The NYU Shanghai Student Government is the elected representative of our student body, serving as the bridge between students and university administration.
We advocate for academics, wellness, residence life, facilities, sustainability, and campus culture; support and recognize student organizations; steward club funding; and help shape campus traditions through open dialogue and collaborative planning. Guided by transparency and accountability, we meet regularly in the General Assembly, publish minutes, and host Student Forums each semester to share progress and invite feedback. Above all, we care about an inclusive, engaged, and student-powered campus where every voice can lead to real impact.
The Executive Board (E-board) – including President, Vice President, Directors, and Representatives – takes the lead in Student Government operations, along with standing and ad hoc committees that transform student ideas into actionable initiatives. As part of NYU’s global network, we’re also engaged in the NYU Student Government Assembly to address cross-campus opportunities and challenges.
Feel free to contact us at shanghai.student.government@nyu.edu with any questions, ideas, or concerns about student life at NYU Shanghai, or to learn more about how the Student Government works, our upcoming initiatives, and ways to get involved.
The NYU Shanghai Student Government is structured to ensure effective leadership, transparent communication with students and the school, and meaningful student representation across the university community.
The Executive Board (E-Board) is the core decision-making body, consisting of the President, Vice President, eight committee directors, four class representatives, and the New York Senator. Together, they set priorities, oversee initiatives, and represent the student body at the institutional level.
Three appointed cabinet officers—the Chief of Staff, Press Secretary, and Financial Assistant—report directly to the President and Vice President. They support the E-Board’s operations through administrative coordination, communication, and financial oversight.
Each committee is led by a Director, who manages up to six Assistant Directors. Assistant Directors are selected through an application process and work closely with their Director to plan events, run initiatives, and ensure the committee’s goals are achieved throughout the year.
In addition, three dedicated Advisors are appointed by the university to support the operations of the Student Government. Each advisor works with specific committees, providing guidance, institutional knowledge, and continuity to help the Student Government function effectively and sustainably.
Our Events
Carnival of Terror
Carnival of Terror is a campus-wide cultural event hosted by Student Government that brings together global Halloween traditions, including the Day of the Dead and Obon Festival. Students can explore interactive booths, live performances, tarot readings, a costume contest, and a high-energy DJ set, all leading up to the night’s highlight—the student-designed Haunted House with multiple immersive rooms. The event celebrates creativity, collaboration, and community spirit, making it one of NYU Shanghai’s most anticipated annual festivals.
Dumpling Festival
The Dumpling Festival is a community event hosted by Student Government, where students gather in the cafeteria to make, share, and enjoy handmade dumplings together. Celebrating food, culture, and connection, the event brings the NYU Shanghai community closer through the shared joy of cooking and conversation. It also reflects the diversity of dumpling traditions across cultures, as students bring and exchange their own ways of wrapping, filling, and tasting dumplings from around the world.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Celebration is a beloved NYU Shanghai tradition that brings the community together to express gratitude, share food, and celebrate the season. Hosted by Student Government, the event includes lunchtime tabling activities where students write gratitude cards, share messages on a digital Thanksgiving board, and join a sticker exchange to show appreciation for others. The celebration culminates in a festive dinner party with themed dishes and live performances, creating a warm atmosphere of connection and thankfulness across the NYU Shanghai community.
Trash Fashion Show
Trash Fashion Show is one of NYU Shanghai’s most creative and anticipated annual events, hosted by Green Shanghai with strong support from Student Government. The show challenges students to design and craft garments entirely from recycled and repurposed materials, turning everyday waste into striking works of wearable art. Featuring a vibrant runway showcase judged by IMA professors and invited guests, the event celebrates sustainability, creativity, and collaboration, inspiring the NYU Shanghai community to reimagine fashion through innovation and environmental awareness.
TEDxNYU Shanghai Conference
The 8th Annual TEDxNYU Shanghai Conference — Emergence brought together distinguished speakers, students, and faculty to explore how small actions spark meaningful change. Featuring five talks and a panel on topics spanning ballet, art, AI, and global leadership, the event welcomed over 100 attendees for an afternoon of ideas and performances. Organized by the TEDxNYU Shanghai team with support from Student Government and the Student Organization Committee, the conference highlighted the power of student-led collaboration in fostering dialogue and community connection.