Meet Your Student Senate

Valparaiso University Student Senate is the campus legislative and advisory body that gives the students a voice on campus issues through representatives they elect. It is comprised of a five-member executive board and 25 student senators who represent various constituencies around campus.

Student Senate meets to discuss issues affecting all facets of campus life. It recognizes and allocates funds to student organizations, brings student concerns to the attention of the administration, and takes action to resolve these concerns. The Senate also has several committees which address issues in specific areas, such as residence hall life, media organizations, and intercultural affairs.

Many students from a variety of majors find their experience with Student Senate to be a great developmental opportunity that gives them firsthand experience with organization management. Senators are able to work on a range of projects that are related to their own interests or concerns for campus. The opportunities available through Student Senate and the more than 100 organizations we support provide enriching experiences that bring learning outside of the classroom into real-world situations.

Employers consistently comment on the high amount of responsibility and experience Student Senators are provided. Valpo gives students a great amount of influence on how the University is run. Senate is responsible for supporting more than 100 student organizations, managing the student activities fees budget totaling more than $600,000.00, and representing the needs of students across campus.

Student Body President

The Student Body President shall act as the spokesperson and external representative for the Student Senate. They shall attend university meetings that need student input, advise administrators on the student body’s agenda, as well as appoint students to various organizations within the university governance structure.

Student Body Vice President

The Student Body Vice President shall be acting chairperson of Student Senate. They will lead all general assembly meetings, coordinate with committee chairs, and regulate internal operations of the Student Senate. They shall also accompany the Student Body President at all university meetings and organizations within the university governance structure.

Executive Treasurer

The Executive Treasurer shall keep all financial records of the Student Senate and Student Senate recognized student organizations up to date. They shall coordinate with the Student Life Office when financial disputes arise within organizations.

Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary shall keep a record of all meeting minutes from the General Assembly. They shall be responsible for taking attendance, managing Robert’s Rules of Order during General Assembly, and reporting any grievances to the appropriate offices.

Press Secretary

The Press Secretary shall act as the liaison between the Student Senate and the student body. They shall manage all Student Senate social media accounts, coordinate with media outlets when questions arise, and be responsible for managing all communication channels for the Student Senate.

Senators

Senators represent their constituencies, assuring that the voices of their constituency are represented well in the senate. For example, a First-Year Senator represents first-year students.

• First-Year (4)
• Second-Year (4)
• Third-Year (4)
• Fourth-Year (4)
• Graduate (1)
• At-Large (6)
• Commuter (2)