How To Join Student Senate

Be a leader at Valpo! Join Student Senate.

Election Process

For students expected to be second, third, or fourth-year students, elections take place during the latter half of the spring semesters. All potential candidates will be required to gather electronic signatures and campaign for their position. Campaigns should focus on current issues facing the university, as well as trying to get students to vote. Voting is done through online ballots sent out via email to every student. Each year the timeline changes, so please check back for up-to-date information. To get on the ballot, students should:

  • Attend an informational meeting that will detail the duties of Student Senate positions and explain the campaign process.
  • Gather signatures during one full week.
  • Campaign for the position during the campaigning period.

For incoming first-year students, elections take place during the first few weeks of the fall semester. Only first-year students are eligible to vote, and the voting will be done through online ballots emailed out to all students in their first year. Each year, the timeline changes, so please check back for up-to-date information. To get on the ballot, first-year students should:

  • Attend an informational meeting that will explain the campaign process.
  • Print and complete an Election Petition form.
  • Obtain 30 signatures from first-year students.
  • Obtain a signature from a current Student Senator.
  • Campaign for the position during the campaigning period.

Elections For The 2023-2024 Academic Year

All potential candidates for all constituencies will be required to attend the Elections Petition Meeting on August 31st, at 7pm in the Victory Bell room of the Harre Union. At this meeting, potential candidates will receive information necessary to run a campaign. As soon as the meeting ends, formal campaigning will begin. The formal campaigning period will last from the Petition Meeting until the polls close on Election Day. Petitions for elections will be due by September 7th at 11:59pm. Students who turn in their petitions on time and meet the necessary requirements will then be considered a candidate on the ballot. Election Day will be on September 12th and the polls will be open from 8am to 5pm.