Student Government Association

SGA has been a consistent supporter of sustainability at USD. From 2017-2019, SGA allocated over $30,000 to install water bottle refill stations in North Complex and the Fine Arts building. Many prominent campus sustainability initiatives have their roots in SGA as well, including Charlie’s Cupboard, Charlie’s Closet, and the Bike Share program. From 2016-2024, SGA committed over $100,000 to campus sustainability initiatives. One of SGA’s greatest commitments has been its annual allocation of the Green Initiative Fund. 

Beyond financial support, SGA has been a persistent advocate for greater campus sustainability, from passing resolutions calling for greater native landscaping on campus to asking the University to establish a campus sustainability action plan.  

What is the Green Initiative Fund? 

The Green Initiative Fund addresses challenges facing our planet by granting students financial resources to make long-lasting environmental improvements on campus. The fund gives students the opportunity to learn project planning and implementation skills while generating ideas, pride, and momentum to inspire further action in our community.

The President’s Joint Committee on Sustainability reviews all project proposals and makes recommendations on how to award the funds. SGA senators serving on the Committee bring the recommendations to the full SGA Senate, and then Senate votes on the final decision. Multiple projects may receive funding each application cycle. Funds are to be used within a single fiscal year: July 1st through the last day of the spring semester final exam period.

How did the Green Initiative Fund start?

The Student Government Association (SGA) started the Green Initiative Fund (GIF) in April 2016, and the first funds were spent in fiscal year 2017 to start the campus bike share program.

How much is the Green Initiative Fund?

Each spring semester, SGA allocates funds to the GIF through the annual budget process, which requires the full SGA Senate to pass a bill approving the SGA budget for the fiscal year beginning in July. The Senate typically allocates $5,000 to the GIF, but the amount can vary. These funds come from the General Activity Fee (GAF) paid by students.

Who can apply?

• USD enrolled students. Full-time, part-time, undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. Working in teams is encouraged, though one student should identify as the main contact for the GIF.
• USD registered student organizations. (To register a new student organization, please visit usd.campusgroups.com.)

What types of projects can be funded?

• We are looking for projects that:
  • Measurably reduce USD’s carbon footprint and/or waste into the future.
  • Involve a visible component.
• We encourage partnering with an established campus office or department.
• All else being equal, we prefer projects that benefit people and areas of campus that have benefited least from environmental improvements in the past.
• Ineligible Projects:
  • Speakers
  • Films
  • Awards, Gifts, Scholarships

Examples of past projects include:

• Campus bike share program
• Recycling & landfill bins for residence hall rooms
• Zero-waste laundry detergent sheets

Examples of future projects include:

• Educational exhibits or displays
• Zero Waste Atlas Campus Certification improvements
  
  • Mobile water bottle refilling stations for outdoor events
  • Reusable to-go container infrastructure improvements
  • Clothes hangers for every residence hall room
  • Self-serve bicycle repair and service kiosk
  • Reusable utensil sets for incoming students
• Cargo bikes to collect recyclables at tailgates
• Bicycle parking shelters
• Electric vehicle charging station
• Science lab sustainability
• Solar phone charging stations
• Other innovative ideas are welcome!

Propose a Project 

Students have the opportunity to apply for the Green Initiative Fund in both the Fall and the Spring semester. Start by submitting a pre-proposal. Selected pre-proposals will be given feedback and asked to submit a full project proposal for consideration. Please see the timeline for deadlines. 

Propose a Project Here

More Questions?

Email questions to [email protected].

Documents, Agendas & Minutes 

SGA's bills and resolutions, governing documents, meeting agendas and minutes can be accessed through the SGA's public Google Drive. If you have any issues accessing the drive, contact the SGA office at [email protected] or 605-658-3584.

View SGA's Google Drive

Reimbursement Process

1. Save and sign your receipt(s). If the receipt is for food, then you must have a sign-in sheet to track who was at your event.
2. You can find the reimbursement form on the SGA page of USD Campus Groups.
3. Fill out/follow directions on the form.
4. If you are not on university payroll and/or have never received a reimbursement before, please fill out a W-9. If you are on payroll or have received a reimbursement before, you may skip this step.
5. Attach a picture of your receipt and event poster to form(s) and W-9 (if necessary).
6. Review your line items to ensure they match and click submit
7. Expect the reimbursement process to take 1-2 weeks if you are already in the system. If you are filling out a W-9 for the first time, expect the reimbursement process to take 2-3 weeks.

Please reach out to our Director of Finance, Keegan Baker, with any questions! ([email protected]).

The University of South Dakota has more than 170 student organizations that are officially recognized by the Student Government Association. Student organizations are based on, centered around, led, governed and directed by students. These organizations make a difference in the lives of students by creating a connection to campus, the community and their peers. Student organizations on campus are based on an array of topics, interests and fields of study.

The large number of organizations allows students to connect with a group of peers with similar interests. When coupled with the dedication of its student members, the campus culture is greatly enriched. Student organizations have a real and profound effect on the university and the outside world through their vision, goals and accomplishments.

