LSA Student Government FAQs
Questions and answers about LSA SG
Q: What is LSA Student Government (LSA SG)?
A: According to the LSA Student Government Constitution, LSA SG represents the Student Body of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
LSA SG is part of a network of other governing bodies at the University of Michigan as illustrated:
Q: What does LSA SG do?
A: LSA SG has four main responsibilities to LSA students:
LSA SG works with University administration and student organizations on behalf of the Student Body of LSA whenever it is in the interests of LSA students to do so. LSA SG participates in, supports, and plans its own events, such as the Taste of Michigan, or causes, such as Go Blue Think Pink, for the benefit of LSA students.
• 1. Changing Policy: LSA SG will seek a continuous role for LSA students in College policy and decision making when student interests are involved.
• Ex: LSA SG acted on the overall concern of the students over exam scheduling pushing the University to uphold proper policies.
• 2. Improving Well-Being: LSA SG works to improve the quality of both academic and non-academic life for the students of LSA.
• Ex: LSA SG hosts a Stress Day during exam weeks offering free items and services including Blue Books, food, and professional massages.
• 3. Protecting Rights: LSA SG protects the rights of LSA students.
• Ex: LSA SG wrote a letter to the University stating that students were in favor of a more appropriate scoring system for intramural sports.
• 4. Representing Students: LSA SG serves as the representative voice of LSA students pertaining to academics and their general welfare both on and around campus.
• Ex: LSA SG worked with administration to create the International Studies Minor due to growing demand from LSA students.
Q: How does LSA SG function?
A: LSA SG is composed of students in committees set up like a network.
The different committees each have tasks and goals to consider at their own meetings. Weekly General Meetings are held where all members convene to update one another on the happenings of the committees as well as hear from guest speakers, discuss and vote on resolutions, give reports, among other government business.
• Constituents: All non-Student Government members or rather the LSA students LSA SG represents.
• Associate Representatives: Any constituents who attend three consecutive General Meetings are given this title and granted speaking rights during the meetings.
• Elected Representatives: Members of LSA SG voted into office by LSA students during the fall or winter semester election who each represents a portion of the Student Body of LSA similar to a House Representative of the U.S. Government. Their individual biographies are available on the Representatives page of this website.
• Executive Board: Besides the President and Vice-President, who are voted on in the normal student election, these members are nominated by the President and then approved by the representatives of LSA SG. The Treasurer, Secretary, Counsel, External Relations Officer, and Academic Relations Officer have specific responsibilites and roles to assure everything runs smoothly within LSA SG. Their individual biographies are available on the Executives page of this website.
• Committees: All committee information including details on Chairs and Vice-Chairs, meeting times and dates, current projects, and descriptions can be found on the Committees page of this website.
Q: What does the LSA SG website offer?
A: LSASG.umich.edu is the official website where LSA SG keeps its constituents informed with what's happening in their Student Body Government.
• Event Calendar: See what LSA SG has planned on the Google Calendar in the sidebar.
• Documents: Download important applications, past resolutions, or previous minutes from meetings on the Documents page.
• This Sucks: Leave a comment telling LSA SG what can be improved around campus by clicking the This Sucks logo in the sidebar.
• Announcements: Read all the current news posts with details on events, meetings, and more on the Anouncements page.
• Biographies: Learn more about the Representatives and Executives who represent the LSA students on their respective pages.
• Committees: View more information on the various commitees in LSA SG on the Committees page.
• LSA SG Digest (NEW!): Subscribe to LSA SG's weekly newsletter sent by email featuring the week's highlights in the sidebar.
• Twitter (NEW!): Get short updates of what LSA SG is doing for students on a daily basis in the sidebar or at twitter.com/lsasg.
Q: How do I get more involved?
A: Even though any LSA student may join LSA SG at any time in any capacity, there are plenty of other ways of getting involved, too.
• VOTE!: The single most important action an LSA student should do is vote in LSA SG elections each semester to select representatives and voice opinions on important ballot issues.
• Support LSA: Come to LSA events or participate in LSA sponsored causes to not only benefit LSA SG but also show school pride.
• Email This Sucks: Send an email to thissucks@umich.edu or click on the This Sucks logo in the sidebar to leave a comment telling LSA SG what can be improved around campus.
• Join LSA SG: Whether it's just one project on a single committee or every committee and becoming an representative, LSA SG is always looking for LSA students willing to help out in any way they can even if it's simply just to speak their mind at a General Meeting or maybe sit in on a committee meeting.