Representing Your School
Our Student Government Association is comprised of student representatives from all five of UTMB's schools. They work for and on behalf of the entire student body. From creating new initiatives on campus to awarding funds to student organizations, our senators help make UTMB a better place to learn, work, and have fun.
Our senate term runs May - April, with special elections in the summer, fall, and winter to ensure incoming students have a chance to represent their cohorts and classmates.
Running for Senator Positions
To run for a Senate Seat in the Student Government Association, you will need to do the following:
- Complete and submit a Self-Nomination Form
- Be sure to include a headshot and candidate bio that includes relevant experience
- Campaign during the approved campaigning period
If you would like to see more information about our current members, you can find them here.
If you have any questions or concerns about the nomination and election process, please don't hesitate to reach out to Katie F. Pfeuffer, Student Life Program Specialist and SGA Advisor
katie.pfeuffer@utmb.edu
Elections: General Elections 2025
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Elections Committee
The Elections Committee is responsible for overseeing and administering Student Government elections. It also serves as the adjudicating body for election-related complaints, ensuring fairness and compliance with election policies. Additionally, it acts as a resource for all candidates, whether first-time or incumbent, providing guidance throughout the election process.
- Membership: Chaired by the SGA President and includes one senator from each school.
- Candidate Review: Evaluates candidates' qualifications for executive positions.
- Candidate Removal: Has the authority to remove candidates deemed unqualified.
For questions about the election process, contact SGA at sga@utmb.edu.
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Elections Process
To be elected to an executive or senatorial position in SGA, you must:
1. Meet the qualifications for the office you seek.
2. Submit the required forms to run for office.
3. Receive the necessary votes.
4. Attend the required officer/senator orientation. -
SGA Election Timelines
Summer Special Elections
These Special Elections align with the entrance of new cohorts for the SON and the JSSOM PA program.SON Summer Special Election:
Nomination Period: June 2 – June 13
- Candidates must self-nominate by visiting Student Life (2nd Floor, Jamail Student Center) or submitting a completed nomination form.
- Upon nomination, candidates will receive an election packet (in-person or digitally).
- Deadline: 5:00 PM on June 13, 2025.
Campaign Period: June 2, 2025 through Election Day
- Campaigning begins once the nomination form is submitted.
- Candidates can promote their platforms to their constituents.
- Election: June 24, 2025.
Voting: is conducted online.
- Students will receive voting instructions via email from Student Life on June 24, 2025.
- Polls open from 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
- Students needing computer access can vote in the Computer Lab (Ground Floor, Ashbel Smith Building).
- Election results will be emailed to candidates the following business day.
JSSOM PA program Summer Special Election:
Nomination Period: July 21 – August 1
- Candidates must self-nominate by visiting Student Life (2nd Floor, Jamail Student Center) or submitting a completed nomination form.
- Upon nomination, candidates will receive an election packet (in-person or digitally).
- Deadline: 5:00 PM on August 1, 2025.
Campaign Period: July 21, 2025 through Election Day
- Campaigning begins once the nomination form is submitted.
- Candidates can promote their platforms to their constituents.
- Election: August 8, 2025.
Voting: is conducted online.
- Students will receive voting instructions via email from Student Life on August 8, 2025.
- Polls open from 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
- Students needing computer access can vote in the Computer Lab (Ground Floor, Ashbel Smith Building).
- Election results will be emailed to candidates the following business day.
Fall Elections
Limited elections allow first-year students to run for Senate. Held in September after August orientation.
Vacancies from spring elections may be filled. -
Summer Special Election Positions Available
Positions Available for the Summer Special Election: Senator Positions (Full and Alternate seats)
- SON- 2 Seats
- JSSOM-PA program- 2 Seats
- NOTE: These elections run on a different timeline due to the academic timeline of their programs. Incoming students joining UTMB in August will be part of the Fall Special elections.
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Positions, Requirements & Terms of Office
SENATE POSITIONS• General Requirements: Candidates must be UTMB students in good standing.• Specific Requirements: Vary by school and position as outlined in the SGA bylaws and constitution.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONSPresident & Vice PresidentRequired: Must have served as an SGA senator for at least one academic semester.Preferred but Not Required:- Leadership experience in a senior role within a UTMB-recognized student organization.
- Extensive leadership experience outside the UTMB community (e.g., National/State/Local Government, other institutions).
- Other qualifications deemed appropriate by a majority vote of the Elections Committee.
TreasurerRequired: Must have relevant experience, such as:- Serving as an SGA senator for at least one term.
- Serving on the SGA Budget Committee for at least one term.
- Managing budgets for other organizations.
SecretaryRequired: Must have relevant experience, such as:- Serving as an SGA senator for at least one term.
- Experience in responsibilities relevant to the Secretary role.
Terms of Office
- Each office in Student Government will have a term of one year.
- The Senators of Student Government must remain in Good Academic Standing, as determined by the University, to remain in office.
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Duties of Office
DUTIES OF OFFICE
Student Government Association SenateSGA Senators (elected by their school)
- serve as representative of their class or school.
- attend all SGA Senate meetings (first and third Wednesday of the month)
- relay information to their fellow students
- meet with Deans, Faculty, and other administrators on campus as needed.
SGA Senate Chair
- has previously been elected as an SGA Senator.
- is elected by the members of the Senate to chair Senate meetings.
- sets the agenda and attends all SGA Senate meetings (however only votes if ties occur).
- attends Executive Committee meetings.
- attends budget meetings as a voting member.
- appoints students to SGA committees.
- Alternate Senator for Senate Chair immediately becomes a Senator and a special election is run for his/her replacement.
SGA Alternate Senators
- serve as Senator when he/she is unable to fulfill duties.
- are held to the same standards and requirements as a full Senator.
OFFICER AND SENATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Officer Orientation: All elected officers must attend a mandatory "SGA Officer Orientation". Date to be advised.
- Attend Senate Meetings: Senators must be available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM for Senate and committee meetings.
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Candidate Qualifications
To run for an SGA position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Good Standing: Candidates must not be on scholastic or disciplinary probation.
- UTMB Enrollment: Candidates must be enrolled full-time at UTMB.
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Candidate Responsibilities
- Nomination Forms & Ballots: Candidates must complete and submit the required forms to be included on the ballot.
- Complete and submit a Self-Nomination Form. Be sure to include a headshot and candidate bio that includes relevant experience.
- Campaigning: Must adhere to campaign guidelines, including spending limits and fairness in statements and actions.
- Polling Officials: Candidates cannot serve as polling officials.
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Voting Process
- All enrolled students will receive an email with an individual voting link.
- Students may vote for their school’s senators and at-large senators.
- Preliminary Results: Announced to candidates after the Elections Committee meets.
- Final Certification: Results are confirmed after the Elections Committee certifies the election.
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Election Violations & Contesting Elections
Election Regulation Violations• Warnings: Candidates receive one warning for guideline violations.• Disqualification: Further violations result in removal from the election.Contesting Elections• Valid Grounds: Elections cannot be contested based on voting time or location unless the issue was raised before the election.• Election Committee Accountability: Elections can be contested if the Elections Committee fails to follow the posted schedule
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Additional Election Policies
• Reserved Positions: Some positions are reserved for first-year students. If no first-year students run, these positions open to any student in that school.• Dual Enrollment: Students enrolled in multiple schools must choose to represent only one.• Vote Confirmation: The Elections Committee verifies vote counts, with final approval from the Internal Relations (IR) Committee.