About Student Government (SG)
What Is SG?
The Student Government (SG) is UHCL's student government body and official student representative organization. It includes representatives from all registered student organizations, the Executive Council and the Senate. SG's three primary purposes are to:
- Advocate for and speak on behalf of the student body at large.
- Provide input to university administration on student and organizational issues.
- Elect/appoint students to university committees.
Mission
The Student Government shares the goal of the University of Houston-Clear Lake to produce students who are satisfied with their university experience and who are afforded the widest opportunities with that experience. The Student Government recognizes the need to provide a more responsive environment for students entering academia. Therefore, the mission of the Student Government, as it relates to the strategic design of the university, is to join the university in its efforts to create a climate which fosters academic excellence as well as professional development.
Vision
Our vision is to foster a vibrant and inclusive student government at the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL), where students are empowered to shape their university experience and become catalysts for positive change. We envision a student government that embraces diversity, cultivates leadership, and advocates for the needs and aspirations of all UHCL students. By fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and engagement, we aim to build a stronger future for our campus community, one that embodies the spirit of a UHCL Hawk and reflects the collective voice and aspirations of UHCL students.
SG Executive Council
Elected by a majority vote, four officers comprise the SG Executive Council (EC) for a one-year term of office.
2025-2026 SG Executive Council

Zachary Sheriff
President

Navy Karunarathne
Vice President-University Committees

Philip Abraham
Vice President-Administration

Chareena Kona
Vice President-Outreach & Communication
Mr. Zachary Sheriff, President
Zachary Sheriff is majoring in Education and has a strong passion for teaching and advocating for equitable education for all students. As a Black aspiring educator, he is deeply committed to making a difference in the field of education. He is passionate about creating space for more student voices and advocating for inclusive opportunities on campus. Zachary is excited to be entering his second term, continuing his dedication to serving the UHCL community. When he is not in class, you can find him collaborating with peers in the Student Government office or participating in campus activities.
Ms. Navya Karunarathne, Vice President – University Committees
Navya Karunarathne is a Biology major who is excited to serve as the Vice President of Committee Coordination. She joined student government to stay engaged on campus, give back to the community, and help strengthen the student experience. Navya enjoys collaborating with others, staying organized, and finding meaningful ways to improve student life. In her role, she hopes to support committees effectively, encourage teamwork, and ensure that students feel heard, valued, and supported. Dedicated and community‑minded, Navya is passionate about staying active on campus and working toward positive changes that benefit the entire student body.
Mr. Philip Abraham, Vice President - Administration
Philip Abraham is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Computer Science, with plans to specialize in data science and machine learning. Outside the classroom, he is actively involved in campus life through leadership roles in Dodgeball Club and the Association for Software and Computing Integration (ASCI). Through these roles and his involvement in Student Government, Philip is committed to supporting the personal and professional development of students across campus. As Vice President of Administration, he oversees the planning, organization, and logistics of various Student Government functions. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and following Houston sports.
Ms. Chareena Kona, Vice President - Outreach & Communications
Chareena is serving as Vice President of Outreach & Communication for UHCL’s Student Government. She is thrilled to be part of Student Government and is dedicated to connecting with and engaging the UHCL community. Chareena is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, balancing her rigorous academic studies with her passion for creativity. She enjoys arts and crafts, particularly painting, and loves bringing creativity into everything she does, from her personal projects to her leadership work. Chareena is excited to use her artistic perspective and communication skills to make a meaningful impact on campus and inspire others to get involved.
Senators
The SG Senate is composed of elected or appointed students, representing UHCL's academic colleges, student organizations, and general student body. The Senate considers SG legislation and focuses on campus and academic areas for improvement that would benefit students. Please email sga@uhcl.edu for more information.
| 2025 - 2026 Senators by Academic College | Student Representative |
|---|---|
| College of Business (COB) | Mr. Eshan Rajan, Undergraduate Senator |
| College of Business (COB) | Mr. Sunny Dhanjal, Graduate Senator |
| College of Education (COE) | Ms. Vilmar Cerda, Graduate Senator |
| College of Human Sciences & Humanities (HSH) | Apply Now! |
| College of Science & Engineering (CSE) | Apply Now! |
Shared Governance
UHCL's Shared Governance provides a collaborative avenue through which the constituent groups (students, faculty and staff) monitor and advise the university's president on matters of policy and procedures.






