GSG Structure
How the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches work together — plus councils and committees.
Overview
Graduate Student Government (GSG) is organized as a three-branch system — Executive, Legislative (Senate), and Judicial — supported by standing committees and satellite campus councils (Greenville, Charleston, and REC). This structure ensures representation across colleges and campuses, clear accountability, and the capacity to deliver programs, policy, and funding that improve the graduate experience.
Branches
Each branch has distinct responsibilities. Together, they provide checks and balances, steward resources, and empower graduate participation in University decision-making.
Executive
Leads programs and cross-campus initiatives, represents graduate interests with University leadership, and appoints Directors/Chairs (the President’s Cabinet).
- Administers initiatives, events, and communications.
- Appoints and coordinates Cabinet (Directors & Chairs).
- Engages external partners and councils across campuses.
Legislative (Senate)
Department & council Senators propose and pass legislation, allocate funds, confirm appointments, and host town halls via Senate standing committees.
- Enacts legislation & policy recommendations.
- Allocates funding; confirms appointments.
- Operates Senate standing committees & forums.
Judicial
Interprets governing documents, ensures fair process, and advises on parliamentary procedure within the student government system.
- Interprets Constitution & Bylaws.
- Resolves disputes; ensures compliance.
- Guides procedure and due process.
A Balanced System
Together, these three branches form a system of checks and balances designed to:
- Guarantee representation for all graduate students, across departments and campuses.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making and finances.
- Advocate effectively for graduate student needs within Clemson University and beyond.
In short, the Executive leads, the Senate represents, and the Judicial ensures fairness — creating a professional, student-led government that advances the academic, social, and professional interests of Clemson’s graduate student body.
Representation at a Glance
- Departments: 2 Senate seats each (per department, per campus rules).
- Satellite Councils: 2 at-large Senate seats per council (Greenville, Charleston, REC).
- Dual roles allowed; terms may start or end mid-year.
- Committees: Executive- or Senate-affiliated; taskforces form for time-bound goals.
- Programs may be offered at one or multiple campuses.
- Contact: gsg@clemson.edu
Satellite Campus Councils
Satellite councils organize advocacy and programming beyond Main Campus. Each council also holds two at-large Senate seats that may be filled by eligible graduate students from its covered campuses.
Greenville Council
Coordinates graduate representation and events across Greenville-area campuses; allocates 2 at-large Senate seats.
Learn moreCharleston Council
Advocates for Charleston-based graduate students; organizes programming and holds 2 at-large Senate seats.
Learn moreREC Council
Represents graduate students at REC; supports engagement and 2 at-large Senate seats.
Learn moreCommittees Snapshot
GSG committees advance priorities across advocacy, governance, sustainability, engagement, and more. Here’s the current snapshot:
Executive Standing Committees
3+Examples: Sustainability, Engagement & Outreach
Lead programs and cross-campus initiatives under Executive direction.
Explore Executive committeesSenate Standing Committees
2+Examples: Finance, Governance
Advance legislation, oversee funding, and review appointments.
Explore Senate committeesAd-hoc / Joint Taskforces
1+Examples: Graduate Housing Taskforce
Time-bound teams formed for focused goals or cross-branch collaboration.
Explore taskforcesReady to get involved?
Join a committee, represent your department, or help lead a campus initiative. Your voice shapes the graduate experience at Clemson.