Student Government Association

174B Student Union
[email protected]

The Student Government Association (SGA) exists to provide the student body with a means to deal with the affairs of students and as a forum for the expression of student views regarding student life within the university. SGA is comprised of students pursuing the better of the institution so that all members of the university community are beneficiaries of the opportunities and advantages available in an environment conducive to growth. Members of SGA serve as resources and advocates for students to ensure effective representation of students’ thoughts, ideas, and concerns about campus and community affairs. SGA is advised by the Center for Student Advocacy & Family Experience. 

The work of SGA is done through several different branches within the organization: 

Executive Branch

The Executive Branch leads the day-to-day work of SGA and liaises with university administration to address the needs of the student body. The Executive branch works to implement various initiatives, promote student advocacy, and foster campus partnerships across the university. 

Undergraduate Student Senate (Legislative Branch)

The Undergraduate Student Senate is a governing body made up of elected and appointed students to represent undergraduate students at UT. Senators are elected based on residency, academic college, and at large. Special interest senators are appointed and confirmed by the full Senate. Senators represent student interests by writing and voting on legislation to effect change on campus. If a bill passes through the Undergraduate Student Senate, it is lobbied for with campus leaders in relevant areas. Senate meetings are held bi-weekly on Tuesdays and are open for all students to attend. All Senate meetings also include an Open Town Hall open to members of the university community to address the Senate. Elections of Senators take place each spring semester.

Department of Justice

The Department of Justice oversees the rules and policies of all branches within SGA, providing interpretation of governing documents and addressing any grievances brought forth regarding the governing documents. The Department of Justice also serves as the Election Commission, overseeing the planning, execution, and certification of the annual SGA Elections. 

First-Year Council

First-Year Council (FYC) is a cohort-based, leadership development program designed to prepare new students for leadership opportunities within SGA and beyond. Throughout the year, First Year Council engages with different aspects of SGA, university leadership, and the broader UT community. 

Torch

Torch is a cohort-based, leadership development program designed to provide transfer students an intentional opportunity to be involved on campus. Each semester, a new cohort is formed to welcome and engage transfer students through leadership development and community-building experiences. The program introduces participants to SGA and its role within the broader UT community, helping them find their place, build connections, and grow as leaders.

General Body

The General Body is the official open public forum for SGA. We exist to provide students at UT an opportunity to connect and engage with the Student Government Association. There are regular meetings of the General Body where students can attend and engage in meaningful discussion on campus issues, hear from campus administrators, and participate in service opportunities.

Graduate Student Senate

174A Student Union
[email protected]

The Graduate Student Senate, or GSS, represents the interests of all graduate and professional students at UT. As the official voice of graduate and professional students, GSS provides the perspectives of the graduate student body to administrators and works toward the betterment of the graduate and professional student experience on campus. The Graduate Student Senate is the elected body that acts on behalf of graduate and professional students. In addition, GSS has partnerships with various organizations and departments on campus to provide valuable programming and support for graduate and professional students, including Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week (GPSAW), GSS Travel Awards that provide funds to graduate and professional students traveling to conferences to present original work, and a GSS Awards Event recognizing outstanding graduate and professional students and faculty and staff that support them. 

The GSS participates in the establishment of policies and regulations relating to the graduate program, in consultation with and subject to the final approval of the dean of the Graduate School and university officials. The GSS also makes recommendations to appropriate decision-making officers in matters concerning graduate and professional students. 

The membership of GSS consists of the president and vice president, plus representatives (senators) from each college, school, and academic unit offering graduate or professional degrees and certificates, including the Winston College of Law, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and graduate-level intercollegiate programs. The GSS president and vice president are elected each spring in a university-wide process. The number of senators elected is determined by the size of enrollment in the unit they are representing. In addition to internal strategic planning and legislative committees, GSS senators serve as representatives on various university-wide committees, including the Graduate Council. GSS is advised by the Dean of the Graduate School. 

Sorority and Fraternity Life

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

The Interfraternity Council is the governing body of 23 men’s social fraternities at UT. The chapter president or assigned delegate from each fraternity or associate organization, as well as a president and vice presidents of the IFC Executive Board, make up the legislative body of the council, which has the responsibility of determining policies relative to chapter relations, community programs, scholarship, philanthropy, recruitment, and financial decisions of the council. Fraternal organizations have a long history at UT and are values-based organizations designed to help students find a sense of connection and an opportunity to develop as leaders and individuals through the experience of brotherhood. The Interfraternity Council is advised and supported by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and as such must comply with the policies and expectations of the office which can be found on their website. 

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the governing body of UT’s nine historically, but not exclusively, Black Greek-letter organizations. The purpose and mission of the NPHC, commonly known as “The Divine 9” or “D9,” is unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek-letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations. The council lives by the values of inclusion, academic achievement, community service, leadership, and lifetime brotherhood/sisterhood. Each active chapter of the NPHC at UT provides insight and direction on matters related to the council. Policies and standards related to membership intake and chapter management are advised through the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, which works in conjunction with NPHC chapters, alumni advisors, and the organization’s state/regional/national administration. NPHC is supported by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and as such, must comply with the policies and expectations of the office which can be found on their website. 

Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)

The Multicultural Greek Council is the governing body of UT’s six culturally-based sororities and fraternities. MGC is united by their aspirations to increase cultural awareness,  serve various communities through service/educational-related programs, and maintain high academic standards. Elected members and/or representatives have the ability to work with the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life in assessing policies related to membership and chapter management that align with the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and their respective national headquarters. MGC is supported by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and as such, must comply with the policies and expectations of the office which can be found on their website. 

Panhellenic Council

The Panhellenic Council at UT is the governing body of the 14 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities at UT. The Panhellenic Council strives to create the best possible college experience for all of its members and member organizations by operating under its core ideology: promote the positive, develop women, and create an environment of unity and fairness. The Panhellenic Council holds weekly meetings in order to best serve the community by planning educational, philanthropic, academic, and other events for the campus and community. The Panhellenic Council is supported by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and as such, must comply with the policies and expectations of the office which can be found on their website. 

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Registered student organizations operate independently of the University of Tennessee, with some receiving guidance and support from university departments. The university encourages student organizations to promote civil and social awareness, but it does not endorse their activities or viewpoints. To view a full list of registered organizations, visit VOLink.