Committees

The Senate Committees are the smaller deliberative bodies of the Student Association Senate. There are two types of committees: Standing Committees, which are permanent committees with elected chairpersons and members; and Ad-Hoc Committees, which are temporary committees formed by the Student Association Vice President as needed to address specific issues and needs as they are brought to the Senate's attention.

Every bill submitted to the Senate must first be referred to at least one of the six Standing Committees for their consideration and input. During the committee meeting, each bill is debated by the sitting members; in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, debate cannot be limited in committee meetings, so the majority of deliberation of a bill is done at this time. Once debate has concluded, the committees may recommend a bill as it is written, may recommend a bill with amendments (which the Student Association Senate as a whole must approve or reject), or may recommend against the passage of a bill.

In addition, the committees are also tasked with projects that they must undertake during every legislative session; for example: the Rules & Judiciary Committee is mandated by the Student Association Constitution to review and propose any changes needed to that constitution. Committees are also assigned particular duties in accordance with Student Association Laws and Policies as befitting their duties and responsibilities.

All Senate Committees are open to the public, and welcome students and student organizations to attend and contribute to their discussion. For more information on the times and locations of committee meetings, contact the respective Committee Chairpersons.