Structure: Branches of USG
The four branches of the Undergraduate Student Governement are: EXECUTIVE , LEGISLATIVE , JUDICIAL, and PROGRAMMING
EXECUTIVE
The Executive branch of USG is constantly working on various projects and programs on behalf of USC Undergrads. This branch is broken up into 3 departments:
- Advocacy
- Funding
- Communications
For any inquiries, contact Sarah LeClaire at usgexec@usc.edu
The Advocacy department facilitates campus wide activities such as USC AIDS Walk Los Angeles, Festive-all, USG Elections, Code of Ethics reception, Legal Counseling, and overall campus improvements. Get involved to find out more.
The Funding Department consists of 4 Funding Boards:
- Discretionary Funding Board (also Leadership Funding Board)
- Professional Funding Board
- Philanthropy Funding Board
- Academic Research Fund
These Boards grant thousands of dollars each semester to fund various projects and initiatives put on by many of USC’s student organizations. Visit Funding for more details!
The Communications department handles internal as well as external promotions and advertising for USG. This branch is responsible for the Week in Brief, updating and maintaining the web site, working with the Daily Trojan, etc.
LEGISLATIVE
The Legislative Branch consists of 12 elected senators (6 Residential, 4 Commuter, and 2 Greek) who represent the voice of the student body. The Senate meets every Tuesday at 7:00 in Intellectual Commons. All meetings are open to the public. If you are interested in Presenting an issue or speaking with the Senate in a public forum, contact Vice President Ashlie Chan at usgvp@usc.edu.
JUDICIAL
The Judicial Branch of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is also referred to as the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council is presided over by the Chief Justice and has jurisdiction over all cases involving student governance and reserves the right to review the decisions of the USG. Every board is assisted by an advisor who is a member of the Student Affairs staff. This advisor or an appropriate substitute attends every Judicial Council hearing and deliberations session.
Our mission is:
- To uphold the USG Constitution, Bylaws, and other governing documents.
- To hear complaints from any student or student organization regarding any conflict or controversy involving the Constitution or Bylaws or the governing documents of any subsidiary organization of USG.
- To review interpretation of the Constitution when such interpretations are challenged on reasonable grounds.
- To impartially review and objectively hear all cases brought before the Council.
- To be the final rule on all questions pertaining to violations of the USG Elections Code.
The Council consists of six Justices and one Chief Justice appointed by the President approved by the Legislative Branch to serve a “life term” (maximum of 56 months).
The scope of cases reviewed by the Judicial Council is limited solely to cases involving USG. Judicial Council cannot and will not review any cases involving the violation of city, state or federal laws.
In the event that a position on the Judicial Council becomes vacant, the President shall fill the vacancy within three weeks. In the case of temporary absences an interim justice may be appointed (for a semester). Justices can be removed by a 2/3 vote of the Senate.
All decisions rendered by the Judicial Council are final unless the USG completes a 2/3 vote to overturn. This is only applicable to non-personnel and non-elections activities.
Filing a Petition
If you would like the Judicial Council to consider a matter, please utilize our Petition for Filing a Judicial Council Claim. Once you have completed the form or if you have any questions, please email the Judicial Council Clerk, Giorgio Cassandra, at gcassand@usc.edu. You will notice on this form that there is a section that asks for “Proposed Solution.” If you would like to see a List of Possible Sanctions to help you offer a proposed solution, please click on the link.
PROGRAMMING - PROGRAM BOARD
The USC Program Board represents a diverse group of student interests and organizations. The five programming committees and eight assemblies are student-run groups with the goal of promoting diversity, awareness, and entertainment through progressive and unique event programming. Your programming fee allows Program Board to plan a multitude of social, political, and educational events for the USC Community. For more information please visit the Program Board website or contact them at pbexec@usc.edu.
