How to Join

The JMU Student Government Association is committed to helping it’s members grow as individuals and as leaders. This is accomplished by fostering a productive and inclusive environment that allows students to excel.

There are a few ways to join SGA:

1. Elections: Elections take place at the beginning of the Fall semester and the end of the Spring semester. The Fall and Spring Minor elections allow JMU students to run for Class Council or Senator positions, whether for a college or for a residential area. The Spring Major elections elect the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Executive Treasurer and the Student Representative to the Board of Visitors.
2. Applications: At the beginning of each semester and following elections, SGA accepts applications for At-Large Senators and Representatives. These positions are filled as seen fit by a committee. The application process occurs later in the Spring semester and in the Fall semester. Applications are currently closed.
3. Executive Staff: Following Spring Major Elections, applications will be available to join the executive staff. These positions include Administrative Officer, Executive Assistant,  Director of Communications, Contingency Liaison, and Parliamentarian.

 

 

Read on for a more detailed explanation of joining SGA – 

There are a lot of ways to join, and it can get a bit complicated so feel free to reply with any further questions you have. I will break things down into 3 different ways to get into SGA. In order to get in, you can either apply and interview or you can run for a position in either the Major or the Minor Elections.

 

1. Running in the Major Elections – [Packets are currently closed.]

• Major Elections positions consist of Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Executive Treasurer, and Student Representative to the Board of Visitors.
• After turning in your packet and attending the candidates meeting, your name will be on the ballot on Election Day where you can campaign and encourage voting participation.

 

2. Running in the Minor Elections – [Packets are currently open.]

• Minor Elections positions include either:
  • Class Council  (Class of 2020, 2021, 2022 – President , Vice President, Secretary of Events, or Secretary of Communication)
  • Academic College Senator (College of Arts & Letters, College of Business, College of Education, etc.)
• Class Council has their own committee for planning class events and traditions; College Senators will be on another committee (Legislative Action, Diversity, etc.)
• After turning in your packet and attending the candidates meeting, your name will be on the ballot on Election Day where you can campaign and encourage voting participation.

 

3. Submit an application and join as an At-Large Senator or At-Large Representative – [Applications are currently open.]

• At-Large Senators are voting members of the organization and can only miss two Senate meetings and two committee meetings per semester.
• At-Large Representatives are not able to vote in Senate and are required to only attend four Senate meetings per semester, but can also only miss two committee meetings.
• Both will be able to choose from one of our committees (Legislative Affairs, Communications, University Services, Academic Affairs, Diversity, Community Engagement, Membership).
• After applying if selected to move forward, you will have an interview and then be chosen to join SGA.
• Applications will go out on our website after both Elections (end of February, beginning of March).

 

If you do not get into the organization from elections, be sure to apply as an at-large member for another chance to get in! We are so excited for your interest and are always here to answer questions or hear feedback!