Student Senate Position Description
St. Catherine University
Student Senate
Leadership Team
President
(Elected)
Senate Official
(Appointed)
Senate Chair
(Elected)
Legislative Branch
(Elected)
Executive Branch
(Appointed)
-Academic Affairs (2)
-First Year Representative (2)
-Administrative Affairs (2)
-Sophomore Representative (2)
-Diversity (2)
-Junior Representative (2)
-Environmental Issues (2)
-Senior Representative (2)
-External Affairs (2)
-Commuter Senator (4)
-Financial Affairs (1)
-International Senator (1)
-Organizational Affairs (2)
-Resident Senator (2)
-Public Relations (2)
-Student Parent Senator (1)
-RHA Ambassador (1)*
-SEEK Chair (1)*
*Appointed through the respective
organizations
Advisors (2)
2016-2017
Introduction
The Senate is the governing body of the St. Catherine University Undergraduate Day population.
The Senate is defined as elected and appointed members.
The Senate shall consist of elected and appointed positions as the constitution prescribes.
Senate members shall have the power to pass all legislation necessary and proper for the orderly
conduct of government within the university community.
Qualifications and General Expectations
All members must be available every Tuesday during the semester from 12pm until 1:15pm to
attend the Senate meeting.
All members must be currently enrolled at St. Catherine University in the St. Paul Undergraduate
Day Program.
All members must be enrolled in courses that equal at least eight credits.
All members must be a member of the constituency they were elected or appointed to represent.
All members must maintain a cumulative a GPA of at least a 2.5.
All members must work toward the goals of the student body as stated in the preamble of this
constitution.
Each member may serve up to five terms.
Leadership Team
President (1)
Type: Elected
The student body at large elects the President. Candidates for the position of President will have
served the equivalent of a year term in Senate (one fall semester starting at the time of swearing
in and one spring semester ending at the time of the Spring Transition Meeting) before the
Spring Transition Meeting.
Responsibilities
a. Chairing the Executive Board
b. Attending all Senate meetings
c. Attending required committee meetings
d. Preparing a monthly report of activities to be shared with the full Senate
e. Accessibility to constituents demonstrated by required office hours and on special projects
as they arise
f. Maintaining communication with administration, faculty, and the student body.
g. Acting as chief representative of the Senate
h. Attending Board of Trustees, University Council, Minnesota Association of Private College
Students, and other meetings as a representative of the student body
i. Serving as an ex-officio member of the Organizational Affairs and Financial Affairs
Committees
j. Presenting a budget to the Financial Affairs Committee and abiding by the Senate approved
budgets.
Powers
a. The appointment of Executive Board members in concurrence with the Leadership Team.
The appointment then must be approved by the Senate
b. The appointment of Legislative Board members in concurrence with the Senate Chair, and,
when applicable, with the Senate Official, for any position of the Senate without
applications or not filled through elections. The appointment then must be approved by the
Senate
c. The power to call special meetings of the Senate
d. The power to create special committees as deemed necessary
e. The power to veto any legislation, overridden by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
Senate Chair (1)
Type: Elected
The student body at large elects the Senate Chair. Candidates for the position of President will
have served the equivalent of a year term in Senate (one fall semester starting at the time of
swearing in and one spring semester ending at the time of the Spring Transition Meeting) before
the Spring Transition Meeting.
Responsibilities
a. Chairing all Senate meetings according to the written agenda
b. Attending all Senate meetings
c. Attending required committee meetings
d. Preparing a monthly report of activities to be shared with the full Senate
e. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by effective electronic
communication and by work on special projects as they arise
f. Serving as a member of the Executive Board
g. Fulfilling other duties as the President deems necessary
h. Assuming the duties of the President in absence or at the request of the President
i. Appointing Executive Board members and filling any vacancies in the Legislative Board in
concurrence with the President
j. Training and assisting the Senators and Class Representatives throughout their term
k. Holding at least one Legislative Board meeting per semester
l. Notifying the appropriate bodies of all Senate legislation
m. Maintaining a record of all Senate legislation
n. Serving as an ex-officio member of the Financial Affairs Committee.
