What is Undergraduate Student Government?
Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is a student organization at Ohio State dedicated to improving the student experiences for undergraduates. This is completed by working with the Ohio State administration, faculty and staff and representing the thoughts and opinions of undergradautes. In addition, USG works with local and state officials to educate policy makers about issues important to students.
What has USG been responsible for in the past at Ohio State?
USG has been responsible for:
- Creating The Renting Guide, a annual publication providing statistics about local landlords
- Creating Community Commitment, an annual commutity service day in September
- Creating Rock the Block, an annual community service day in May focusing on the off-campus area of OSU
- Assisting with creation of Student Legal Services
- Bringing Bill Clinton and Al Gore to campus
- Voter Registration Drives (currently OSU Votes)
- Helping institute the SOURCE at the Ohio Union
- Instituting the Student Activity Fee which provides entertainment to Ohio State students
- Creating the COTA bus pass for students through the Buck ID
- Advocating for a new recreation center (RPAC) as well as the new Library and Ohio Union
- Hosting the annual Buckeye Student Legislative Dinner bringing local and state policy makers to campus to advocate on behalf of students
- Hosting the annual Community Safety Summit to brainstorm creative ideas to improve safety on and off-campus
- Expanding OSU Votes to become a campus wide campaign to educate students about candidates and register voters
- Bringing Bob Dole and Howard Dean to campus for a debate
- Hosting a Spaghetti Dinner to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina
- Lobbying for a new police substation on 11th Avenue
- Lobbying for full funding from the city for new lighting in the Off-Campus Area ($958,000)
- Successfully lobbying for lower GEC requirements from 191 credit hours to 181 credit hours (starting Fall 2007)
- Formulating relationships between the other Big 10 student governments as well as other public universities and colleges in Ohio
- Successfully lobbying for adding a 125 swipe meal plan option (starting Fall 2008)
When are USG's meetings?
USG's Cabinet, led by the Chief of Staff meet on Tuesdays at 7:30pm in Dreese Labs, Room 113.
USG's Senate, led by the Speaker of the Senate, meets on a weekly basis on Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the RPAC, meeting rooms 2 and 3.
How do I run for a position in USG?
USG Elections are held during the second and third week of Spring Quarter. However, if you are interested in running for an elected office, you must attend an Elections Governance Board information session held during Week 6 or Week 7 of Winter Quarter. Please check the Elections section of the website for more information.
How can I make a difference through USG? Can I join USG immediately? Do I need to wait until the next quarter or next year? Do I need to be studying something like political science to join USG?
All students who join USG desire to make a difference at Ohio State, so you are in the right place! The best way to do this is to get involved in a area of USG that most interests you. You can get involved at any time during the year and there is no guidelines as to your academic major. Attend a USG information session, held each Tuesday at 8pm in Dreese Labs 113 and learn about the different cabinet committees that you can join. If you desire to run for Senate or to be President or Vice-President, attend an Elections Governance Board information session held during Winter Quarter. Always feel free to contact current USG members to learn more about their positions or committee.
How does my organization receive funding from USG?
USG provides funding to organizations for programs or events through the USG Senate. To learn how to receive funding, please visit the Financials section under the "About" tab. For more information, please contact USG's Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Pat Mayer at mayer.508@osu.edu.
What is the difference between USG Cabinet and Senate?
USG Cabinet is a group of appointed individuals who work on the President and Vice-President's platform through a committee structure designated after each election. USG Cabinet meets on a weekly basis to brainstorm new initiatives and discuss how to represent students at OSU through different projects and events.
USG Senate is a group of elected individuals who meet on a weekly basis to pass legislation and provide reports on their individual committee work. This legislation can include bills (including passing the entire budget of USG) and resolutions concerning University or USG policy.
Who should media reporters speak to concerning questions about USG?
Media reporters with questions about USG should contact the USG Press Secretary (TBA). In the interim, please contact Peter Koltak (koltak.5@osu.edu). If a reporter is in need of an interview with a specific person in USG, please look at the "Meet USG" tab to find contact information.
What is University Senate?
University Senate is a legislative body of faculty, staff and students who meet on a montly basis to discuss and pass legislation pertaining to The Ohio State University. University Senate is divided into subcommittees dedicated to different areas of university policy, such as Athletic Council, Government Relations Committee, Steering Committee, etc. USG is the mechanism by which students are appointed to serve on University Senate and University Senate Committees.
I have a issue I would like USG to address. Who should I contact?
To contact USG about a complex issue at the Ohio State University, please contact either the President,Vice-President or Speaker of the Senate of USG through email. Contact information is located under the "Contact" link.
To contact USG about a less pressing issue at the Ohio State University, please contact an appropriate cabinet committee or USG senator. Cotnact information is located under the "Meet USG" link.
How can I arrange for a representative from USG to come in and speak to my organization?
To arrange for a representative from USG to speak to your organization, please contact Student Outreach Director (TBA). In the interim, please contact Peter Koltak (koltak.5@osu.edu).
Where does USG get it's money and how much money does USG receive?
For all information concerning USG's money and finances, please visit the Financial section under the "About" tab. For all other questions, please contact USG Treasurer Jim Wykoff at wykoff.7@osu.edu.
How do I get on the USG Listserv?
Please contact USG Office Assistant Amy McGraph at amcgrapth@studentaffairs.osu.edu and request to be added.