsGroups, monitors SGA email and social media notifications, reviews school-wide emails, and maintains the SGA website. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)3.2.5.1 Maintaining all SGA email lists via HopkinsGroups and serving as the point of contact for all SGA communications. 3.2.5.1.1 Monitoring the SGA email and social media notifications. 3.2.5.1.2 Reviewing…
The Director of Communications must post public SGA documents to the website within a week of receiving them from the Secretary, update SGA membership records within a week of elections or appointments, complete approved website updates within a week, and is automatically removed after four failures to maintain the website as required. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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…
The Director of Communications must respond to undergraduate requests for SGA information within a week, provide a written legal or privacy-related reason when information cannot be provided, and list all fulfilled and denied requests in the SGA public records. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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…
The Director of Communications must present the Senate with a monthly report of completed work at the first General Body Meeting of each month. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.
The Director of Communications must post a monthly update to the official SGA Instagram page containing updates on SGA’s work, including policies passed and important meetings with administrators. Source: S.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules BillS.B.26-27.21.04-1 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. The councils are not part of the President’s Cabinet. 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. These councils will not be members of the President’s Cabinet.
The Chair maintains oversight of Class Council activities and ensures coordination and communication across the councils. 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 leads initiatives that support the Executive Branch’s vision, oversees SGA-sponsored programming, and guides efforts to increase school spirit, student engagement, and SGA visibility. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall lead efforts that support the vision of the Executive Branch, ensuring programming reflects institutional priorities and student needs.
The Chair heads the Committee on Programming and presents legislation concerning SGA events, including tabling events, workshops, retreats, and general events. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Heads the Committee on Programming and presents all bills regarding SGA Events, including but not limited to Tabling Events, Workshops, Retreats, and general events.
The Chair organizes SGA tabling events. SGA must host one tabling event each month of the school year, except that December, January, and May may receive provisional exceptions. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)SGA will host one tabling event every month of the school year, with provisional exceptions to December, January, and May, as these months tend to have fewer school days compared to others. Explicitly, months that must…
Each class council must lead one tabling session per academic school year in partnership with the Committee on Programming, and the Chair must submit a report on each tabling event’s feedback to the Senate. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Each tabling session will be led by either a Committee or Class Council \- each class council must host one tabling session per academic school year, partnered with the Committee of Programming.
The Chair may appoint additional officers or members to the Committee on Programming at their discretion. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)The Student Body Chair of Programming shall have the freedom to appoint additional officers or members to the Committee of Programming at the Chair’s discretion.
The Chair collaborates with the Student Body Treasurer on the annual budget, with the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, and SGA advisors on semesterly retreats, and with the Secretary on tabling-event reports. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Collaborates with the Student Body Treasurer to create a budget for the administrative year.
Class Programming Council members are elected by class-wide election. Afterward, each council internally appoints a Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, while additional council members may be appointed by the original three-person council subject to confirmation by a majority of the Senate. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Class Programming Council members shall be elected by a class-wide election.

Legislative branch

The Legislative Branch is composed of the Student Senate. It includes five Class Senators from each graduating class, for twenty class representatives; seven Academic Senators from the Krieger School and five from the Whiting School; five Student Organization Senators; and qualifying Caucus Chairs who serve as Senators. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Five Class Senators from each graduating class, totalling twenty class representatives.JHU SGA Constitution…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.JHU SGA Constitution…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:
Representatives are selected by raw vote total within each election. JHU SGA Constitution…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).
The Constitution provides that a Caucus Chair is elected from the student body and serves as a Senator when the caucus was established before the student-body-wide election period and remains in existence at the time of elections. The Bylaws instead provide for one Caucus Senator for each recognized caucus; the Constitution controls because it supersedes other governing devices. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)This Constitution shall supersede all other governing devices of student organizations, commissions, and committees.JHU SGA Constitution…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:JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.1.1.4 One Caucus Senator for each recognized Caucus, as defined in the Bylaws.
Each Senator has equal authority to cast votes and introduce legislation, regardless of the constituent group that elected the Senator. JHU SGA Constitution…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…
All legislative power is invested in the Senate. The Senate has jurisdiction over, among other matters, appointments, finance, constitutional affairs, student life, and academic affairs. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)All legislative power shall be invested in the Senate.
The Senate must pass an annual Senate Procedural Rules Bill governing the special rules of each administration. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)All legislative power shall be invested in the Senate.
The Legislative Branch may appoint a Senate Parliamentarian with the majority consent of the Senate. The Parliamentarian maintains the Senate’s adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order and the SGA’s governing documents. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Senate shall have jurisdiction over but not limited to: the appointment process of groups and finance, constitutional affairs, student life, and academic affairs.
Senate committees recommend legislation to the Senate, but their recommendations are not binding; the Senate must approve or reject them. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Senate shall pass an annual Senate Procedural Rules Bill to govern special rules of each administration.

