Because We Serve You
On November 20th, the Senate passed a transformational structure reform via the ratification of a new Constitution and adoption of new Bylaws. This milestone effort will streamline all facets of the Vassar Student Association.
A Purposeful Senate
Subject to the powers of its constituents and other limitations provided for in this Constitution, the business, activities, and affairs of the Association shall be conducted and all legislative authority shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Senate of the Vassar Student Association, hereinafter referred to as “the Senate”.
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Any powers not delegated within this Constitution shall be reserved to the Senate. The Senate may delegate its authority to any committee or committees, however composed, and non-enumerated authority to any official or officials, or unit or units, however composed, provided that all legislative powers shall be exercised under the ultimate direction of the Senate.
This new vision for the Senate affirms that the Senate is the leading branch of the Association, and is principally charged with fulfilling the mission of the Association to serve, represent, promote the interests of and improve the welfare of students.
Composition
The new Senate will be comprised of the sixteen (16) Class Senators, four per class year, and the President (chair) and Vice President (non-voting Parliamentarian). Other Executives shall regularly report to the Senate, and report as requested, though they are not themselves members of the Senate. All Senate meetings, including committee meetings, are open to all students and will be properly publicized.
Committees
The Senate has six (6) standing committees: Academic Affairs, Residential Affairs, Student Financial Affairs, Internal Affairs, Allocations, and Organizations.
Academic Affairs
The Committee reviews, monitors, and proposes all main motions introduced in the Senate related to College actions and policies affecting the academic community, especially as it pertains to the academic life and experience of students.
Residential Affairs
The Committee reviews, monitors, and proposes all main motions introduced in the Senate related to College actions and policies affecting the residential community, especially as it pertains to the residential life and experience of students.
Student Financial Affairs
The Committee reviews, monitors, and proposes all main motions introduced in the Senate related to College actions and policies affecting the financial commitments of the College as it pertains to student employment and financial aid.
Internal Affairs
The Committee reviews, monitors, and proposes all main motions introduced in the Senate related to: changes to the Constitution, the Bylaws, Senate Rules, or Senate Policies; the general outreach efforts and strategies of the Association to its constituents; the commissioning of subcommittees, select committees, and review committees; the official stances of the Association; and any other issues related to the internal affairs of the Association.
Allocations
The Committee oversees the Funds of the Association and make final recommendations of disciplinary action against Student Organizations or its Treasurer for actions or inactions of a financial nature to the Judicial Council, or, in the recommendation of censures, to the Senate.
The Committee reviews the fund applications of the Special Purpose Funds and Capital Fund as requested by the Director of Finance and all appeals to allocation decisions made by the Division of Finance and makes final recommendations to the Senate.
Organizations
The Committee oversees all Student Organizations and make final recommendations of disciplinary action against Student Organizations or its officers for actions or inactions of a non-financial nature to the Judicial Council, or, in the recommendation of censures, to the Senate.
The Committee reviews certification applications of Preliminary and Certified Organizations and Student Organization policy changes and makes final recommendations to the Senate.