At Emerson, your voice matters—and we know that no one understands your concerns better than you.
That’s why we have student-run governing bodies where you can voice your concerns, be an advocate for other students, and work with administration to make positive changes for the Emerson community. These student government groups can also be a platform for you to host events, programs, and workshops; allocate funds and administer grants; and to network with one another.
Undergraduate students can join a class council, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, the Resident Hall Association, the Student Government association, or the Student Health Advisory Board. Graduate Students can serve on the Graduate Student Association or one of the many department or interest-focused student organizations.
Student Governance and Councils
Class Councils
- Class of 2018
- Class of 2019
- Class of 2020
- Class of 2021
Office Locations: SGA Office, 150 Boylston St., Room L152
First-Year Class Council
First-Year Class Council meets weekly to develop a class constitution, plan programs, learn about getting involved at Emerson, and to prepare for leadership positions. Students interested in running for class office their first year must participate in and successfully complete the FCC program. All first-year students are encouraged to participate!
Resident Hall Association
The Residence Hall Association represents, and is composed of, members of Residence Hall Councils. RHA works in conjunction with the individual Hall Councils to sponsor campus-wide programs and work toward the improvement of the residential environment. These activities have included day trips to New York City, weekend trips to Washington, D.C., outdoor adventure excursions, and educational speakers. RHA participates in NACURH, the National Association of College and University Residence Halls.
All residential students are invited to attend and participate in RHA meetings. Voting members are selected from the elected representatives from the individual Hall Councils.
Office Location: Housing and Residential Education; 617-824-8620
Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC)
The Student-Athlete Advisory Council aims to increase athletic awareness and better the communication among the student-athletes, Athletics Department, administration, faculty, and student body. SAAC commits itself to service opportunities on campus and in the greater community. The SAAC is an NCAA–mandated representative body of the student-athlete population on campus. This council is charged with representing the needs of its teams, and student-athletes in general, to the administration. The SAAC should be a proactive group of student-athletes who are willing and eager to come up with, plan, and implement activities and materials that will benefit all student-athletes and the image of varsity sports at Emerson.
Office Location: 150 Boylston St., L2; 617-824-8690
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) was formed to "establish an effective student government, represent student interests, establish and facilitate all student organizations, act as a liaison between the student body, the administration, and the Board of Trustees, and promote and protect the rights of the students…"
In coordination with the Division of Student Affairs, the SGA allocates and monitors funds to student organizations as well as recognizing the formation of new student organizations. It also actively states the needs and protects the rights of the student body. Elections are held every spring to fill positions for the next academic year. Any full-time enrolled undergraduate student who meets the candidate criteria is encouraged to run.
Office Location: 150 Boylston St., Room L152; 617-824-8686; sga [at] emerson.edu (sga[at]emerson[dot]edu)
Student Health Advisory Board
The Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) is comprised of both undergraduate and graduate student representatives. Members serve as an active voice and liaison between the student body and the Emerson College Emerson Wellness Center (CHW), Emerson Counseling and Psychological Services (ECAPS) and Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Representatives’ role includes campus-wide advocacy on health and wellness issues, bringing concerns and trends to the attention of the SHAB and other community members for discussion, responding to issues presented by SHAB staff and other community members, serving as student ambassadors in order to promote and explain the services provided by, and benefits of using CHW, ECAPS and DSO as well as participation in providing/evaluating ideas and programming that supports and promotes a culture of wellness on campus.
For more information, please email shab [at] emerson.edu (shab[at]emerson[dot]edu)
Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is dedicated to advancing the goals, objectives, and interests of graduate students. The GSA serves as a liaison between graduate students and the College community, providing students with a base for social interaction, professional friendships, and contacts.