How the SGA works

Updated January 19, 2026

The SGA is composed of three branches: the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch

The Legislative Branch and the Senate

The Legislative Branch, notably the Senate, can propose, vote on, and pass legislation. The Legislative Branch has the power to, through legislation, allocate funds to student organizations, make amendments to the bylaws and constitution, and institute programs benefiting the student body.

Most initiatives originate from committees, where Senators work together in their committee to solve or improve issues relating to their committee's subject matter. Senators are assigned between one and two committees, with each committee having a chair who leads debate. There are multiple committees in the Senate, each with a different role:

• The Finance Committee manages the SGA's budget of hundreds of thousands of dollars by allocating funds to events and student organizations. It is chaired by Amy Xu.

• The Academic Affairs Committee advocates for and manages initiatives that help students succeed academically. It is chaired by Kevin Xu.

• The Internal Affairs Committee votes on and proposes legislation involving the inner workings of the SGA, such as amendments or impeachments. It is chaired by Jaden Garcia.

• The Student Services Committee is chaired by Jason Yu.

• The Health Committee is chaired by Tanisha Taneja.

• The Committee on Student Organizations is chaired by Jazzlyn Fernandez.

• The Civic Engagement Committee is chaired by Kirsten Amematsro.

The Senate meets every week and, based on the contents of the agenda set by the president of the Senate Srigouri Oruganty, hosts guests, debates, and votes on legislation.

When Senators have written legislation they would like passed, they submit it to the president of the Senate who adds it to the agenda at their discretion. The legislation then passes through a basic presentation of its contents (known as first reading), a vote by the concerned committee, and a debate and Q&A (known as second reading), before finally being voted on by the Senate. You can attend these meetings and have your voice heard on legislation on the agenda, or view all meeting agendas and minutes.

The Executive Branch

The Executive Branch of the SGA ensures legislation is applied, facilitates interactions between the administration and the SGA, and is in charge of official SGA communications to the student body. No member of the Executive can vote in the Senate or propose legislation.

The current Student Body President is Vishnu Dontu, and the vice president is Omotara Tiamiyu. The Chair of Programming is Tyler Turner, who leads the HOP, which is the organization that plans events for undergraduate students.

The Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch resolves disputes involving the SGA, including election-related and constitutional disputes.