Structure

The UTEP SGA is headed by two staff advisors: the UTEP Dean of Students and the SGA Senior Coordinator. The government is organized into three separate but equal branches: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.

The SGA Senior Coordinator the only permanent staff member in the department and serves as the office administrator and business coordinator. The SGA Senior Coordinator reports to the UTEP Dean of Students, who also serves as the primary advisor to the Student Government Association.

The SGA President is the chief executive officer of the organization. The SGA President, Vice-President of Internal Affairs and Vice-President of External Affairs are the officers of the Executive branch.

The Senate Majority Leader is the advisory officer of the Legislative branch.

The Attorney General and Supreme Court Chief Justice are advisory officers of the Judicial Branch.

SGA Organizational Chart

Executive

The Executive Branch is charged with administering the daily operations of the Government and overseeing the Legislative and Judicial branches. The Executive is comprised of the President, the Vice-President of Internal Affairs, the Vice-President of External Affairs, and the Executive Assistant.

The SGA President serves as the chief executive officer and represents the UTEP student body to members of the UTEP administration, faculty, and staff.
The Vice-President of External Affairs administers all external affairs like external communications; liaising with UTEP offices, departments, and programs; and the local, state, federal, and foreign governments.
The Vice-President of Internal Affairs administers all internal affairs like the operations of the Legislative and Judicial branches and presiding over Senate meetings.
The Executive Assistant serves as Chief of Staff and performs duties as directed by the SGA President.

Learn More About the Executive Branch

Legislative

The Legislative Branch is charged with the direct representation of all students at UTEP. The Legislative is composed of one Senator per one thousand (1,000) students enrolled, including Collegiate Senators who represent their respective college or school. The Senate elects a Senate Majority Leader (SML) and an International Student Representative (ISR).

Senators pass bills to allocate funds for students and/or student organizations to be used for university related projects, events, or travel. Senators also work on initiatives called special projects which address issues that students have experienced on campus.
Legislative powers are also divided among the three standing committees and other ad-hoc committees which assist the legislative duties and functions of the Government
The Senate Majority Leader serves as an advisor to the Senate and keeps them informed on all legislative matters. The SML also serves as a mediator between Senators, and an ombudsperson between the Legislative and Executive branches, and the SGA Advisor.
The International Student Representative is charged with advocating for the wellbeing and advancement of international students at UTEP. The ISR also executes special projects designed for international students.

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Judicial

The Judicial Branch is charged with interpreting laws, applying them to cases, and ensuring compliance with all SGA governing documents. The Judicial is composed of the Attorney General, Prosecutor(s), Public Defender(s), and the Supreme Court.

The Attorney General advises the Government on all Judicial affairs and prosecutes violators of the SGA Constitution, Legislation, and other regulations. They also oversee the legal representatives (Prosecutor and Public Defender).
The Supreme Court moderates the balance between the Executive and Judicial branch. The Court has original jurisdiction of any case referred to it by the Senate or the UTEP Dean of Students and has original jurisdiction over decisions made during election seasons. All judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court.

Learn More About the Judicial Branch