Applying for a Senate Seat

Any Registered Student Group who has been around for more than a year may apply for a seat on the Student Senate. All groups are encouraged to apply and add their voice to crafting student opinion. There are a number of steps, and at some times it can seem rather excessive, but the system is designed to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and responsibly. Just follow the steps, appear before the Senate when requested, and eventually your group will be granted a seat.

Paper Work

There are two forms necessary to be awarded a seat. The first is the Senate Seat Petition, which is used to varify your group's existence and membership. It will be necessary for the approval process. This form only needs to be completed once. Each time your group sends a new Senator to represent yourselves, they will need to complete a Senate Seat Renewal Form. This will provide a record of their attendence as well as authorize them to vote on your groups behalf.

The Process to Apply

1. Get a petition.

2. Get 30 people to sign it.

3. Write an addendum to attach to the petition answering the 3 questions regarding why your RSO should have a seat.

4. Turn the petition in to the Senate Membership Coordinator.

5. The Coordinator verifies that it is complete, and sends it to the Registrar's office to have the names, signatures, and student numbers verified.

6. Upon verification from the Registrar, the membership sub-committee drafts legislation to amend the Senate Bylaws to include your RSO in Senate.

7. The legislation comes to the Senate, where you or a representative of your RSO should be present to answer questions from the body.

8. When (and if) the legislation is passed by the Senate, it must then go to the Board of Directors (BOD) for approval.

9. If passed by the BOD it goes into effect (and your seat becomes active) at the next regular meeting of the Student Senate.

10. You must complete the New Senator Form providing your name, contact information, and committee preference. The head of your organization must sign the form granting you the right to vote on your groups behalf.