About
Recognized Student Governance Associations (RSGA) at the University of Minnesota serve as representative student voices for their respective constituents. In general, RSGAs have a Presidential team, Executive board, and specialized advocacy committees. Any enrolled student who pays the Student Services Fee (SSF) is eligible to get involved with their RSGA and there are several engagement opportunities throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do RSGAs do?
In general, RSGAs lobby, meet regularly with University leadership, and raise issues of concern on behalf of their student constituents. They also host collaborative programs with student organizations, campus offices, and local community organizations.
Do RSGAs represent the University?
As a Registered Student Organization (RSO), RSGAs are independent and autonomous from the University. Each holds their own election for representation.
How are RSGA leadership positions determined?
The President and Vice President of each RSGA are elected by their constituencies in the annual Campus Elections, run by Student Unions and Activities. Additional officer positions are either elected or appointed internally, in line with each organization’s bylaws.
Governance Organizations
Undergraduate Student Government (USG)
The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) represents all 30,000+ undergraduate students on the Twin Cities Campus. USG works with university administration and the Board of Regents to advocate on behalf of undergraduate students. USG is a non-partisan student group and registered nonprofit.
- Eligibility: Student Service Fee (SSF) paying undergraduate students at the UMN Twin Cities campus.
- Website
- [email protected]
Professional Student Government (PSG)
The professional student governance on the Twin Cities campus rests with the Professional Student Government (PSG). PSG works with university administration and the Board of Regents to advocate on behalf of professional students. PSG represents students in the Carlson School of Management, Law School, Medical School, Dental School, School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Education and Human Development, and Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Eligibility:
- “Non-voting membership is open to all currently enrolled professional students at the University of Minnesota who are registered for at least 6 credits, in good standing with the University, and have paid the annual Professional Student Government/Student Services Fee to the University of Minnesota.” (from bylaws)
- “The Congress ‘representatives’ are appointed by their respective Councils. Each Council shall have 2 representatives on the Congress ‘Board of Directors” (from bylaws)
Council of Graduate Students (COGS)
The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) is the registered graduate student government which represents the interests of students in research-based Doctoral and Master's programs across the University of Minnesota system. COGS works with university administration and the Board of Regents to advocate on behalf of graduate students.
- Eligibility: All COGS/Student Services Fee (SSF) paying graduate students are members of the COGS General Assembly. Each graduate program can elect one voting General Assembly member amongst all their graduate students to represent their program.
- Website
- [email protected]
Contact
Emma Welch
Assistant Director
Student Life Advisor
Recognized Student Governance Associations (TC)
She/her/hers
[email protected]
Emma Welch advises RSGAs on the Twin Cities campus, serving as a resource and liaison between governance organizations and the University. In this role, Emma provides institutional knowledge and consultation between RSGAs, and offers procedural guidance while respecting each group's autonomy and student-led mission.