Top Online Colleges With Student Government Associations

What Are Student Government Associations (SGAs)?

We’re going to take a closer look at the best online colleges with student government associations (SGAs). You’ll also learn why SGAs are crucial in your online education. We’ll also talk about the benefits and steps of joining your online college’s SGA.

Let’s define SGAs and their purpose by considering their main characteristics.

• It’s a representative body of currently enrolled students at a college or university.
• The students in an SGA are elected by their fellow students.
• Its primary purpose is to represent the student’s interests and advocate for them.
• The SGA officers also organize activities, events, and projects for their peers.

Student Government Associations in online colleges operate like on-campus SGAs (see above). However, virtual SGAs face challenges unique to online organizations. These are usually the result of the students’ different locations and time zones. 

But where there’s a will, there’s a way. The best virtual SGAs use effective ways and means to overcome these challenges, such as:

• Using video conferencing tools for meetings, activities, and events
• Creating social media groups for socialization and other purposes
• Using online voting platforms for elections, polls, and surveys
• Organizing virtual and in-person activities, events, and projects to encourage participation and belongingness

Indeed, if you’re an online student, you should consider being part of your college’s virtual SGA. You can look forward to these benefits.

• Expand your network
• Build a sense of community (i.e., feel less isolated)
• Gain leadership experience
• Influence school policies and practices
• Establish a strong foundation for your future career

Read on and find more useful information to start your SGA journey on the right foot.

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• Top Online Colleges with Affordable Student Organizations for a Connected College Experience
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• What Are the Best College Clubs and Organizations to Join?

Why Join a Student Government Association in an Online College?

You can, after all, choose not to join your online college’s SGA. If you join it, you’re taking on more responsibilities that can complicate your life. You may already be juggling your academic, work obligations, and family responsibilities.

There are also many reasons to join your online college’s SGA:

Gain leadership experience and develop your leadership skills.

You’ll develop problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills. Being able to manage your time, delegate tasks, and lead teams are also sought-after skills.

Develop your public speaking and written communication skills.

You’ll be asked to host meetings, address your peers in public speaking events, and advocate for them. These activities will develop your oral and written communication skills. Both are vital for success in your career and life.

Expand your networking and growth opportunities.

You’ll interact with your peers, professors, staff members, and college administrators. These interactions are excellent networking opportunities, aside from being able to make friends. Networking is crucial in boosting your job prospects after graduation.

Be active in programs that promote student interests.

You’re part of a student community even when it isn’t like a campus community. It then makes sense to promote your peers’ interests because it means promoting yours, too. Virtual social gatherings, wellness initiatives, and fundraising are among SGA activities in this regard.

Foster a strong sense of community.

You can be part of the solution to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness among your peers. As an SGA member, you can recommend virtual spaces where students create connections. Chat rooms, discussion platforms, and social media groups are great for this purpose.

Peer support networks and collaborative projects are also excellent ideas. You can also encourage online students to take part in on-campus events.

If you’re worried about scheduling conflicts, effective time management is the key. In the end, the sacrifices you’ll make as an SGA member will be worth the benefits.

Top Online Colleges With Student Government Associations

We’ve selected these online colleges for their:

• Affordable tuition and fees combined with financial aid opportunities
• Flexible, convenient, and accessible online programs in a wide range of academic disciplines
• Robust student support services for online students. Academic advising, tutoring, writing and math centers, and career development are common.
• Active virtual SGAs that promote student interests and foster a sense of community

University of Florida Online

UF Online is among the best online colleges with SGAs because of its active involvement. Note, however, that UF Online doesn’t have a separate SGA from its mother unit. Instead, the UF Student Government (SG) represents on-campus and online Gators.

As such, online Gators are eligible to run for office, join committees, and be active SG officers. Once in, you can be part of one of three branches – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

The UF Student Government manages more than $23 million in annual budget. Enrolled students fund the SG via the Activity and Service Fee Budget.

The funds are intended for campus organizations, events and activities, and recreational facilities. Student-centric services include bike repair, housing fairs, and laundry grants. There are also legal services, access to the graphics and copy center, and a print lab.

Oregon State University Ecampus

The OSU Ecampus also doesn’t have a separate SGA. Instead, the Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) represents all Beavers. Ecampus Beavers can also vote in elections, run for office, and be active in ASOSU’s projects. Doing so opens up leadership opportunities for online students.

ASOSU manages about $30 million (FY2023) in funds sourced from the students’ incidental fees. In turn, Beavers enjoy access to these services and resources:

• Basic Needs Center for students with financial need. Students receive food, textbooks, and temporary housing support.
• Cultural centers that offer academic resources, socialization activities, and cultural events.
• Student Health Services, including professional counseling services.
• Safety services, such as SafeRide and CAPE. 

Indeed, Beavers enjoy the benefits of student government in online education.