Powers
a. The power to call a special meeting of the Senate
b. The power to create any special committee deemed necessary.
Senate Official (1)
Type: Appointed
The Senate Official is appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate Chair, and must
be approved by the Senate. Candidates for the position of President will have served the
equivalent of a year term in Senate (one fall semester starting at the time of swearing in and one
spring semester ending at the time of the Spring Transition Meeting) before the Spring Transition
Meeting.
Responsibilities
a. Serving as a member of the Leadership Team
b. Serving as a member of the Executive Board
c. Attending all Senate meetings
d. Attending required committee meetings
e. Preparing a monthly report of activities to be shared with the full Senate during either
Legislative or Executive Reports
f. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by effective electronic
communication and by work on special projects as they arise
g. Appointing Executive Board members and filling any vacancies in the Legislative Board in
concurrence with the Leadership Team. The appointment then must be approved by the
Senate
h. Voicing any minority opinions that have not been considered
i. Seeing that the Senate functions according to the provisions of the constitution
j. Serving as Chief Senate Parliamentarian
k. The Senate Official either serves or appoints a member of the Senate to serve on the Dining
Services Committee.
Executive Branch
Administrative Affairs Chair (2)
Type: Appointed
The Administrative Affairs Chairs are appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate
Chair and the Senate Official, and must be approved by the Senate.
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings
b. Attending required committee meetings
c. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
d. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by a required additional hour
of Senate work per week and on special projects
e. Fulfilling other duties as the President deems necessary
f. Recording and distributing minutes from all Senate meetings
g. Monitoring office supplies and restocking when necessary
h. Monitoring Senate members office hours
i. Ensuring that the Senate office is kept clean, and that equipment is functioning properly.
Academic Affairs Chair (2)
Type: Appointed
The Academic Affairs Chairs are appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate
Chair and Senate Official, and then must be approved by the Senate.
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings
b. Attending required committee meetings
c. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
d. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by a required additional hour
of Senate work per week and on special projects
e. Serving as a member of the Executive Board
f. Fulfilling other duties as the President deems necessary
g. Maintaining a relationship with offices which are responsible for administering student
services in an academic capacity
h. Serving on or selecting student representatives for academically oriented committees and
for maintaining continuous communication with these representatives. These committees
include the University Curriculum, Assessment, and Policies Committee (UCAP), Core
and Subcommittee Global Search for Justice and, The Reflective Woman, Academic
Resources Committee, Faculty Meetings, Faculty Council, and additional committees as
they arise
i. Updating the Senate on decisions being made and issues being discussed in the
committee meetings attended and facilitating discussion and input on these decisions and
issues.
j. Reviewing the existing educational structure and investigating new and alternative
methods of education
k. Serving as the official representative of the Senate in all academic grievances
Diversity Chair (2)
Type: Appointed
The Diversity Chairs are appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate Chair and
Senate Official, and must be approved by the Senate.
Responsibilities
a. Chairing the Diversity Committee
b. Attending all Senate meetings
c. Attending required meetings
d. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
e. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by a required additional hour
of Senate work per week and on special projects
f. Serving as a member of the Executive Board
g. Fulfilling other duties as the President deems necessary
h. Planning one meeting/forum per semester to provide an opportunity for dialogue, raise
awareness, and solicit feedback
i. Serving as a liaison to Multicultural International Programs and Services Office, the
Pulse, SEEK, and other student groups and students at large on issues of diversity
j. Working toward a campus environment that is inclusive
k. Responding and listening to needs expressed and connecting students and groups to
appropriate resources and avenues on campus.
l. Organizing and chairing the NCORE application/selection process.
Environmental Issues Chair (2)
Type: Appointed
The Environment Issues Chairs are appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate
Chair and Senate Official and must be approved by the Senate
Responsibilities
a. Serving and representing the student body and student Senate perspective on the
President’s Climate Commitment (PCC) committee
b. Attending all Senate meetings
c. Acting as a liaison between Senate, the administration, and other environmental groups on
campus (i.e. MPIRG)
d. Supervising upkeep and organizing tours of the green roof on Fontbonne hall
e. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
f. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by a required additional hour of
Senate work per week and on special projects
g. Serving as a member of the Executive Board
h. Fulfilling other duties as the President deems necessary
i. Maintaining communication with other ACTC environmental groups and green initiatives.
