Senate Committees

The Senate membership is divided into seven committees that carry out the majority of deliberative work. The committees are the first to substantively consider legislation, offer amendments, and debate merits. A piece of legislation will leave committees with either a favorable or unfavorable recommendation, or in some cases, no recommendation at all. At this point, the legislation enters the floor of the Senate for First Readings.

Academic Affairs Committee - Arianne Barr

The Academic Affairs Committee considers issues pertaining to the academic life of students as well as faculty-related issues. Some issues addressed in the past include curriculum changes, implementation of a minors program, and the importance of instructor evaluations. In the past (when the Senate was the Assembly), this committee took an active role in the discussion of the Cultural and Ethnic Diversity requirement and other proposals that were brought before the Faculty Senate.

Faculty and Administrative Affairs Committee - David Kim

This committee is responsible for looking into the issues on campus that deal directly with the faculty or administration that are not related to curriculum or quality of life issues. This committee may deal with fees, tuition, and administrative policies on equality and discrimination. This is the most politically active of the committees.

Campus Affairs Committee - Holly Jones

The Campus Affairs Committee is charged with discussing matters pertaining to non-academic student affairs on campus. This includes issues concerning student housing, campus food service, student health services, and may even sometimes include campus safety issues and special campus events.

Off-Campus Affairs Committee - Alex Jouravlev

The Off-Campus Affairs committee was established in 2004 as a new committee specifcally delineated to discuss and represent issues and interests of members of the student community who commute to school. This committee deals with matters such as transportation, city issues, disabled persons access, and more.

General Affairs Affairs Committee - Jono Hanks

The General Affairs Committee, formerly the Projects Committee, has the task of addressing issues or projects that do not readily fit into the framework of the other committees, but still represent the concerns of the Senate. This committee may explore topics and projects from a very wide subject matter. The main purpose of this committee is to work on the issues of concern that would otherwise not be examined within the Senate committees. This may include matters such as broader state and national policies.

Publicity and Outreach Committee - Drew Blincow

The Publicity and Outreach Committee was established in 2004 as part of the bylaw reforms of that summer. This non-legislative committee addresses the public relations needs of the Senate and promotes wider knowledge of Senate activity. The committee sponsors events such as Senate socials and outdoor tablings to increase camaraderie within the group and awareness without.

Membership Committee - Jon Solomon

The Membership Committee is a largely non-legislative committee that assists the Membership Coordinator in maintaining and administering Senate seats. This committee, does, however, frequently consider organic acts and bills that affect the composition of the Senate or duties of members.