Liberty University Online

LU Online’s Student Government Association represents the Flames’ best interests. Online students can get involved in various ways, whether they’re SGA members or not. Running for office and voting during elections are strongly encouraged.

The SGA organizes events, initiatives, and activities that promote the students’ college experiences. Their job also demands working with LU Online administrators for student-centric initiatives.

There are three branches of the LU Online SGA. The Executive Branch is the student body’s main representative to the administration. Regular student outreach, fun activities, and social media events are among its initiatives. The Executive Branch also manages the SGA’s budget and oversees student organizations.

The Representative Branch and the Student Court have their specific functions, too.

University of Maryland Global Campus

UMGC is among the best affordable online colleges with student government programs. In-state undergraduate tuition is $324/credit, and students can apply for financial aid. Military and veteran students can apply for military education benefits. Employee tuition reimbursements are also available.

The Student Advisory Council acts as UMGC’s student government. The Council consists of 12 members elected by the students. These Council members serve as the student body’s representatives to the UMGC administration.

The Council provides information and input that guide UMGC administrators in their decisions. Indeed, their advisory capacity plays a crucial role in creating student-centric policies.

University of Phoenix

Among the most recent SGAs in online colleges is the Student and Alumni Leadership Council. The Council held its first meeting on 21 March 2024 only. While it’s an independent body, it works with the Office of Educational Equity (OEE).

The Council aims to work toward:

• Advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in university life
• Enhancing student experiences by working with student organizations
• Fostering leadership development

Most importantly, the Council seeks to become the voice of the student body. In doing so, it aims to bridge the gap between students and administrators. Its programs include the Educational Equity Webinar series and the Inclusive Leadership Summit.

How to Get Involved in Your Online College’s SGA

You should have a passion to serve if you want to become involved in your online college’s SGA. While being a student leader can mean being popular, it isn’t about popularity.

You must have strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills. Being adaptable, empathetic, and trustworthy are also must-have traits. You have to listen and learn from others, too, because an open mind is a must for leaders.

If you believe that you’re capable of being a student leader, here’s how to get started.

Do your research about your online college’s SGA.

You want to know everything you can about it because you’ll be part of it when it happens. Start by looking for information on the college website about the SGA. Contact the student affairs office for more details about its structure, people, and goals.

Get in touch with the SGA members.

You can send them a private message or an email. Be sure to express your keen interest in joining. Ask them about the steps to become involved. Join their social media groups and forums, if possible.

Attend SGA open meetings and events.

You may also volunteer for SGA virtual and in-person events and activities. The more active and visible you are, the more influence you can have in the SGA. This is true whether you’re an officer or not.

Run or apply for a position.

You can aim for either an elected or appointed position. Either way, you should maximize your involvement in the SGA.

More importantly, talk with your peers about their concerns and interests. Your role in the SGAS boils down to advocating for your peers.

Once you’re in, it can be tough balancing your SGA work with your academics and other commitments. Keep these tips in mind to maintain a good balance.

• Set your priorities first. Your academics must be a top priority. SGA work is crucial, too, but it shouldn’t interfere with your studies.
• Create a weekly and daily schedule. Use time-blocking methods to devote time to specific tasks.
• Take advantage of the flexibility of SGA work. Use video conferencing, time tracking, and productivity tools, too.
• Delegate tasks, if necessary. Work with other SGA members to ensure smooth operations.

Take good care of yourself, too. Your well-being is your best asset in meeting your obligations.

The Role of SGAs in Enhancing Online Education

Here are the ways how SGAs support online students in their college journey. If you’re an SGA member, you’re an active part of the support that it gives.

Act as the student body’s voice.

SGAs conduct surveys and forums to collect student feedback and concerns. Then, they communicate these concerns to the professors and administrators. Their goal is for the students to be heard and their concerns to be addressed.

Advocate for improved online learning.

SGAs can petition for better access to virtual services and resources available. In some cases, they can advocate for better or more virtual services and resources. Either way, these petitions result in improved online learning experiences.

Create a sense of connection and community among students.

There’s an epidemic of isolation and loneliness among college students. Furthermore, online students are at higher risk for feelings of isolation and loneliness. SGAs organize social events, curricular activities, and community projects to combat these feelings. The sense of connection and community among geographically dispersed students becomes stronger.

Indeed, engaging in student government as an online learner means being part of the solution. Peer tutoring and mentoring, mental wellness programs, technology upgrades, and inclusivity initiatives are among these solutions.

Furthermore, SGAs are also an excellent pathway in your professional development. You can, for example, attend online student leadership programs. Doing so means developing your leadership skills and boosting your resume.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Online College Experience Through SGAs

There’s a reason why the top colleges for online student government participation are also among the country’s best. Robust student engagement is a major indicator of their excellent student support services, technological infrastructure, and commitment to student satisfaction.

But it’s your ultimate responsibility to be an active player in your student government. You’ll appreciate the wide range of benefits it brings, from friendships to career development. While it has its challenges, it’s a worthwhile endeavor, too.