Graduate & Professional Students
The Graduate School and all of the professional schools and/or programs have representative student organizations that serve as channels for student opinion.
Graduate Student Council of the Graduate School. Membership comprises one elected representative from each department, but any graduate student may participate.
Vanderbilt Bar Association. Membership comprises students of the Law School who are directed by a Board of Governors elected by the classes.
Divinity School Student Government Association. Membership comprises editors of the two student publications and representatives from the various levels of academic training.
Council of Class Officers (School of Medicine). Membership comprises elected officers from each class.
Graduate Nursing Council. Membership comprises representatives of each of the five clinical majors in the M.S.N. program.
Owen Student Government Association (OSGA). The Executive Council membership comprises five second-year representatives and four first-year representatives, but all registered candidates for Owen School degrees may participate in OSGA activities. OSGA provides leadership and coordination for professional and social activities.
Peabody Professional and Graduate Student Association (PPGSA). Membership comprises diverse student representatives from all Peabody graduate and professional departments and programs.
Undergraduate
The University recognizes a representative student organization that serves as a channel for student opinion for each school. Recognition has been extended by the University, in consultation with the Vice Provost and Dean of Students, to the following governing bodies:
Arts and Science Council. Membership includes the presidents of all registered academic majors' associations, one first-year student, and one sophomore representative. Students of the College of Arts and Science elect the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer.
Blair Council. Membership is represented by elected members from the classes and by an elected Executive Committee.
Engineering Council. Membership includes elected representatives from each of the classes, the president, and one elected representative from each registered professional society.
Peabody Council. The association is directed by an Executive Committee, whose members are elected at large by students of Peabody College. Each class also has a representative on the Executive Committee.
Vanderbilt Student Government. Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG) represents student interests, concerns, and aspirations, to the faculty and administration. In addition, the organization sponsors and coordinates activities and programs promoting student involvement and interaction with faculty. Student interests are addressed through the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the organization. The Senate comprises elected students representing the four undergraduate schools and the residence halls.
In accordance with University policies, the purpose of the Vanderbilt Student Government is as follows:
- to provide a means whereby undergraduates may effectively express their views and interests to other components of the University and to the outside community in matters which affect their social, cultural, physical, and academic welfare;
- to stimulate effective student organizations and to coordinate their activities for the benefit of the Vanderbilt community; and, to provide for the development and coordination of activities and services beneficial to Vanderbilt students and the University community;
- to serve as a liaison between students and the University; and,
- to maintain effective student representation and participation in the decision-making process of the University.