[1] The society seeks to represent and facilitate the student experience, whether it is through a multitude of clubs, services, governance or volunteer opportunities.

Responsibilities are generally divided along the lines of the corporate and government sides of the AMS, with the VP University Affairs overseeing the five commissions and two of the three Government Offices, the VP Operations managing three student directors and their many corporate services, and the President responsible for managing four Offices, representing the Society and liaising with the administration.

[4] The Executive Team is responsible for the operational implementation of AMS objectives from year to year, with major decisions being made in regard to service operation, stances on advocacy and causes (including representation to the provincial government through OUSA), and general management of their portfolios.

The Commissions are responsible for the organization and oversight of a variety of student programs, activities, community initiatives, external representation, and social causes.

Led by the Judicial Affairs Manager, is one half of the AMS's peer-administered system of restorative, non-academic discipline.

This includes:[5] Due to the yearly turnover of the executive and senior management, there are permanent staff members to help with the longevity of the society.

The permanent staff positions include (but not limited to): The AMS was formed as an offshoot of the Dialectic Society, the precursor to the Queen's Debating Union.

[8][9] The AMS was incorporated in 1969 as a non-profit organization without share capital; the Assembly representatives also serve as the voting members of the corporation, and they annually elect a Board of Directors that oversees the services and financial affairs of the Society.

In January 2009, the Education Students Society (ESS) voted to leave the AMS, primarily over a debate regarding fees.

Today, the AMS seeks to enhance both the academic and extracurricular experience of its members while fostering connections with the surrounding community.