SENATORS
Each degree-granting department is eligible to have two senators. Senators attend monthly senate meetings and are encouraged to serve on at least one committee. Each department determines a method for selecting senators. Options include elections, appointments by student group or self-appointment. Under-represented graduate and professional minority groups may also petition to elect one Senator to represent that group.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SENATE REPRESENTATION
Every degree-granting department at UW is eligible to have two GPSS Senators. Having a Senator is important because it:
- Increases the visibility of your department
- Makes your department eligible for funds from GPSS
- Ensures that the interests of your department are represented in on-campus and legislative policy decisions
- Ensures that students in your department are kept apprised of university-wide programs and information
SENATOR JOB DESCRIPTION
- Attend a monthly senate meeting on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 pm in HUB 310 (Senators lose their position if they do not attend at least one meeting per quarter).
- Read the monthly senator email sent prior to the meeting to become informed in advance of the items that will be voted on at the meeting.
- Forward specified GPSS email announcements to students in the department (the Senator is the liaison between students in their department and GPSS/University Administration)
- Senators are encouraged to serve on at least one committee. GPSS Committees include the Finance & Budget Committee, the Judicial Committee and the Executive Committee and are limited to Senators. University Committees are open to all students and include a wide range of topics. Visit the committee page for more details.
SENATOR SELECTION
Each degree-granting department determines its own method for selecting Senators. While many departments do hold annual elections, some departments appoint senators or seek volunteers. Of those that hold elections, some do it in the spring of the prior year, while others do it in the fall. Contact your department Graduate Program Advisor to find out what the process is in your department.