ARTICLE II: Purpose & Goals

Section 1: Purpose

The purpose of SGA shall be the governance of the undergraduate student body and to uplift the voices of marginalized communities. 

Section 2: Authority

The President and the Dean of the College shall, through the Honor Code, entrust the SGA with exclusive management of all matters concerning the conduct of students in their college life which do not fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the authorities of the College, the Faculty, or Residential Life.

Section 3: Role

Under the Bryn Mawr College Honor Code and Self-Government Association Constitution, Bryn Mawr College undergraduates take responsibility for governing themselves in academic and social matters, as well as playing an active and fundamental role in the life of the College. The oldest self-governing association in the nation, the SGA is composed of all candidates for a Bryn Mawr A.B. degree. SGA represents the concerns and needs of the undergraduate body to the administration.

Section 4: Privileges Granted

As members of the association, undergraduates are entitled to attend weekly Assembly meetings and voice their opinions, participate in a variety of SGA-sponsored events, groups, film series, magazines, newspapers, and traditions, as well as vote in elections that send student representatives to various committees, the Board of Trustees and the SGA Assembly. It is the hope and expectation of self-governance at Bryn Mawr College that all students will be able to find a place, group, or activity, and raise concerns in the most effective, responsible and satisfying way possible. 

Section 5: Composition

The SGA’s organization includes the Executive Board, Representative Council, Honor Board, Appointments Committee, and many appointed committees, boards, and representatives.

Section 6: Importance of Plenary

Plenary shall be held twice during each academic year (once each semester) in accordance with Article VIII, Section 2. A  quorum of one-third of the undergraduate student body is required to pass all proposals, amendments to the Constitution, and resolutions. The Constitution must be reaffirmed each spring semester. 

Section 7: Communication with Body

The Self-Government Association will make available meeting minutes to all students. Brief announcements are also tweeted via the username @bmcsga and/or posted through Facebook and Instagram via the Bryn Mawr College Self-Government Association page.