JHU SGA Constitution…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…JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Committees, as per the Bylaws, may submit recommendations to the full Senate. Such recommendations are not binding themselves, and must be approved or denied by the body.

President of the Senate

The President of the Senate is elected from among the Senators at the first Senate meeting after 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. 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 President of the Senate serves as a non-voting ex-officio member of the President’s Cabinet. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)After their election, the President of the Senate shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the President’s Cabinet, and shall have the following roles and responsibilities: 1. Shall preside over the Senate and…
The President of the Senate sets the Senate’s agenda, reviews legislation before placing it on the agenda, and refers legislation to the appropriate committee. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)After their election, the President of the Senate shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the President’s Cabinet, and shall have the following roles and responsibilities: 1. Shall preside over the Senate and…
The President of the Senate assigns Senators to Standing Legislative Committees by the third Senate General Body Meeting, subject to Senate confirmation. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The President of the Senate shall, by the third Senate meeting, following the Bylaws, sort Senators into committees subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The President of the Senate sends the weekly Senate General Body Meeting time, location, and agenda by noon on the preceding Monday. Source: S.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules BillS.B.26-27.21.04-1 Rules BillThe 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 in total.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.
One of the five is elected separately as Class President and serves as the primary class representative for communication with students and administrators. The other four are elected as Class Senators in the same classwide election.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.”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.”
Class Senators participate in the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees, pursue student interests and concerns, lobby relevant administrators, prioritize their SGA commitments, and strive to attend SGA-related meetings.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Senators participate within SGA as members of the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Senators shall be proactive in pursuing student interests and concerns in addition to actively lobbying relevant administrators.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Senators shall prioritize their commitments to SGA and strive to attend all SGA-related meetings.
The SGA Constitution controls the number of representatives: it supersedes other governing documents, while the CSE Constitution separately provides that four individuals with the greatest number of senatorial votes are elected Senators.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.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.

KSAS and WSE Senators

Seven Academic Senators represent the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, and five represent the Whiting School of Engineering.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.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.1.1.2 Seven Academic Senators from the Krieger School and Five Academic Senators from the Whiting ~~s~~School.
They serve as members of the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.1.2 Senators participate within SGA as members of the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees.
They pursue student interests and concerns and lobby relevant administrators.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.1.3 Senators shall be proactive in pursuing student interests and concerns in addition to actively lobbying relevant administrators.
They have equal authority to vote and introduce legislation during Senate meetings, regardless of their constituent school.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…

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 participate in the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Senators participate within SGA as members of the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees.
They pursue student interests and concerns and lobby relevant administrators.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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 September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Senators shall prioritize their commitments to SGA and strive to attend all SGA-related meetings.

Caucuses and Caucus Chairs

An SGA caucus represents a defined body of students with unique challenges, perspectives, or identities that 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…
A caucus chair is elected from the student body and serves as a Senator when the caucus was established in the SGA Bylaws before the student-body-wide election period and remains in existence when elections occur. 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:Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The caucus must have been established in the SGA Bylaws prior to the start of the student-body-wide election period.Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The caucus must remain in existence at the time of elections.
Caucus Senators, including caucus chairs, are elected in a school-wide election. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Caucus Senators shall be elected by a school-wide election as defined in Article IV Section 1\.
The currently listed caucuses are:
Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.5.1 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Students
Black and African-Origin Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.5.2 Black and African-Origin Students.
Disabled Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.5.3 Disabled Students.
First-Generation/Limited Income Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.5.4 First-Generation/Limited Income Students.
Hispanic/Latine Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.5.5 Hispanic/Latine Students.
Women and Gender Minority-Identifying Students. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.5.6 Women and Gender Minority-Identifying Students.
Student Athletes. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.5.8 Student Athletes.
Caucus chairs advance, represent, and promote the needs of their represented communities and serve as the primary liaison between the SGA and those communities. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.
Their responsibilities include advocating for the represented group in Senate deliberations, reviewing legislation for its impact on that group, maintaining communication with relevant student organizations, conducting required outreach, serving as the SGA liaison to the represented group, and submitting an annual report on outreach and issues raised. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Caucus Senators Shall:Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.3.1 Advocate for the represented group in Senate deliberations.
Required outreach may include maintaining a consultative committee of at least 10 students or relevant student-organization members, convening at least two consultative-committee meetings per semester, or conducting another approved outreach method at least twice per semester. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.3.3 Maintain communication with relevant student organizations.

Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.3.4 Conduct required outreach as defined above.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.3.5 Serve as liaison between SGA and the represented group.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.2.1.1 The Caucus Senator may maintain a Consultative Committee composed of at least 10 students or members of relevant student organizations associated with the represented group.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.2.1.3 The Caucus Senator must convene at least two Consultative Committee meetings per semester to meet the accountability requirement.Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.3.2.2. The Caucus Senator may choose to participate in another form of outreach at least twice per semester. These may include:

Committees

The standing committees are the Committee on Academic Affairs, Committee on Civic Engagement, Committee on Finance, Committee on Health, Safety, and Sustainability, Committee on Internal Affairs, Committee on Student Organizations, Committee on Student Services, and Committee on Programming.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.2.5 The following Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be established:
Committee on Academic Affairs: Handles advising, registration, academic policy, academic programs, University ceremonies, and other academic matters affecting undergraduate students in KSAS and WSE.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Deals with matters relating to Student Advising, the Registrar, the Academic Council, and other academic-related organs of the University to improve the academic atmosphere for students.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Works with administrators, including the Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Dean of the Whiting School of Engineering, to advance academic policies and programs that fit the needs and desires of…
Committee on Civic Engagement: Promotes civic engagement, civic participation, student activism, community engagement, and public, political, or civic issues; it also collaborates with student groups focused on civic engagement.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Promotes matters of civic engagement, civic involvement and participation, civic activism, student activism, community engagement in Baltimore and beyond, and issues of public, political or civic concern that fall…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Collaborates with JHU student groups focused on civic engagement and aids them in their efforts.
Committee on Finance: Handles SGA financial matters, including appropriations, funding procedures, and financial management; it evaluates and votes on legislation allocating Senate funds and supports student organizations with grant and sponsorship requests.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Deals with all financial matters of the Student Government Association, including appropriations, funding procedures, and financial management.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)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 Bill.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Collaborates with the Committee on Student Organizations to guarantee the success of student organizations by aiding groups through their grant and sponsorship request process.
Committee on Health, Safety, and Sustainability: Handles student health and safety, sustainability, facilities, and related matters, working with University officials and offices to advance student well-being and sustainable practices.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Deals with matters pertaining to the health and safety of the student body.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Works with the Recycling Center and the Office of Sustainability to advance sustainable practices.
Committee on Internal Affairs: Handles the Senate’s and SGA’s internal affairs, amendments to SGA governing documents, appointments of SGA officials, impeachment proceedings, and ethical or disciplinary hearings.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Deals with all matters related to the internal affairs of the Senate and the SGA, except matters related to the Senate’s budget which are restricted to the Committee on Finance.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Helps facilitate the impeachment process by holding proceedings to make findings of fact and regulation and providing an informed perspective to the Senate.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Conducts ethical or disciplinary hearings of SGA members and refers such cases to the Senate with its recommendations.
Committee on Student Organizations: Evaluates proposed student organizations for funding eligibility and recognition, promotes collaboration among student organizations, supports their continued success, and establishes protocols and regulations for approved organizations.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)To conduct hearings with leaders of proposed student organizations to evaluate and determine their funding eligibility and recognition status within the SGA.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Works to ensure inter-organizational collaboration among the clubs, groups, and organizations of the undergraduate population at Johns Hopkins.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Establishes protocols for applying to be an approved student organization and regulations governing the types and standards of such organizations.
Committee on Student Services: Evaluates proposals for SGA-sponsored events, develops SGA-sponsored services, works to improve student services, and collaborates with student organizations, the University, and businesses.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Evaluates proposals for SGA sponsorship of events.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Works to provide SGA-sponsored services to fulfill needs that the University administration cannot or will not provide.
Committee on Programming: Creates SGA tabling events, workshops, and general events; class-specific events are led by the respective Class Councils of Programming with assistance from the committee.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Creates SGA Tabling Events, Workshops, and general SGA events.JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended…JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)Class specific events, such as formals, will be led by the respective Class Council of Programming members with assistance from the Committee on Programming.

