All students are encouraged to serve the university in a leadership role through student
government. There are opportunities for any student regardless of classification and
discipline. Explore the information below to find out how you can play an active role
on campus within Freshman Council, Government Relations, and the Student Senate.
2025 Student Government Elections Timeline
Spring Interest Meeting
January 21st at 6pm in Russell House 322
Filing Period
February 10th to 11th from 9am-5pm in the Leadership & Service Center Lobby
Official Candidates Meeting
February 13th at 6pm in the Russell House Theater
Voting Period
February 25th to 26th from 9am-5pm. Check your emails for the link to the ballot!
Run-off Voting Period (If Applicable)
March 4th to 5th from 9am-5pm. Check your emails for the link to the ballot!
Announcement of Election Results
February 26th at 5:30pm on Greene Street
Inauguration
March 20th at 5:30pm in Rutledge Chapel
Freshman Council
Freshman Council (FroCo) acts as an entry-level organization within Student Government
with an emphasis on leadership and community involvement. Members consist of a diverse
selection of students who undergo a fairly rigorous interview and application process
and are chosen to represent the freshman class in Student Government.
Throughout the year, the group meets weekly to discuss pressing issues at USC. Freshman
Council gets a chance to work with other members of Student Government as well as
other organizations and services at USC. Through the mentor-mentee system, each member
on the council is paired with an upperclassman member of student government to assist
throughout the course of the year.
The council is made up of several committees that work on various projects throughout
the year. Each committee has a specific role in contributing to the success of the
Freshman Council. Committees meet once a week and all are welcome to attend just like
the regular FC meetings.
The Elections Commission is the independent body that is responsible for conducting
and overseeing the annual student body election and inauguration. This Commission
is headed by the elections commissioner who is appointed by the student body president.
The commission also consists of the deputy elections commissioners.
Election ballots can be found at sc.edu/elections during voting periods.
Student Government advocates to the university administration and local, state, and
federal entities to express the needs for the student body.
The National Lobbying Agency (NLA) is the oldest team within Government Relations.
Every year, members of this non-partisan student research team travel to our nation’s
capital to meet with members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation. You will
gain immense political research experience as you prepare for the completion of the
NLA report. The report includes 3-4 issues chosen by members and then surveyed amongst
the student body for a student opinion. The data is compiled in the report and presented
to persuade members to vote, support, or disprove within the congressional agenda.
This experience has also included visits to the Department of Education, White House,
and National Mall.
The State Lobbying Agency (SLA) is a non-partisan advocacy entity, communicating
with the South Carolina General Assembly. This communication is on behalf of the constituency
of the University of South Carolina student body to share concerns with state officials.
LAN members can look forward to increasing the awareness and presence of SLA with
the members of the general assembly by attending legislative sessions and various
committee meetings. Third, SLA looks forward to organizing a reception where members
of student government have the opportunity to interact with state legislators. And
lastly, SLA will be the program helping the Government Relations secretary and deputy
secretaries directly aiding in the roll out of the first ever Higher Education Day.
Other initiatives also include presenting to members of the Richland County delegation
in February.
The Local Lobbying Agency (LLA) is a non-partisan advocacy group tasked with being
the liaisons between city council-members of Columbia and students. While only in
its second year, LLA has made leaps and bounds for advocacy on the municipal level.
Leading the charge on student input regarding Quiet Zones, LLA has helped to lay the
foundation and plead the case for Quiet Zones surrounding USC’s campus, Five Points,
and the Vista. Also they plan to pilot the Extend Conference this year, a conference
built to connect Richland One high schools with USC and the possibilities for political
engagement while on campus. During the year, members will have the opportunity to
present their research findings to council-members, local officials, and Mayor Benjamin.
Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.