Explore Student Organizations

Starting a New Student Organization

To register an organization on campus:

1. Visit USD Campus Groups to fill out a registration application.
   
   1. Click on Register an Organization, then Register a New Organization (at bottom of page) and follow the 7 steps in the registration process. You will need a constitution and the USD email address for 5 members and 1 faculty/staff advisor to complete this form. Once this is completed, the Student Services Staff will review your submission and you will receive notice of the organizations approval. 
   2. Please note, if you are interested in starting a social fraternity or sorority, please contact the Office of Sorority/Fraternity Life ([email protected]). Do not submit social fraternity and sorority registrations via USD Campus Groups.
2. Once these steps have been completed, SGA will then review the application information and determine if the organization is funding eligible. Once declared funding eligible, they may apply for funding with SGA during the regular budget period.

Organizations determined to be a club sport must be active for one year before applying for funding. Funding for these organizations is provided by campus recreation.

Organizational Review

Each organization will be reviewed every 3 years by the SGA Student and Internal Affairs Committee. The review is to assess if the organization is operating consistently with the way it was intended and to assist with any problems the organization may be having. If an organization chooses not to participate, their privileges may be revoked.

Budget Process

Only recognized, funding-eligible organizations are eligible to participate in the budget process. All organizations must send a representative to the Leadership Development Seminar each spring to remain eligible for SGA funding. Budget hearings for the organizations will be held in early April.

President: Abbey Lienemann

Abbey Lienemann is a sophomore majoring in Political Science with a minor in Media & Journalism. Abbey currently serves as SGA President, the Panhellenic Council’s Vice President of Philanthropy, the secretary for Hearts in Hands, and is an active member of Alpha Phi. Throughout her term as SGA President, she hopes to accomplish a wide range of initiatives alongside her team. One of her primary goals coming into office has been developing strategies to make SGA more visible and accessible across USD’s campus. She is committed to helping all USD students understand what Student Government is, how it works, and the impact it has on campus life. She is incredibly proud to have been chosen as the voice of USD students and is dedicated to serving the community in a way that makes them proud!

Vice President: Piper Connelly

Piper Connelly is originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and is heading into her senior year at USD. She is thrilled to be finishing her time at the university as Vice President. She is double majoring in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in Spanish, and she plans to pursue a career in the nonprofit field after graduation. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and reading. Piper is involved in many areas on campus, but much of her dedication has been to SGA. She joined as a freshman senator and later served as chair of the Student Outreach Committee. Her goals for this administration include increasing SGA’s visibility on campus and strengthening student engagement. She is excited to serve the student body and looks forward to the year ahead. Go Yotes!!!

Director of Operations:Aida Desaulniers

Aida Desaulniers is a junior double-majoring in Political Science and History. Prior to her role as Director of Operations, she served as both an At-Large and elected College of Arts and Sciences Senator. Aida is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, the Honors Program, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Honor Society, as well as the Phi Theta Alpha History Honor Society. She is a Co-President of the Dakota Days Student Committee, Co-Founder and Vice President of She’s the First, and Vice President of The Political Science League. She is also an American Civics teaching assistant. Her goal for her term as Director of Operations is to increase resources available to Senators, develop opportunities for the student body to better understand how SGA functions, as well as increase efficiency of Student Government Association’s procedures.

Director of Finance: Keegan Baker

Keegan Baker is a senior majoring in accounting. Keegan has been involved with student government throughout college serving in different roles. This year her main goal is streamlining the budget process and ensuring that all student organizations are supported throughout the year!

Director of Communications: Alexis Lemon

Alexis Lemon is a sophomore double-majoring in Management and Marketing. She is currently serving as the Vice President of Finance and Housing for Alpha Phi, and the Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi. Prior to her role as Director of Communications she served as an At-Large Senator for SGA. Lexie is extremely excited for the upcoming year and is passionate about increasing visibility and accessibility for SGA across campus!

Current SGA Senators

• Isabella Abels
• Madelyn Casotti
• Alisha Chaudhary 
• Bailey Dana 
• Seth Gerhardt
• Emma Hafner
• Andrew Hochstein
• Palmer Johnson
• Elijah McPherson
• Charley Nuhsbaumer 
• Pachell Nurbeza
• Addison Oyen
• Evan Payer
• Erin Sannes
• Kylie Schroetlin
• Moriah Scorzafava
• Christian Skunk
• Jacob Stys
• Rhiannon Szobody
• Maya Theeler
• Katie Thompson
• Nolan Thramer
• Lily Witte

Standing Committees

Finance
Evan Payer, [email protected]

The Finance Committee recommends action to the full senate on all SGA special appropriations - money appropriated after the spring budget process. The committee also recommends approving or disapproving the requested funds reallocations within student organization accounts.

Government Affairs
Moriah Scorzafava, [email protected]

The Government Affairs committee is responsible for building community and university relations, maintaining contact with alumni, communicating with the South Dakota Student Federation, and handling issues related to Board of Regents meetings.

Internal Review
Lily Witte, [email protected]

The Internal Review Committee is responsible for identifying and communicating student concerns to the student judicial process, reviewing all amendments to the constitution and bylaws, and holding our members accountable.

Student Life and Wellbeing
Tewobistya Birhanu, [email protected]

The Student Life and Wellbeing Committee is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of student services and maintaining positive relationships between SGA and the Office of Student Life. It also advocates for the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the University of South Dakota’s initiatives relating to student life and well-being.

Student Outreach
Piper Connelly, [email protected]

The Student Outreach Committee is responsible for communicating with the broader campus community concerning SGA affairs.