User:Ethanhall1991/Purdue Student Government

Purdue Student Government(PSG) is a student-run and operated organization that serves the student body of Purdue University by advocating student concerns to students, faculty, community members, administration and alumni. In other words, PSG is the voice of the student body.

History of Purdue Student Government

In 1933, a group of seniors drew up Purdue University’s first constitution for a Purdue Student Federation. This student federation was the first student government structure to include a representative student senate and executive branch. Also included in the Student Federation were the Student Union and the Activities Council composed of representatives from each activity on campus.

The Student Union and Activity Council had become completely separate from the Student Senate in 1942. As a governing body representatives of student opinion, the Student Senate was responsible for such things as campus elections, the student handbook, a faculty rating program, and a lost and found service, as well as making recommendations to the Executive Council of the University.

The 1946 Student Senate acquired a structure of three parts which was formalized in 1947 when the organization restructured itself into a Student Council. This consisted of the Executive Board, Student Assembly, and the Student Court.

In 1961 our Student Government was modeled after our present United States Government and called the Purdue Student Government. The positions of the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, and a Senate by housing organizations were created. Student representation on university committees, student representation on the Board of Trustees, and a Student Bill of Rights were major accomplishments for the year.

Then during the late 1960’s the student government lost sight of it’s former purpose. The Student Senate became an interest group forum, or like special interest groups, it became more interested in national and political issues, such as R.O.T.C., university investments abroad, and freedom of the press instead of focusing on representing the student body and meeting the needs of Purdue students.

In the early 1970’s the issues of the 1960’s died down. Many Students felt that after the Student Bill of Rights had been passed that there was no need for a student government. Therefore, in 1971, Purdue Student Government was changed to Purdue Student Association.

The philosophy behind the 1971 change was that the Student Government’s purpose was not to represent, but to have services for the students. It was felt that the Student Government had no power over policy, thus it was not really a government. The only other change other than the name was the creation of the Student Association Board of Operations (S.A.B.O) which was in charge of revenue.

In 1988, the Student Government reverted back to the 1961 name which reflected the purpose of the organization: Purdue Student Government. The reasoning behind the reversion was that the Purdue Student Association, it’s responsibilities were not overt, and for the sake of clarification the name change was necessary.

In 2007 Purdue Student Government continues to play an active role in the Student Body’s experience here at Purdue. By providing quality programming, such as speakers and conferences, and exceptional service, listening to and executing student needs. Purdue Student Government helps to make students career at Purdue more educational and enjoyable. Purdue Student Government is and will continue to be the link that connects all faculty, administrators, and student body.

Executive Branch

The main objective of the Executive Branch is to oversee the function of the entire Student Government which consists of three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The Executive Branch is lead by the Student Body President and Vice President. Under these two executive officers there are many other offices and positions that are specialized to a specific government function. The Executive Branch is divided up into five separate departements each with a specified focus. Each of these five departments are lead by an Executive Director who leads projects, developes ideas, and directs the staff of each department.

Current Executives

• President - Brad Krites
• Vice President - Jamie Steiner
• Chief of Staff - Rohan Johnson
• Treasurer - James Norris
• Secretary - Lara Budmats
• Executive Director of Programming - Laura Capps
• Executive Director of Student Organizational Outreach - Chloe Morrical
• Executive Director of Governmental Relations - Andrew Gauthier
• Executive Director of Communications - Audrie Koester
• Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Assessment - Alex Robinson

Legislative Branch

The Student Senate is the lawmaking body of the Purdue Student Government.