Basic senate
information
This document provides basic information about the
Student Senate.
rev. 10/11
page 1 of 2
What is Student
Senate?
The Student Senate is the chief representative body for students
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Student Senate is the legislative branch of RPI
Student Government. Established by the Rensselaer Union Constitution, the Student Senate
serves as the student voice to the RPI administration, as well as the chief policy making branch of
the Student Union. Senate meetings are open to the public and are held in the Shelnutt Gallery in
the RPI Student Union at 6:00PM every monday night.
Who makes up
the senate?
The Grand Marshal chairs the Senate
The Grand Marshal is an elected student, serving as the head of the student body. Duties include
chairing the Student Senate, and representing the students to the RPI Administration and Board
of Trustees.
Four (4) Senators from each undergraduate class
Four Senators are elected from each class (freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior). Senators
have voting rights at general body Senate meetings and must serve on at least two Senate
committees (an exception is made for committee chairs). Senators represent their respective
classes to the senate, and in turn, the administration.
Six (6) Graduate Senators
The six graduate Senators serve the same role as undergraduate senators. They are required to be
active in only one committee due to increased course load.
Other Senators and Representatives
The Senate has one Senator elected by the Independent Council, and one Greek Senator. The
Greek Senator position switches between the Interfraternity & Panhellenic Council each semester.
Chairs of Senate Committees need not be Senators. If not a Senator, they have no voting rights,
but are expected to attend Senate Meetings.
What is
Rensselaer
Polytechnic
Institute?
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the oldest technical university in the
English speaking world. RPI offers degrees at the undergraduate (bachelor’s) and graduate
(master’s, and doctoral) levels. RPI prepares students for future success in research and industry
positions, as seen in notable alumni including the engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, creator of the
Ferris Wheel, inventor of the digital camera, manager of the Apollo 11 project and more.
contact
information
[email protected]
(518) 276–4085 x1
http://studentsenate.rpi.edu
Disclaimer
The information expressed here is a product of the Student Senate and does not
necessarily reflect the official position of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Basic senate
information
What does
senate do?
This document provides basic information about the
Student Senate.
rev. 10/11
page 2 of 2
Student Senate has a variety of ongoing projects to enhance the Rensselaer student experience and
make sure that student interests are understood by the administration. We are split into various
committees and groups which each tackle different problems related to the student experience.
Academic Affairs Committee (AAC)
AAC is responsible for all senate initiatives and legislation corresponding with the Research
or Academic portfolios of Rensselaer. Its areas of responsibility include course evaluation,
student research, student-faculty relations, academic curricula, international education, and the
Registrar’s office.
Advocacy, Community, & Advancement Committee (ACAC)
The ACAC is responsible for all senate legislation and initiatives corresponding to the Stratigic
Communication & External Relations and Advancement divisions at Rensselaer. Their
responsibilities include all topics relating to students involving stakeholders outside of the
on-campus Rensselaer community, especially in the areas of advocacy (on the local, state,
and national scales), community, and Union advancement.
Communications Division (SenCom)
SenCom is responsible for making sure that the student body and outside media is aware of the work
of the student senate. Subcommittees include the Design Group, responsible for designing effective
publications and the WebTech Group, responsible for maintaining the Senate’s online presense.
Finance, Facilities, & Administration Committee (FFA)
FFA is responsible for all senate legislation and initiatives corresponding with the Administration
and Finance portfolios of Rensselaer. It covers a broad range of topics, including institutional
finance, financial aid and bursar operations, physical facilities, campus planning, auxiliary
services, public safety, parking & transportation, and sustainability.
Rules & Elections Committee (R&E)
R&E is responsible for running student government elections. This committee is responsible for
creating an elections handbook, which must be approved by the Senate, and enforcing elections
rules. Elections are held for freshman positions during September of each new year, and for all
other positions during Grand Marshal Week in the Spring.
Student Life Committee (SLC)
SLC is responsible for all senate legislation and initiatives within the division of Student Life.
Its areas of responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the Rensselaer Student Union and its
associated programs and services, athletics and recreation, school morale, residence life, health
services, and the CLASS Initiative.
contact
information
[email protected]
(518) 276–4085 x1
http://studentsenate.rpi.edu
Disclaimer
The information expressed here is a product of the Student Senate and does not
necessarily reflect the official position of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.