The Legislative Branch
I think legislation is such a powerful medium, when done properly. The language that you use can really carry a message, and can carry a message with weight.
The Student Senate
The SA Senate is composed of both undergraduate and graduate senators, representing every college within the university. Senators draft and vote on bills and resolutions, allocate money to student organizations, and work on policy projects.
The Student Senate meets biweekly on Mondays at 9:00 p.m. in Marvin 309.
To follow its happenings, click on the graphics below.
Don't just read about the legislative process –– see it in action at our next full-Senate meeting! Click here to view our year-long schedule.
The Leadership Team
The Leadership Team is appointed by the Executive Vice President and confirmed by the Senate. They assist the EVP with carrying out all administrative tasks of the Legislative branch.
CATHERINE MORRIS
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Senate Chief Policy Advisor
The Senate Committees
Within the Senate body are four committees and one assembly, which are headed by student chairpersons and cater to distinct needs of the legislature. Committees meet weekly and are open to the public.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee allocates more than $1.7 million in Student Association fees to over 500 undergraduate and graduate student organizations. In addition to allocations, the SA accepts funding requests in the form of spring allocations, co-sponsorships, micro-loans, and line-item transfers to support events and operational expenses for student organizations.
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Student Life Committee
The Student Life Committee advocates for improvements to on-campus issues outside of the classroom. In the past, the committee has worked on projects ranging from expanding dining options, to changes in Safe-Ride, to improving school spirit.
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Academic Affairs Committee
The Academic Affairs Committee focuses on issues surrounding advising, libraries, and all other aspects of academic life on campus. The committee has routinely advocated for projects concerning course descriptions, syllabi access, and the cost of textbooks.
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Governance & Nominations Committee
The Governance & Nominations Committee is responsible for filling Senate vacancies, overseeing proposed amendments to the SA Bylaws, and keeping the EVP informed of the progress of the three permanent committees. The Chairperson of the Governance & Nominations Committee is the Senate Pro Tempore.
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Diversity & Inclusion Assembly
The Diversity and Inclusion Assembly works closely with the Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement to advocate on behalf of multi-cultural student groups on campus. The assembly also creates strategic plans to ensure representation and foster multi-cultural community outreach.
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The Senators
Popularly elected by their respective school, SA Senators directly represent the interests of undergraduate and graduate students at GW. Senators embody the Student Association's mission: to advocate, allocate, advertise, and assist.