{"id":21,"date":"2017-08-22T04:00:06","date_gmt":"2017-08-22T04:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hilltopics.utdev1.wpengine.com\/?page_id=21"},"modified":"2026-03-16T08:50:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T12:50:21","slug":"student-organization-governing-bodies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hilltopics\/student-organization-governing-bodies\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Organization Governing Bodies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Student Government Association<\/a><\/h2>\n

174B Student Union<\/strong>
\nsga1@utk.edu<\/a><\/strong>
\nThe 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 comprises 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 condusive to growth. Members of SGA serve as resources and advocates for students to ensure effective representation of students\u2019 thoughts, ideas, and concerns about campus and community affairs. SGA is advised by the Center for Student Advocacy.<\/p>\n

The work of SGA is done through several different branches within the organization:<\/p>\n

Executive Branch<\/h3>\n

The Executive Branch oversees the administrative decisions and operations of SGA. The executive branch makes appointments to various institutional administrative committees, oversees special initiatives for students, advocates for campus growth, and serves as the liaison between students and administration.<\/p>\n

Undergraduate Student Senate (Legislative Branch)<\/a><\/h3>\n

The Undergraduate Student Senate is a governing body made up of representatives to represent and progress the interest and well-being of undergraduate students at the University of Tennessee. Each academic college and residential area have representatives elected by their fellow students in the annual Student Government Association elections, which are held each spring. In addition, there are numerous appointed at-large and special interest seats within the Student 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.<\/p>\n

First-Year Council<\/a><\/h3>\n

First-Year Council (FYC) is composed of first-year students at the University of Tennessee. These students are selected each year by an application and interview process during the fall semester. FYC represents the needs, concerns, and interests of first-year students at The University of Tennessee. The council exists to provide a forum to voice and communicate first-year student concerns, to participate in student government and campus-wide activities, and to learn how to be an effective leader on campus. First-Year Council provides an opportunity for students to make an early impact at UT, with primary emphasis on leadership development, and provide student engagement opportunities with your fellow peers.<\/p>\n

Programming and Outreach<\/h3>\n

SGA, under the purview and direction of the Center for Student Advocacy, assists in numerous outreach and programmatic efforts that seek to further advocate for student needs, connect students with university administrators, and continue long university traditions. These efforts include the annual Homecoming Bonfire, UT System Network Weekend, Creed Week, Unity Project, Back to School Bash, and more.<\/p>\n

General Body<\/h3>\n

The General Body is the official open public forum for the Student Government Association. We exist to provide students at the University of Tennessee 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.<\/p>\n

Graduate Student Senate<\/a><\/h3>\n

174A Student Union<\/strong>
\ngss@utk.edu<\/a><\/strong>
\nThe Graduate Student Senate, or GSS, represents the interests of all graduate and professional students at the University of Tennessee. As the official voice of graduate and professional students, GSS provides the perspectives of the graduate student body to administrators and works towards 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 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 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.<\/p>\n

Sorority and Fraternity Life<\/h2>\n

Interfraternity Council<\/a>\u00a0(IFC)<\/h3>\n

The Interfraternity Council is the governing body of 22 men\u2019s 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 the website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

National Pan-Hellenic Council<\/a><\/h3>\n

The National Pan-Hellenic Coun<\/span><\/span><\/span>cil (NPHC)<\/span><\/span><\/span> is the governing body of UT\u2019s <\/span><\/span><\/span>historically, but not exclusively, black Greek-lettered organizations (BGLO<\/span><\/span><\/span>s). <\/span><\/span><\/span>The purpose and mission of the NPHC, commonly known as \u201cThe Divine 9\u201d or \u201cD9,\u201d 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.\u201d The council lives by the values of culture, diversity, 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\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)<\/a><\/h3>\n

The Multicultural Greek Council is the governing body of UT\u2019s culturally-based sororities and fraternities. MGC is united by their aspirations to increase cultural awareness, provide space for diversity\/inclusion, 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Panhellenic Council<\/a><\/h3>\n

The Panhellenic Council at the University of Tennessee is the governing body of the 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

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<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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