When a group of engaged students realized that there was a need for a student council that could bring students together across the faculties and ensure that the students’ voice was heard in the university’s committees and councils, the SDS was established as a student organization with the aim of strengthening student influence and improving the conditions for all students – both professionally and socially.

In 2026, Syddansk Students became the official student council at University of Southern Denmark and today serves as the students' common mouthpiece at the university.

SDS has a formal organizational structure with a board of eight members, including the chairman and vice chairman, as well as up to two deputies. The board works together with the business committee, which consists of the board and the members responsible for the individual committees. This includes the organization’s many committees and subcommittees – large and small – all of which play an important role in the association’s work and in efforts to create the best possible framework for student life at SDU.