Student government works on issues such as improving facilities and technology on campus, enacting the right of students to participate in the administration of the University, funding student groups and events, ensuring the access of all students to the resources of the University, and providing an information resource for student groups. The Student Association serves as a liaison between the students and university administrators as well as the Milwaukee community. The Executive branch of SA is comprised of four executives and a staff that represents students at meetings and other functions within and outside the University, particularly on issues that affect students uniquely because they are students. The Student Senate is the legislative branch, comprised of 35 elected students. The Senate formulates policies pertaining to student activities, charters and approves funds for student organizations, confirms student appointments to various committees, and develops and communicates student opinion on a variety of issues.
Students can participate in many ways, the most basic of which is to vote in campus elections.
Students can also be appointed to a university committee, or even run for a position. Elections for the Senate and Executive positions take place in April. Court justices are selected by a search and screen committee and appointed by the SA president. Vacant Senate seats are filled internally. The Chairperson is appointed by the Senate.