Student Government Association

Membership in Sonoran University's Student Government Association (SGA) is open to all currently enrolled students in good academic standing who can serve as positive and engaging representatives for the student body and/or their class cohort. The association represents the interests of the student body and acts as a liaison between the administration, faculty, and students. Elected SGA members representing each program meet regularly. There is SGA representation on the University Board of Trustees and other program-related regulatory boards and professional associations. The Dean of Students is the official point of contact for SGA and oversees all SGA activities and operations. 

 Sonoran University's Student Government Association (SGA), founded in 1994, fosters the highest quality of academic and social life for students at Sonoran University. SGA seeks to encourage communication and cooperation among students, faculty, and administration in matters of mutual concern and is intent on responding to student concerns in the areas of education, curriculum reform, student life, and professional training. SGA encourages school involvement in extracurricular issues and supports and fosters discussion about health, social, and political issues affecting Sonoran University's community. SGA is an independent body created for and by the students of Sonoran University. Additionally, student government representatives and officers carry with them an obligation on the part of their members, collectively, to model professional and positive behavior and at all times uphold Sonoran University's Student Code of Professional Conduct.

SGA Membership and Officers

Each program cohort or class votes to select a class representative for their cohort. Additionally, each winter quarter the student body elects SGA officers to lead SGA initiatives and represent the student body as a whole. SGA Officers (known as the SGA Board) include the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Vice President of Finance. Leadership positions in Sonoran University’s student clubs and organizations (i.e., University Board member, Registered Student Organization Chairs, and University Committee representation) are open to all currently enrolled students who maintain the minimum cumulative GPA for their program (see Program Policies for the prescribed program of study), do not exceed Academic Warning I, and are not currently enrolled in a course they have previously failed. Students engaged in a repeat who would otherwise be ineligible to retain their leadership position may file an appeal with the Dean of Students for consideration to retain their position. The appeal must include a plan reflecting a minimum of 20 scheduled tutoring hours to occur prior to or during the term in which the repeat occurs. SGA Class representatives who have amended their program that results in a change of graduation date are required to step down from their SGA Class President role, and a new class election must occur. 

• The SGA President, the official representative of the SGA, is responsible for facilitating school and Class President meetings.
• The Vice President is responsible for duties designated by the SGA’s President, meeting with committee chairs, and reporting information to the SGA.
• The Secretary is responsible for keeping and recording minutes.
• The Vice President of Finance is responsible for keeping track of all funds acquired and spent by the SGA and financial activities associated with the Student Government Fee, see Tuition and Fees.

SGA Representatives refer student concerns to the proper University officials for resolution. SGA also participates in multiple Committees that focus on specific areas of concern. These Committees address issues related to Sonoran University's Clinical Care facilities, tuition and fees, Library, curriculum, facilities, physician licensing, and research, among others. There is student representation on the President’s Council, Board of Trustees, Enrollment Management Committee, and Curriculum Committee, as well as other regulatory boards and associations such as the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association (AZNMA) and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).

The SGA Board is responsible for selecting representatives from each program, as required, to participate on the various committees and task forces requiring student representation. Some University committee operating codes allow for the committee chair to approve student members recommended by SGA. Representatives from each class and the SGA officers are elected in the winter quarter, serve one-year terms, and meet regularly. SGA will hold semi-annual town hall meetings with the entire student body to discuss the issues and concerns of students.

Sonoran University collects quarterly student government fees allocated to the SGA, which is accountable via annual budgets and audits and provided to the entire student population. The Vice President of Finance controls the funds, and all checks must have the signatures of two SGA officers. Amendments to policy found within the SGA Constitution are voted upon quarterly. 

Student Organizations

Registered Student Organizations (RSO) and clubs offer opportunities for students to interact with other students who share similar interests. A list of all registered student organizations can be found on the RSO/Clubs page on MySonoran. Guest speakers are frequently invited by these organizations, with event request approval, to share their knowledge in specific areas, creating continuing education opportunities and an opportunity to socialize with fellow students. Contact the SGA VP of Clubs or Dean of Students for more information on student organizations.

Event Requests

Student organizations and clubs wishing to host or conduct an event or fundraiser (see Fundraising Policy) must obtain approval using the Event Request form on the RSO page on MySonoran. Events need to be approved by various Sonoran University offices prior to being scheduled or advertised to the internal or external Sonoran University community. For more information, contact the Dean of Students or visit the RSO page on MySonoran.

Contractual Agreements

All student organizations must receive approval from the Chief Financial Officer before entering into a legally binding contractual agreement. Students are not authorized to sign contractual agreements as official representatives of Sonoran University and will be held financially responsible in the event that Sonoran University does not provide official support for a contractual agreement.