Responsibilities of SGA:
SGA exists to serve and represent the interests, concerns, and ideas of the Carson-Newman student body. SGA is responsible for informing the Student Body of facts relating to Carson-Newman University that are of interest to the Student Body, and for appropriately investigating questions and issues regarding the University that are of concern to the Student Body. SGA acts as the final representative and decision-making body for the students of Carson-Newman University in any academic or community issue.
Senator Responsibilities:
A Senator must be a full-time student at Carson-Newman University, have a minimum GPA of 2.25, be up to date on their CLW status, and be in good standing with the University through the Dean of Students Office. Senators must attend weekly Senate meetings, be on at least one standing committee, attend SGA events, and represent the constituents they serve. Senators have the following privileges: vote during Senate meetings, author & sponsor bills and legislation, meet with upper level administration on behalf of SGA with the approval of Cabinet and have all privileges of a constituent.
Cabinet Responsibilities:
Cabinet members must be a full-time student at Carson-Newman University, have a minimum G.P.A of 2.50, be up to date on their CLW status and be in good standing with the University through the Dean of Students Office. Cabinet members will serve on the Executive Committee and must attend weekly Cabinet meetings, weekly Senate meetings, chair one standing committee [excluding the Chief Justice], have one-on-one meetings with the advisor, complete one office hour a week during the academic year, respond to pertinent e-mails, and represent all Carson-Newman students. Cabinet members have the following privileges: vote once per motion, author & sponsor bills and legislation, meet with upper-level administration on behalf of SGA and have all privileges of a constituent.
Open Senator Positions:
*Senator: An elected or appointed member of the Student Government Association.
3 Sophomore Delegate: Represent Sophomore class. Must have earned 30-59 credit hours beginning Fall 2024.
3 Junior Delegates: Represent Junior class. Must have earned 60-89 credit hours beginning Fall 2024.
3 Senior Delegates: Represents Senior class. Must have earned 90+ credit hours beginning Fall 2024.
3 Delegates-at-Large: Represents student body as a whole. Must be a full-time student beginning Fall 2024.
1 Commuter Delegate: Represents commuter students. Must be a commuter student in 2024-2025.
1 Student Athlete Delegate: Represents Student Athletes. Must be a student athlete in 2023-2024
1 Graduate Delegate: Represents graduate students. Must be a graduate student beginning Fall 2024.
Open Cabinet Positions:
President
- The Student Body President is responsible for enforcing the Constitution of the SGA; the Student Body President is also responsible for implementing the legislation and the decisions of SGA. The Student Body President is the primary representative between SGA and the Administration of Carson-Newman University. It is the duty of the Student Body President to serve as the presiding officer of the Cabinet meetings of SGA. The President supports the mission of the Department of Student Services. Responsibilities include attending regular meetings with the Vice President for Student Services, attending designated college functions and leadership events, and consulting regularly with the SGA advisor, the Director of Student Activities.
- Those who wish to run for SGA President will be required to meet with the Director of Student Activities to ensure that each candidate will be willing and able to undertake the role and subsequent responsibilities.
Vice President
- The Student Body Vice-President is responsible for supporting the President in enforcing the Constitution of SGA. The Student Body Vice-President is the secondary representative between the Student Government Association and the Administration of Carson-Newman University. It is the duty of the Student Body Vice-President to serve as the presiding officer of the Senate meetings of the SGA. It is the duty of the Student Body Vice President to assist the Student Body President in his or her duties whenever the Student Body President requests such assistance.
Chief Justice
- The Chief Justice will take attendance and track absences at each Senate meeting and shall review every member’s attendance each week to ensure that there are no violations. The Chief Justice will record the minutes at each Cabinet and Senate meeting and will send respective members the minutes within 60-hours of each meeting. The Chief Justice interprets and reviews SGA’s Constitution on a yearly basis.
Secretary of Finance
Secretary of Public Relations
Secretary of Campus Life
Secretary of Projects and Services
Secretary of Diversity and Equity
*All Cabinet members will be required to sign the Leadership Covenant before they can fully take the position. This will be included in the official position offer, sent by the Director of Student Activities at the end of the election. For more information, email studentacitivities@cn.edu .
Election Timeline:
March 11th – 22nd: Application for Candidacy open
March 28th – April 8th: Campaigning open (guidelines will be sent upon approval of application)
April 8th: Town Hall/Debate
April 8th (immediately following debate) - April 12th (at Midnight): Voting open
April 24th: Inauguration