Michigan Student Assembly

Michigan Student Assembly is the central student government at the University of Michigan, representing over 43,000 students on the Ann Arbor, Michigan campus, including those from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, College of Engineering, Ross School of Business, and Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. The assembly works closely with various student organizations, such as the Michigan Union, University of Michigan Student Organizations, and Greek Life at the University of Michigan. The Michigan Student Assembly also collaborates with administrative bodies, including the University of Michigan Board of Regents, University of Michigan Administration, and the Ann Arbor City Council. Additionally, the assembly interacts with other student governments, like the University of Michigan-Dearborn Student Government and the University of Michigan-Flint Student Government.

● History

The Michigan Student Assembly was established in 1904 as the University of Michigan Student Council, with the primary goal of promoting student interests and welfare on campus, similar to the Harvard University Student Council and the Yale University Student Council. Over the years, the assembly has undergone several transformations, including a name change in 1976 to the Michigan Student Assembly, and has been influenced by various student movements, such as the Free Speech Movement and the Anti-War Movement. The assembly has also been involved in numerous initiatives, including the University of Michigan's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, the University of Michigan's Earth Day events, and the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Notable figures, such as Tom Hayden, Mario Savio, and Angela Davis, have spoken at the University of Michigan and interacted with the Michigan Student Assembly. The assembly has also worked with other organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

● Structure

The Michigan Student Assembly is composed of various committees, including the Academic Affairs Committee, the Student Life Committee, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, which work together to address student concerns and promote campus initiatives, such as the University of Michigan's Go Blue Guarantee and the University of Michigan's Campus Sustainability Initiative. The assembly is led by a President of the Michigan Student Assembly, who is elected by the student body, and is advised by the University of Michigan's Vice President for Student Life and the University of Michigan's Dean of Students. The assembly also has representatives from various student organizations, including the University of Michigan's Black Student Union, the University of Michigan's Asian American Student Association, and the University of Michigan's Latinx Student Organization. Furthermore, the assembly collaborates with other student governments, such as the Michigan State University Student Government and the Western Michigan University Student Government.

● Elections

Elections for the Michigan Student Assembly are held annually, with students from various colleges and schools participating, including the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the College of Engineering, and the Ross School of Business. The elections are overseen by the University of Michigan's Election Commission, which ensures the integrity and fairness of the process, similar to the Federal Election Commission. Students can vote for representatives from their respective colleges, as well as for the President of the Michigan Student Assembly and other executive board members. The assembly also works with other organizations, such as the League of Women Voters and the National Association of Secretaries of State, to promote voter registration and civic engagement among students. Notable elections have included the 2018 University of Michigan Student Government Elections and the 2020 University of Michigan Student Government Elections.

● Controversies

The Michigan Student Assembly has been involved in several controversies over the years, including debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, such as the University of Michigan's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan, and the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has been a topic of discussion among students and faculty, including Noam Chomsky and Cornel West. The assembly has also faced criticism for its handling of student fees, including the University of Michigan's Student Life Fee, and its allocation of funds to various student organizations, such as the University of Michigan's Muslim Student Association and the University of Michigan's Jewish Student Association. Additionally, the assembly has been involved in discussions about campus safety, including the University of Michigan's Campus Safety Initiative, and mental health resources, such as the University of Michigan's Counseling and Psychological Services. The assembly has also interacted with other organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

● Impact

The Michigan Student Assembly has had a significant impact on campus life and student experiences, including the establishment of the University of Michigan's Student Organization Funding program and the University of Michigan's Campus Events series. The assembly has also worked to promote student wellness, including the University of Michigan's Wellness Initiative and the University of Michigan's Recreational Sports program. Furthermore, the assembly has been involved in various community outreach initiatives, including the University of Michigan's Community Engagement program and the Ann Arbor Community Foundation. The assembly has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the United Way and the American Red Cross, to support local charities and community events, including the Ann Arbor Art Fair and the University of Michigan's Charity Events. Notable initiatives have included the University of Michigan's Food Drive and the University of Michigan's Volunteer Day.

● Reformation

In recent years, the Michigan Student Assembly has undergone significant reforms, including the establishment of a new constitution and the creation of a Student Advocacy Center, which provides support and resources for students, including those from the University of Michigan's LGBTQ+ community and the University of Michigan's International Student Community. The assembly has also implemented various initiatives to increase transparency and accountability, including the University of Michigan's Open Meetings Act and the University of Michigan's Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, the assembly has worked to improve its relationships with other student organizations and administrative bodies, including the University of Michigan's Graduate Student Government and the University of Michigan's Faculty Senate. The assembly has also interacted with other organizations, including the American Student Government Association and the National Student Association, to share best practices and promote student governance. Category:Student governments in the United States