Q: What is the MSG?
A: The Medical Student Government manages the different clubs and organizations at the school and represents the needs of the student body to the school and community at large.

Q: Who are the members of the MSG?
A: The MSG consists of the MSG Officers (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary), the presidents of each class and the presidents of each recognized club or organization.

Q: How do I get involved?
A: Elections are held every spring, but you can get involved any time. We are always working on lots different projects (see our Goals on the Documents page [link]). Contact one of the officers and see how you can help with an existing project or suggest one of your own.

Q: How do I start a new club?
A: The best way is to start having meetings. This lets you figure out if people are interested and also shows us that you mean business. Next, fill out a petition for recognition, which you can find on our documents page (link), and submit a constitution. The Constitutional Review Committee will then meet and vote on whether your group meets the requirements for recognition (see next question) and then present their findings to the assembled MSG. The MSG will then vote on recognition status for your club?

Q: What are the requirements for recognition?
A: These are covered in the bylaws of our constitution (link), but there are five basic criteria an organization must meet for recognition:

1. Original purpose: It must not replicate or significantly overlap the purpose of an existing organization.
2. Membership: It must have at least 10 members.
3. Non-discriminatory: Membership must be non-discriminatory and open to everyone.
4. Non-partisan: The nature of the club must not be primarily partisan in nature.
5. Interest of Student Body: The organization must be in the interest of the general student body.

Q: Why do I want my club to be recognized by the MSG?
A: Money, credibility, and tax-exempt status. Recognition by the MSG qualifies your group for funding by the MSG after a probationary period. It also allows you to apply for funding from outside groups (like GAPSA). You also get the credibility of being an official organization, which can be especially helpful when dealing with businesses and other members of the community. Finally, the tax-exemption of the school is extended to your organization for any and all purchases it might make.