Student Government Association
(SGA)

Political science student delivering a speech at a podium.

Get Involved

If you are interested in the SGA, curious about what seats are available or just have a question or concern, email us or stop by the SGA Room. SGA meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Government Room located in the Garden Level of the Ely Campus Center Room E017. Meetings are open, and all are encouraged to attend.  

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the longest standing open forum on campus.

The Student Government Association serves as the official voice of the student body. SGA provides every student with the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with faculty, staff, and administrators, helping shape the policies and initiatives that impact campus life.  

No matter your major, background, or interests, there’s a place for you in SGA. Participation not only allows you to advocate for your peers but also helps develop valuable skills in leadership, communication, and collaboration, all while connecting with a diverse community of students dedicated to making a difference.  

View the SGA Constitution

  • Westfield State University President, Dr. Linda Thompson, speaks with the members of the Student Government Association.
  • Lt. Governor, Kim Driscoll, visits Westfield State and takes a photo with SGA members.
  • Westfield Mayor, Mike McCabe, speaks to the Westfield State University Student Government Association.
  • Firefighter on a stair master to honor the firefighters who lost their lives on 911.

SGA helps students make a difference on campus by providing an open forum for students to share their concerns as well as an avenue for these concerns to reach the right people directly. 

Justin Wald '26 

Mission and Values

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The Student Government Association at Westfield State University, the longest-standing open forum on campus, serves as the bridge between student needs and the administrative direction of the University. Our organization represents the voice of undergraduate students in the governance of the University through service on committees and engagement in the community.   

Values:

Responsible Stewardship: We lead by example and take the utmost care over our responsibilities in governance.  

Compassionate Leadership: We strive to develop empathetic leadership skills through listening, connectivity, and advocacy.  

Innovative Thinking: We foster a culture of creativity and strategic planning that positively impacts our fellow students over the long-term.  

Belonging & Inclusion: We believe that our differences are our strength as we represent the needs of a diverse student body.  

Accountability & Reflection: We provide opportunities for leaders to develop a positive growth mindset to reflect the best possible version of themselves. 

Fostering Opportunity: We construct avenues for all students to have their voices heard and respected in our governance process.  

Providing Transparency: We commit to being open and honest in our decision-making process and discussions with our community.

Together, We Make Every Voice Count

SGA is composed of a nearly 60-member Senate and a nine-member Executive Council. The Executive Council is elected annually through a campus-wide election held each spring. The Senate represents a wide range of student populations, including Representatives at Large, Class Representatives, Hall Representatives, College Representatives, Commuter Representatives, a Veteran and Military Services Representative, a First-Generation Representative, a Transfer Student Representative, a Banacos Academic Center Representative, a Student Athlete Representative, and a Campus Activities Board Representative.  

Together, the Student Government Association works to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and that the university continues to grow as a vibrant, inclusive, and student-centered community.  

Senate:

The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate is composed of full-time day students at Westfield State University who represent the broad scope of interests of the undergraduate student body.  

Each Class Council—First-Year, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior—holds five senate seats, one of which is the Class President. Every Residence Hall is represented by one Representative for every 100 residents, ensuring residential students have a voice in campus decision-making. The Commuter population is represented by the Commuter Council President and one Commuter Representative for every 250 commuting students.  

The Senate also includes six Representatives at Large, one elected from each class year, who advocate on behalf of the entire student body regardless of class, residence, or commuter status.  

Additionally, students are represented by College Representatives, with two Representatives elected from the College of Arts and Sciences, and two Representatives elected from the College of Professional Studies. A Transfer Student Representative, elected by transfer students, also serves within the Senate.  

Several appointed positions complement the elected members of the Senate, ensuring representation for key student populations and programs. These include:  

  • The Campus Activities Board Representative, appointed by the Campus Activities Board Executive Board 
  • The Student Athlete Representative, appointed by the Student Athletic Advisory Council 
  • The First-Generation Representative, appointed by the Lead Scholars Program 
  • The Banacos Academic Center Representative, appointed by the Banacos Center 
  • The Veteran and Military Services Representative, appointed by the Veteran and Military Services Center  

Together, these members form a representative body committed to amplifying student voices, addressing campus concerns, and fostering a more inclusive and engaged university community.  

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The Student Government Association (SGA) exists to represent student interests across all academic, social, and administrative aspects of Westfield State University. SGA maintains active representation on key governance bodies, including the All-University Committee, the University Curriculum Committee, and the Academic Policies Committee, where students, faculty, and administrators collaborate to evaluate the curriculum and establish university policies and standards.  

SGA also oversees the allocation and management of its budget, ensuring resources support a wide range of student initiatives. This includes funding for club sports, registered student organizations, campus events and activities, and the operational needs of SGA itself. A cornerstone of student life programming is the Campus Activities Board (CAB), which is open to all students, and organizes events throughout the week and on weekends to foster community and engagement.   

In addition, SGA maintains a variety of committees focused on campus life and student experience, such as Dining Services and Residential Life. It also has committees that support internal SGA operations such as Finance, Rules and Regulations, Community Engagement and Outreach, Belonging, and Club Relations and Programming Strategy. These committees also help strengthen connections between the university and the broader Westfield community through volunteer work and civic engagement initiatives.  

Through these efforts, SGA strives to ensure that every student has a voice in shaping the university experience while promoting a vibrant and engaged campus community.  

Meet Our Executive Council, Agendas & Minutes

Discover your elected student leaders and stay informed with meeting agendas and minutes.

Being a part of SGA has made me feel more confident in who I am and more confident in how I can help others.

Zara Rivett '27

Exterior of Ely Campus Center with a Westfield State University flag on a nearby light post.

Contact Us

Student Government Association
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