Committee Chairs

For standing legislative committees, the President of the Senate presides over chair elections at the first Senate meeting of the year, and the full Senate votes on the chairs. Source: JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Each committee shall have its chair chosen by a procedure established in the Bylaws.
The President of the Senate accepts nominations from Senate members. 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 September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.
Nominees state whether they accept the position and, if they do, give a speech of no more than three minutes describing their qualifications and priorities. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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…
Senators vote by confidential paper ballot or another confidential voting method. A nominee must receive an absolute majority of all Senators to become chair or co-chair. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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, depending on the number of candidates. A tie is resolved by the President of the Senate’s tie-breaking vote, and after two unsuccessful rounds with two candidates, the Senate may adopt a plurality standard by simple majority vote. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.6 Any candidate shall be required to win an absolute majority vote of all Senators to be installed as committee chair or co-chair and will be sworn in by the President of the Senate.
For an ad-hoc committee, the legislation establishing the committee designates its chair. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)4.1.2.8.2.6.4 In the event that there are 2 candidates that have not won an absolute majority vote for the committee chair after two rounds of voting, any Senator may move to reduce the absolute majority vote needed to…
A committee chair issues reports at General Body Meetings about committee projects or activities that the Senate needs to know about. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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 submits reports on reviewed legislation to the President of the Senate and the Secretary, creates and publishes each committee meeting’s agenda, appoints someone to take meeting minutes, and performs other functions required by circumstances. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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 sends committee minutes and attendance records to the Secretary within 48 hours of each meeting. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.
The chairs of the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Student Organizations must hold at least monthly coordination meetings outside their regular committee meetings. Source: JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 2026)JHU SGA Bylaws (Amended September 18th 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.

Judicial branch

The Judicial Branch is an independent branch of the SGA with jurisdiction over all matters relating to the SGA, including SGA-approved groups and their internal disputes. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)This Constitution shall supersede all other governing devices of student organizations, commissions, and committees.
It is composed of the Judiciary Board and the Committee on Student Elections (CSE). JHU SGA Constitution…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. Judicial shall be an independent branch, composed of: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 Judiciary Board has five Justices, who elect a Chief Justice from among themselves. Its members are proposed by the Student Body President, advised by the Senate, and appointed with approval from two-thirds of the Senate. JHU SGA Constitution…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. Judicial shall be an independent branch, composed of:JHU SGA Constitution…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.
The CSE has seven members, who elect a Chairperson from among themselves. It facilitates elections for all elected SGA roles. Its members are proposed by the Judiciary, advised by the Senate, and appointed with approval from two-thirds of the Senate. 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.JHU SGA Constitution…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 interprets the SGA Constitution and Bylaws, enforces election procedures, and serves as the final avenue of appeal for SGA matters. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The Judicial Branch shall operate according to its own Rules and Guidelines.
The CSE operates under its own Constitution and Election Rules and is free from SGA interference during election periods, except for Judiciary-proposed appointments to fill vacancies. The Judiciary Board handles appeals of CSE decisions. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)The CSE shall operate according to its own Constitution and Election Rules and shall be free from SGA interference during election periods, with the exception of Judiciary-proposed appointments to fill vacancies, as…
The SGA Constitution supersedes other governing devices of SGA committees and organizations. JHU SGA Constitution…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 CSE Constitution contains different appointment and term provisions: it provides for appointment with the advice and consent of the incumbent CSE Chair and a majority vote of the Senate, and it sets one-year terms from September 1 through August 31. CSE Constitution Feb. 2024CSE Constitution Feb. 2024The CSE shall consist of members, led by a Chair, appointed with the advice and consent of the incumbent Chair and a majority vote of the SGA Senate.CSE Constitution Feb. 2024CSE Constitution Feb. 2024Members of the CSE shall serve one-year terms, beginning on September 1 and ending on August 31\.

Chief Justice

The Chief Justice is elected by the five-member Judiciary Board from among its Justices. The governing documents do not assign the Chief Justice any separate duties beyond the responsibilities assigned to the Judiciary Board. Source: JHU SGA Constitution September 2026JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The Judiciary Board, which shall be composed of five Justices, who shall elect a Chief Justice amongst them.Source: JHU SGA Constitution September 2026JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The 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 Judiciary Board interprets the Constitution and Bylaws, enforces election procedures, and serves as the final avenue of appeal for SGA matters. Source: JHU SGA Constitution September 2026JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The 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.

