Fordham Student Government Decoded

At Fordham as an incoming student getting involved in student government might seem difficult, but in reality opportunities for involvement abound. United Student Government has many layers and first year students are encouraged to get involved in as soon as they arrive on campus. Involvement in student leadership comes in two forms: elected positions and committee membership. The best way to get involved is to find the student government table at the club fair.

Elected positions on student government at Fordham are decided in late March to early April of every year—with the exception being the incoming freshmen class council. Every undergraduate class year has one class council, made up of three representatives from Frodham College and two from the Gabelli School of Business. Class councils work on class project specific to their class year (for example juniors working on internship credit). There is also an executive board of nine vice presidents, each of which is taxed with a different focus. The nine are Operations, Finance, Student Life, Fordham College, Gabelli, Health and Security, Communications, IT, and Athletics. Together the four class councils and the nine vice presidents make the student government senate. The executive vice president and the executive president constitute the executive branch. There is also a student government court, responsible for making sure all activities of student government are in accordance with the Student Handbook and the USG Constitution. The court is appointed by the executive president and terms of service last two years.

Committee membership is another way to get involved. USG has three main committees: Operations, Budget and Student Life. All three work together, and work closely with the Student Life Council which is headed by the Dean of Students. The Operations Committee is responsible for addressing all club concerns—including the creation of new clubs. The Budget Committee deals with club budget allocations. While the Student Life Committee works on student life initiatives that are brought forth to them.

As freshmen you would have a variety of options to get involved with student leadership. You could contact the Vice Presidents of Operations, Finance and Student Life to fill one of the reserved freshman spots on those specific committees. Or you could pick up an election packet during Orientation, attend an election meeting and run for student office. If you do not want to take a direct role, like committee membership or elections, always remember that our meetings are open to the public and we are always looking for students to get involved in our projects!