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Become a Member of SGA

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy


From the moment you are officially admitted to Monmouth University, you automatically become a general member of the SGA. As a general member, you have the right to attend SGA meetings, serve on SGA committees, and provide the Senate with thoughts, students’ concerns, and suggestions for improving the campus/student experience.

For Monmouth students who want to take on an even greater role, we encourage you to run for one of the many elected Senate positions that are available every year. Senate positions which are open to the general student body include:

  • 6 Freshmen Senators (selected during the First-Year process every September)
  • 6 Sophomore Senators
  • 6 Junior Senators
  • 6 Senior Senators
  • 2 Commuter Senators
  • 2 Senators At-Large

The Senate also has a President, Vice President, and an Executive Board. Students who have aspirations of running for SGA President or Vice President are required to serve on SGA for one full year, be in good standing with the University, serve for one full semester as a committee chairperson or member of the Executive Board, and carry an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.

The Executive Board, includes the Chief Justice, Finance, Historian, Parliamentarian, Treasurer, Attorney General, President Pro Tempore, the Vice President, and President. These positions are selected by the President and Vice President. Executive Board members who have been appointed by the President and Vice President, but were not elected by the student body do not have voting rights on SGA.

First-Year Senator Program

During the first few weeks of September, SGA will interview all of the first-year students who have submitted an application as part of our First-Year Senator program. This program is open to any new first-year students. Unlike a traditional election, first-year candidates will submit an online application which is accessible during the summer up to the first two weeks of September.  Candidates will be asked to sign up for an interview with the Senate.  After SGA has met with all of the first-year candidates, six are chosen to represent the freshmen class for that given year.  These new Senators are often assigned a mentor from SGA who will help guide them through their first semester with SGA.

Open Seats During the Academic Year

SGA will from time to time have open seats that need to be filled. When classes begin in the fall, SGA will hold an open, general election (if necessary) to fill these seats. If any vacancies occur after the general election in the fall, SGA will then solicit for candidates and hold interviews during the course of a regular meeting. Those seats are filled by a simple majority vote (50% + 1) of the voting members of SGA.

Spring General Election

During the latter part of the spring semester, SGA holds its spring general election where all of the seats on SGA are open for the next academic year. Candidates will submit an application, campaign for a set period of time, and then the entire student body will cast votes online for the candidates.

For more information about the election process or how to become an active general member, contact SGA by calling 732-571-3484 or sending an e-mail to sga@monmouth.edu.

Do you have a question, suggestion, or comment that you would like to share with SGA?