What is the SGA?

SGA stands for Student Government Association, which is a nationwide organization. Nearly every university or community college has a student government.

The SGA has many different purposes. It oversees all of COM's clubs and events. It communicates with the college leadership in order to voice student concerns and make changes. It also participates in governance by making decisions in meetings.

What does the average SGA member do?

Each officer has duties that are listed in more detail under Duties and Responsibilities. However, the average SGA member usually represents student concerns at meetings, helps sponsor or cosponsor events, makes decisions, attends conferences if necessary and is kind and helpful, all while trying to ensure that the student body has an enjoyable time at COM.

Who is the SGA?

An executive board, senate and house of representatives comprised of students run SGA. Two advisors help with the day-to-day work and provide guidance.

The executive board itself is comprised of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, parliamentarian and historian. The senate is comprised of a collegiate hight school senator, a night school senator and four senators at large. The house of representatives is comprised of a representative from each student club.

What are the qualifications for joining the SGA?

To join the SGA senate or house of representatives you must be enrolled in at least three credit hours at COM, have at least a 2.0 GPA and be a person of good standing at the College, which means that you must be respectable, professional and behave well. Members of the SGA represent all of College of the Mainland, so they have to represent it well.

Members should also be able to attend all meetings. You are required to schedule work and school around SGA meeting times. Meeting times can be found further down on the page or on our home page.

Specific qualifications and duties for each member are listed on the Duties and Responsibilities page, so you should also check that out to see if you can handle it.

How do I join the SGA?

Contact the SGA advisor for more information. Another easy way is just to come to one of our meetings so you can see what being in the SGA is all about.

Please check out our application for candidacy and email SGA (sga@com.edu) if you are interested. SGA is currently looking for new members, so don't be shy.

Why should I join the SGA?

There are so many reasons! The SGA is a unique experience. Joining makes you a part of something on campus and gives you a voice and a forum to make changes. Joining the SGA is like having a second family.

Having been a member of the SGA also looks good on transcripts and job applications. Advisors make great references.

Finally, being a member gives you the unique opportunity to learn leadership skills that can be used in other school, work and community settings.

When are the meetings?

The SGA holds its general meetings on the first Tuesday of every month, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in SC-120. All general meetings are open to students.