External Affairs Chair (2)
Type: Appointed
The External Affairs Chairs are appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate Chair
and Senate Official, and must be approved by the Senate.
Responsibilities
a. Chairing the External Affairs Committee
b. Attending all Senate meetings
c. Attending required committee meetings
d. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
e. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by a required additional hour
of Senate work per week and on special projects
f. Serving as a member of the Executive Board
g. Fulfilling other duties as the President deems necessary
h. Coordinating all planning and preparation for Day at the Capitol, including education,
publicity, and recruitment
i. Coordinating publicity, review of nominees, and selection of recipients of Senate Awards
j. Serving on or delegating another member of Senate to serve on the Senate Awards
Selection Committee
k. Maintaining communication with ACTC colleges and universities, and all other colleges
and universities
l. Serving as representative to the Alumnae Board of St. Catherine University and any other
committee which arise therein
m. Serving as a liaison between the Minnesota Association of Private College Students, and
external groups of which the Senate is a member.
Financial Affairs Chair (1)
Type: Appointed
The Financial Affairs Chair is appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate Chair
and Senate Official, and then must be approved by the Senate. Applicants for this position must
have completed at least one semester of accounting or equivalent accounting experience.
Responsibilities
a. Chairing the Financial Affairs Committee (FAC)
b. Attending all Senate meetings
c. Attending required committee meetings
d. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
e. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by a required additional hour
of Senate work per week and on special projects
f. Serving as a member of the Executive Board
g. Fulfilling all duties as the President deems necessary
h. Presenting FAC recommendations to the Senate and coordinating the budget process
i. Maintaining accurate accounts for all branches of Senate and all Senate accounts
j. Administering all financial transactions including all Senate Funding Proposals and Capitol
Contingency Fund Transactions.
Organizational Affairs Chair (2)
Type: Appointed
The Organizational Affairs Chairs are appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate
Chair and Senate Official, and must be approved by the Senate.
Responsibilities
a. Chairing the Organizational Affairs Committee
b. Attending all Senate meetings
c. Attending required committee meetings
d. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
e. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by a required additional hour
of Senate work per week and on special projects
f. Serving as a member of the Executive Board
g. Fulfilling other duties as the President deems necessary
h. Overseeing the activities of chartered organizations
i. Recommending approval and/or renewal of chartered organizations to the Senate
j. Recommending the suspension of the charter of an organization for failure to comply with
the chartering policy or for abusing privileges of chartered status
k. Hosting one Club Leader Meeting per semester with the Student Center and Activities
l. Coordinating the process, including publicity, review, and selection, of awarding the
Club-of-the-Year awards
m. Updating the calendar of events with activities of the chartered clubs
n. Updating the Chartered Clubs and Organizations Handbook in collaboration with
Advisors.
Public Relations Chair (2)
Type: Appointed
The Public Relations Chairs are appointed by the President in concurrence with the Senate Chair
and the Senate Official, and must be approved by the Senate.
Responsibilities
a. Chairing the Public Relations Committee
b. Attending all Senate meetings
c. Attending required committee meetings
d. Maintaining and updating the Senate newsletter monthly
e. Maintaining and updating Senate Social Media efforts
f. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by a required additional hour
of Senate work per week and on special projects
g. Fulfilling all duties as the President deems necessary
h. Promoting and publicizing the Senate in the campus community, including projects such
as: Senate Week/Day, conducting and publicizing Senate elections, and creating/updating
the Senate Brochure
i. Polling the student body for opinions about and ideas for Senate
j. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team.
Legislative Branch
Class Representatives
First Year (2)
Sophomore (2)
Junior (2)
Senior (2)
Type: Elected
During the spring elections, two class representatives will be elected for each of the incoming
Sophomore, Junior, and Senior classes by their constituency. Each representative must be a
member of the constituency they represent. Two First-Year representatives will be elected
before October 1 of the following academic year. There will be a total of eight class
representatives.
