About the Student Senate

Gettysburg College's Student Senate is the primary governing and coordinating organization of the student body. Senate plays a critical role in representing student perspectives in the discussion of all campus issues. The Body of the Senate is comprised of seven Senators for each class year, elected respectively by their class, as well as an Executive Committee elected by the entire student body. These positions offer students not only a great opportunity to get involved in the college community, but valuable leadership experience as well. Senate meetings provide a forum for discussion about the concerns of the campus, both large and small, and utilize committees to respond to these concerns accordingly. Senate also oversees all Senate Recognized clubs and organizations on campus. The organizations have access to funding, publicity, and other resources that benefit their programmatic goals.

The Executive Council

The Executive Council of the Student Senate is comprised of the elected officers - President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer - and two additional members - Clubs Liaison and Parliamentarian - who are appointed by the elected officers. The role of the Executive Council is to oversee the internal and external operations of the Senate. They are responsible for setting goals and developing action plans to attain them. They meet regularly to hold in-depth discussion on issues before the Senate and to prepare for the regular meetings of the Senate.   

The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Student Senate is comprised of the elected and appointed Executive Council, as well as the chairpersons of each Senate Committee. The role of the Board of Directors is to finalize the agenda for the regular meetings of the Senate, to report all committee matters, and to discuss all committee actions before they are brought to the Senate floor.

The Legislative Body

The Legislative Body of the Student Senate is overseen by the President with the assistance of the Parliamentarian.  It consists of thirty-one voting members including the Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, as well as the seven representatives elected by each class year. All members of the Legislative Body are expected to discuss and evaluate issues and concerns with their constituents, to make recommendations and to take appropriate actions, to represent student opinion, to provide institutional feedback, and to serve on Senate and College Committees.

Club Representatives   

Each Senate Recognized Club and Organization is required to send a member to represent the club or organization. They are urged to offer their thoughts and opinions during open discussions, to provide updates on the club's activities, and to announce upcoming events.