Self-Government Association: From 1892 to Today

The nation's first Self-Government Association in higher education was established at Bryn Mawr College. The SGA provides students with a voice today. As SGA President Charlie Bruce said in our companion feature story, inclusion is a key focus of the present era: "I tried to make clear while I was in office that this was a space where anyone could start a conversation.”

Infographic designed by Jodee Winger.

Infographic Text

SGA Timeline: We Rule

1892
First: Bryn Mawr College establishes the nation’s first student Self-Government Association.

1925
Tobacco: Smoking is allowed on campus with one room per hall and the lower athletic field reserved for smokers.

1927
Access: Campusing and fines (up to $10) replace suspension for infractions such as signing out to the wrong address, and entering the halls through the windows after hours.

1954
Integrity: The SGA Constitution is amended to include the Academic Honor System.

1968
Men: Meeting in Atlantic City with the board chair of the Student Affairs Committee, the SGA, led by Drew Gilpin Faust ’68, and administrators abolish parietal rules.

1976
Equal Rights: The Equal Rights Amendment allows resident Haverford men to hold SGA office.

2010
Restrooms: The SGA passes a resolution to support single-use restrooms in nonresidential spaces on campus gender-neutral.