Undergraduate Student Government
at The Ohio State University

Membership Requirements

The New Member Process

Once applications close and you are accepted into USG, you are officially considered a New Member. Before induction into the organization, all new members are required to complete the following:

  • Attend New Member Education (NME) sessions

  • Complete mandatory coffee chats (5 required for Spring 2026)

  • Complete breakout shadowing (rotations through 3 different committees)

These experiences are designed to help you build relationships, learn more about USG, and prepare for active membership.

Membership Requirements

To remain an active member of USG, members must complete their respective membership requirements each semester.

These requirements are in addition to mandatory Cabinet and Breakout meetings and serve as opportunities to:

  • Learn more about USG and The Ohio State University

  • Engage with campus initiatives

  • Build meaningful connections with peers both within and outside of the organization

Committee Representatives

Committee Representatives must:

  • NOT obtain three attendance points per semester

  • Complete the USG Bingo Board

  • Attend USG Retreat

Attendance Policy

Point System (2025–2026 Academic Year)

For the 2025–2026 school year, The Undergraduate Student Government will continue using a point-based membership policy.

Members receive a point if they miss a Cabinet or Breakout session:

  • Without providing notice to their Director

  • Without a valid excuse

Excused Absences:

  • Cabinet absences must be documented through the Excused Absence Form

  • Breakout absences must be communicated directly to your Director

Point Breakdown

One Point

  • No immediate action taken

Two Points

  • An email will be sent from USG Operations (for missed Cabinet) or your Director (for missed Breakout).

    • The email serves as a check-in and offer of support.

  • A response to this email (or another form of communication) is required to remain in good standing.

Three Points

  • If there is no response to previous communication attempts, the individual will be removed as a member of The Undergraduate Student Government.

  • Removed members are welcome to apply again in the next recruitment cycle.

Valid Cabinet & Breakout Exemptions

Valid reasons for excused absences include:

  • Exam or exam study session

  • Unexpected health emergency

  • Doctor’s appointment

  • Special family event

  • Mental health or bereavement

  • Job commitment overlap

  • Career events (interviews, info sessions, etc.)

  • Religious holiday or observance

  • Attendance at a USG-run event

Note: Your Director will be understanding—just be transparent. We want you to succeed and will always support members who communicate and show up with intention.

Inactive Status

If you are unable to meet USG membership requirements due to external or internal circumstances—or simply do not have the capacity for involvement—you may be eligible for Inactive Status.

  • Members may remain inactive for up to two semesters

  • After two semesters, removal from the organization will occur

  • Speak with your Director to determine eligibility

  • Complete the Inactive Form to officially transition to inactive status