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings
b. Attending required committee meetings
c. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
d. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by required Senate office hours
and on special projects
e. Fulfilling other duties as the Senate Chair deems necessary
f. Serving on appropriate number of committees as deemed necessary by the Senate
g. Actively participating and attending all of their committee meetings, and their duties
therein
h. Working within the group to publicize and promote the Senate on campus through such
activities as Senate Day/Week
i. Monitoring the opinions and ideas of their respective classes
j. Communicating electronically to constituents at least once a month
k. Planning one meeting/activity per semester to unite their class.
Senators
Type: Elected
Resident Senators (2)
Resident Senators must be resident students and may not be employed by Residence Life.
Resident Senators are elected by resident students in 1:300 proportions
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings
b. Attending all RHA meetings and serve on other committees if deemed necessary by the
Senate and voicing all matters of the Senate as time allows in RHA meetings
c. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication in
conjunction with the RHA Ambassador
d. Accessibility and commitment to her constituents demonstrated by required Senate office
hours and on special projects
e. Fulfilling other duties as the Senate Chair deems necessary
f. Addressing and communicating the concerns of their constituency to the Senate
g. Actively participating and attending all of their committee meetings, and their duties
therein
h. Passing all legislation necessary and proper for the orderly conduct of the government
within the university community, including chartering organizations.
Commuter Senators (4)
Commuter Senators must be commuter students.
Commuter Senators are elected by commuter students in 1:300 proportions
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings
b. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
c. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by required Senate office
hours and on special projects
d. Fulfilling other duties as the Senate Chair deems necessary
e. Serving on appropriate number of committees as deemed necessary by the Senate
f. Addressing and communicating the concerns of their constituency to the Senate
g. Actively participating and attending all of their committee meetings, and their duties
therein
h. Passing all legislation necessary and proper for the orderly conduct of the government
within the university community including chartering organizations.
International Senators (1)
International Senators must be international students.
International Senators are elected by international students in 1:300 proportions
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings
b. Attending SCISO meetings and serving on other committees if deemed necessary by the
Senate
c. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
d. Accessibility and commitment to constituents demonstrated by required Senate office
hours and on special projects as they arise
e. Fulfilling other duties as the Senate Chair deems necessary
f. Addressing and communicating the concerns of their constituency to the Senate
g. Actively participating and attending all of their committee meetings, and their duties
therein
h. Passing all legislation necessary and proper for the orderly conduct of the government
within the university community including chartering organizations
Student Parent Senators (1)
Student Parent Senators must be student parents.
Student Parent Senators are elected by student parents in 1:300 proportions
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings
b. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team by electronic communication
c. Accessibility and commitment to her constituents demonstrated by required Senate office
hours and on special projects
d. Fulfilling other duties as the Senate Chair deems necessary
e. Serving on appropriate number of committees as deemed necessary by the Senate
f. Addressing and communicating the concerns of their constituency to the Senate
g. Actively participating and attending all of their committee meetings, and their duties
therein
h. Passing all legislation necessary and proper for the orderly conduct of the government
within the university community including chartering organizations.
Social Events and Experiences for Katies (SEEK) Chair (1)
Type: Appointed by SEEK (formerly SKAT)
The SEEK Chair is a member of SEEK and is accountable to SEEK. The SEEK Chair has full
voting privileges on the Senate.
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings as a representative of SEEK
b. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team in conjunction with the SEEK
Liaison by electronic communication
c. The SEEK Chair will serve as a liaison between Senate and SEEK reporting to Senate
about SEEK and to SEEK about Senate.
Residence Hall Association (RHA) Ambassador (1)
Type: Appointed by RHA
The RHA Ambassador is a member of RHA and is accountable to RHA. The RHA
Ambassador has full voting privileges on the Senate.
Responsibilities
a. Attending all Senate meetings as a representative of RHA
b. Submitting a monthly report to the Leadership Team in conjunction with the Resident
Senators by electronic communication
c. Collaborating with Resident Senators to maintain clear communication between the
Senate, RHA, and resident students.