Duke Student Government is the official representative body of undergraduates, working to enhance student life through advocacy, policy initiatives, and specialized programming. With over 100 students across five committees, a Presidential cabinet, research unit, judiciary, and an executive board, we collaborate with administrators and student organizations to meaningfully enhance the undergraduate experience by addressing student concerns and crafting impactful campus policies.
DSG allocates funding for all student organizations, approves major campus event budgets, and advocates for a better Duke experience. We are proud of our iconic campus programs — from Blue Devil Buddies to free RDU transportation — and we look forward to continuing our hands-on, innovative policy approach to concretely address student needs.
Our weekly senate meetings are open to all members of the Duke student body! Join us on Wednesdays from 7:30pm - 8:30pm in Schiciano Auditorium.
Senate meets every Wednesday from 7:30pm – 8:30pm in Schiciano Auditorium, and every meeting is open to the whole student body.
Bring an issue, find the committee that handles it, or just watch! No sign-up needed.
The KSAB is accepting applications for student ambassadors who have an interest in reducing financial barriers for Duke students in collaboration with the Karsh Office of Undergraduate Financial Support.
Join the team building DSG’s free professional clothing closet where you'll collect donations, maintain the space, and directly provide interview wear to students.
Find your match, build connections, and learn what comes next after Duke! Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate and professional students.
Angela Chen
President, Session 33
Dear Blue Devils,
I am grateful and honored to serve as your Duke Student Government (DSG) President as I enter my fourth year in DSG and my final year on campus. My administration is guided by the CARE principle: connection among campus communities, administrators, and DSG; affordability, by addressing Duke’s hidden costs; reliability in campus services and DSG operations; and engagement with the wider Durham community. In the face of a challenging political environment for higher education and rising affordability concerns, DSG is centering Duke’s defining value of care in everything we do.
An effective DSG is one that makes the Duke experience accessible to as many students as possible. This year, we are tackling the “hidden costs” of college by expanding the Devil’s Dresser professional clothing closet, institutionalizing free airport transportation during breaks, and spearheading course-material cost transparency. We are also working with fellow student organizations to implement student body-wide referendums which give students a direct voice on issues such as institutional responses to national issues and the University’s endowment.
Civic engagement is a top priority as we mark America’s 250th anniversary and approach the midterm elections. Through the We the People initiative, we are partnering with the University and the City of Durham to expand Democracy Day, bringing students and various campus stakeholders together for voter education and civic participation. We are also building partnerships with Durham businesses and coordinating intercollegiate civic education efforts with neighboring institutions across the Research Triangle, supported by relationships with student body presidents across the ACC, North Carolina’s independent colleges, and the Ivy+ network.
Authentic representation means reaching communities that have not always felt seen or heard by DSG. To that end, we have introduced two new Presidential Cabinet positions, the Director of Multicultural Affairs and the Director of Intercollegiate Partnerships, and we are celebrating the “unofficial” traditions, spaces, and student creations that make Duke feel like home for all.
Internally, we are rebuilding trust with the student body and strengthening how DSG serves it. This summer, task forces began re-examining our governing documents, working processes, and internal culture. We also expanded our communications, programming, finance, and research teams with 20 new student staff members. Led by an energetic and untraditionally young Executive Board, it is my hope that Session 33 will be led with connection, creativity, and a lasting culture of care for Duke and Dur(home).
Keep your CHENs up!
Warmly,
Angela Chen
For decades, Hispanic and Latinx students have served in DSG's senate, cabinet, and committees. This month we recognize their work and the students still doing it.
Learn about some of the prominent Hispanic/Latinx leaders in DSG featured on our LinkedIn!
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