Student Leadership
What Is Merrill Student Government?
The Merrill Student Government (MSG Google site managed by students), the first student government at UCSC, serves as the elected representative body for Merrill College students at the University of California, Santa Cruz. MSG members serve as a voice for student interests and concerns, liaising with campus administration and other campus entities. They also represent MSG on various committees, including the Academic Senate, Student Committee on Committees, Student Union Governance Board, Student Union Assembly, and more. The Merrill Student Government funds student organizations, creates student employment opportunities, renovates Merrill College infrastructure, endorses candidates, and hosts campus-wide events to support social, cultural, and educational activities that benefit the Merrill community.
Requesting Funds
The Merrill Student Government (MSG) manages a quarterly budget of around $2,000 to fund student groups and organizations. Eligible groups include registered SOAR organizations, Student Media organizations, clubs affiliated with OPERS, and groups associated with campus offices or academic departments. To request funding, groups must complete the MSG Funding Request Form and submit it at least two to three weeks before the event date.
Merrill Student Government Funding Request
When deciding if you will be requesting funds from MSG please read this document in its entirety and thoroughly to be sure all the steps are followed. “The representative sent to the MSG meeting needs to be knowledgeable about your organization as well as the specific funding request.”
- Fill out all the funding request form in its entirety.
- Funding request needs to be in 2 weeks before your event date
- After you have submitted your proposal, you will be contacted with information regarding the meeting at which you will be scheduled to present.
- At the meeting, you will be asked to present on what your program is, how the event/program will impact Merrill affiliated students. The MSG student body might ask some additional questions. Feel free to bring notes if you need them.
Meetings and Participation
The Merrill Student Government convenes most weeks on Thursdays at 8:00 PM in the Charles E. Merrill Lounge, located behind the Merrill Academic Building. All Merrill students are welcome to attend. By participating in 2 meetings, students can gain voting status as “Members At Large.” This involvement offers opportunities to influence college activities, represent student perspectives, and collaborate on various initiatives.
Why join Merrill Student Government?
Joining MSG offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with the Merrill community, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the enhancement of student life. To learn more or get involved, attend MSG meetings, follow Merrill College on social media platforms, or contact the current MSG Chair or Advisor: msgcore-group@ucsc.edu
What has MSG Funded?
MSG members take pride in being involved with the entire Merrill community, including Residential Life, Administration, and the Merrill Programs & Leadership Office. Past funding awards have gone to, Film Production Coalition, Kresge Present Pride, Merrill Orientation Welcome Leaders, Shutter Slug, Emergency Medical Slug. Notable annual events include First Night Jitters, Recess, Monster University (movie screening), Slug Life 101, and MSG Open house andl Night Hike.