The Student Union Galleries Program (SUGs), founded in the fall of 1994, provides the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a professional student exhibition space that is operated by students. All decisions are guided by a student voice along with the help of a faculty advisor. Students are involved in every facet of the gallery's operation, from administration and program design to the selection of exhibitions, curating, advertising, installation and de-installation. SUGs produces six exhibitions during a semester held in two spaces operated by the program: LG and GX. SUGs provides an environment operated and controlled by a paid student staff and a volunteer committee, with the guidance of a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor is responsible for creating an educational environment, within the day-to-day operation of an ambitious exhibition program. SUGs advocates student work by assisting artists in all aspects of the exhibition process.

New as well as experienced exhibitors are encouraged to seek experimental and innovative curation. Participants are what make SUGs a vital organization, and their ideas, labor and enthusiasm mold the galleries. Any enrolled student is eligible to propose an exhibition of student work or join the SUGs committee. Each committee member volunteers at least 10 hours every semester, choosing exhibits, helping with installation, producing publicity, organizing receptions and running the galleries on a daily basis. Committee members are required to attend at least four meetings and the proposal review meeting. Students are needed from as many departments as possible (from arts administration to video to new media) to reflect the exciting diversity and innovation within the school art movements, and the satisfaction of empowering their peers by providing a supportive gallery system that produces quality exhibitions.