Justices

The Judiciary Board has five Justices, who elect a Chief Justice from among themselves. Source: JHU SGA Constitution September 2026JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The Judiciary Board, which shall be composed of five Justices, who shall elect a Chief Justice amongst them.
The Student Body President proposes Judiciary appointments after receiving the Senate’s advice, and two-thirds of the Senate must approve each appointment. Source: JHU SGA Constitution September 2026JHU SGA Constitution September 2026Appointments 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.
Justices serve until resignation as long as they remain undergraduates of KSAS or WSE. Source: JHU SGA Constitution September 2026JHU SGA Constitution September 2026Provided that Justices remain undergraduates of KSAS or WSE, they shall serve their term until resignation.
The Judicial Branch has jurisdiction over all matters relating to the SGA, including SGA-approved groups and their internal disputes. Source: JHU SGA Constitution September 2026JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The Judicial Branch shall have jurisdiction on all matters relating to the SGA, including SGA-approved groups and their internal disputes.
The Judiciary Board interprets the Constitution and Bylaws, enforces election procedures, and serves as the final avenue of appeal for all SGA matters. Source: JHU SGA Constitution September 2026JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The 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.

Committee on Student Elections

The Committee on Student Elections (CSE) is part of the SGA Judicial Branch and facilitates elections for all elected SGA roles. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The 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 CSE consists of seven members who elect a Chairperson from among themselves. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The 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.
CSE appointments are proposed by the Judiciary, made with the advice of the Senate, and require approval by two-thirds of the Senate. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution September 2026Appointments to the CSE shall be proposed by the Judiciary, upon the advice of the senate, and subject to the approval of 2/3 (two-thirds) of the Senate.
Current SGA members cannot serve on the CSE. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution September 2026Current SGA members are ineligible to be members of the CSE.
CSE members serve one academic year, with terms expiring at the end of the spring semester. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution September 2026CSE members shall serve for one academic year, with terms expiring at the end of the Spring semester.
The CSE operates under its own Constitution and Election Rules and is free from SGA interference during election periods, except for Judiciary-proposed appointments to fill vacancies. The SGA Judiciary Board handles appeals of CSE decisions. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution September 2026The CSE shall operate according to its own Constitution and Election Rules and shall be free from SGA interference during election periods, with the exception of Judiciary-proposed appointments to fill vacancies, as…
The CSE conducts and regulates all SGA elections. CSE Constitution Feb. 2024CSE Constitution Feb. 2024In accordance with the powers and obligations delegated by the Constitution of the Johns Hopkins University Student Government Association (SGA), the Committee on Student Elections (CSE) shall conduct and regulate all…
The CSE is authorized to establish election procedures and officer qualifications. CSE Constitution Feb. 2024CSE Constitution Feb. 2024The CSE is explicitly authorized to set all election procedures and officer qualifications.
The February 2024 CSE Constitution provides a different appointment process: appointment with the advice and consent of the incumbent Chair and a majority vote of the Senate. CSE Constitution Feb. 2024CSE Constitution Feb. 2024The CSE shall consist of members, led by a Chair, appointed with the advice and consent of the incumbent Chair and a majority vote of the SGA Senate.
The February 2024 CSE Constitution also limits membership to undergraduate students in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering and provides one-year terms beginning September 1 and ending August 31. CSE Constitution Feb. 2024CSE Constitution Feb. 2024Only undergraduate students in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering may serve on the CSE.CSE Constitution Feb. 2024CSE Constitution Feb. 2024Members of the CSE shall serve one-year terms, beginning on September 1 and ending on August 31\.
The September 2026 SGA Constitution supersedes other governing devices, so its composition, appointment, and term provisions control where they conflict with the February 2024 CSE Constitution. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution September 2026This Constitution shall supersede all other governing devices of student organizations, commissions, and committees.

Programming councils

Class Programming Councils are class-based councils that provide regular programming and class-specific events. JHU SGA Constitution…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. These councils will not be members of the President’s Cabinet.
Each council begins with three members elected in a class-wide election. The elected members internally appoint a Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Class Programming Council members shall be elected by a class-wide election.
Each council may appoint additional members, subject to confirmation by a majority of the Senate. Appointed council members are not members of the Executive Branch and remain eligible to serve in other SGA branches. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Additional members of each Class Programming Council can be appointed by the original three-person Class Programming Council that was elected by class-wide election, subject to confirmation by a majority of the Senate.
Elections for the councils are administered by the Committee on Student Elections, and positions go to the candidates who receive the greatest plurality of votes. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Elections for the Class Programming Councils shall be administered by the CSE, with roles given to those who receive the greatest plurality of votes.
The councils provide class programming, coordinate their activities, support the Executive Branch’s priorities, and help plan and execute SGA-sponsored programming. JHU SGA Constitution…JHU SGA Constitution (Amended September 18th 2026)Shall maintain oversight on Class Council activities and ensure proper coordination and communication across councils.
Each class council must host one tabling session per academic school year in partnership with the Committee on Programming.