The Student Senate at Madison College was established in 1961.

To view our Constitution and By-Laws: VIEW HERE

Who We Are:

The Student Senate is the elected representative of all students at Madison College. It is the student government of the College, coordinating services for students, advocating for students, and more. The Senate is empowered by State Law (Wisconsin State Statute 38.145) to be the main voice of students and to have primary responsibility for the formulation and review of policies concerning student life and services.

Our Purpose:

  • Representing students voice in their Student Senate.
  • Providing a liaison between the administration and the students.
  • Promoting citizenship and leadership to the student body.
  • Encouraging improvement of the college.

When Are Our Meetings:

During the school year, we meet from 4:30PM - 6:30PM.

We offer both in-person meeting attendance, as well as virtual attendance opportunites.

See "Events" for more!

Senate Areas of Operation:

Executive Council

Consists of the 5 Executive Officers (Senate President & the four Vice Presidents) & Senate Advisor. The main purpose of the Council is to provide leadership and give guidance to Senate goals and initiatives. Each week, Council members meet and weigh in on topics ranging from appointing Senators to Shared Governance Councils to planning Senate events (ex. Student Town Halls).

Meeting topics will vary depending on what's going on around each campus and during the time of year. For time-sensitive matters, the Executive Council has the authority (per Senate Bylaws) to vote on behalf of the Senate when necessary.

General Assembly Meetings

Consists of the 5 Executive Officers, the Senate Advisor, and up to 15 Student Senators representing Truax, Goodman South, and the Regional Campuses. The main purpose of the the General Assembly Meeting is to allow the convening of students to allow the express of ideas, concerns, and amplify the student voice amongst the Shared Governance groups at Madison College.

Meeting topics will vary depending on what's going on around each campus and during the time of year. A formal business agenda is created, along with meeting minutes, and a video recording of the meeting that is posted in the "General Assembly section". These meetings occur on Thursday's from 4:30-6:30pm (weekly during the school year; bi-weekly in the Summer).

Senate Committees

Following Roberts Rules of Order, the Student Senate operates under and recognizes two main types of committees within our student organization. They are standing committees & special (also called select or ad-hoc) committees.

Standing committees are foundational for furthering Senate's progress and meeting goals that are laid out in the Senate 3-year plan. Additionally, standing committees do not expire from one senate term to the next. Typically, Executive Officers (VPs) chair these committees. Each standing committee addresses certain areas or topics and then conducts any important business that falls within that domain.

Special Committees address specific topics or needs and for specific periods or durations. Unlike standing committees, special committees have a life expectancy. This is either defined by dates known and/or agreed upon when a committee is created or by the expected work that's required to fulfill the committee's objectives. Special committees can also accommodate a certain issue of a certain academic year if necessary (ex. if there is a huge safety concern on campus, the Senate Committee on Safety can be formed).

Student Senate Roles Roles and Structure

Learn more about our structure, responsibilities, and how we serve the student body at Madison College!

PRESIDENT

  • The Head Of The Student Senate
  • Leads The Vision And Operations Of The Student Senate 3-Year Plan
  • Meets With The College Administrators On A Regular Basis, Such As The College President
  • Chairs The General Assembly, The Student Activities Board, And The Executive Council
  • Appoints Senate Committee Chairs and College Committee Members
  • The Ceremonial Student Leader Of The College

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

  • Chief Financial Officer And Secretary Of The Senate
  • Tracks All Attendance
  • Keeps The Rosters And Schedules Updated
  • Monitors The Senate Budget
  • Creates The 3-Year Plan
  • Senate Representative At The Student Activities Board
  • Chairs the Senate Committee On Finance

VICE PRESIDENT OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

  • Chief Law Enforcer Of The Constitution & Bylaws, And Policies Of The Senate
  • Parliamentarian Of The Senate
  • Governor For Madison College In The Wisconsin Student Government
  • Swears In New Senators And Officers
  • Presides Over Senate Elections
  • Acts As Senate Legislation Clerk
  • Chairs the Senate Committee on Rules

VICE PRESIDENT OF TEAM DEVELOPMENT

  • Trains New Senate Members
  • Leads Skill-Building Sessions And Knowledge Acquisition
  • Coordinates And Plans Team-Building Activities And Trips
  • Promotes The Development Of Senate Teamwork
  • Chairs the Senate Committee on Team Development

VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

  • The Spokesperson for the Senate
  • Promotes the Student Senate Brand
  • Manages Media Platforms
  • Promotes Senate Services & Coordinates Events
  • Chairs the Senate Committee on Public Relations

STUDENT SENATOR

  • The Individual Leaders And Representatives Of Students
  • Members Of Senate Committees
  • Members Of Shared Governance Councils
  • Sometimes Chairs Committees
  • Voting Members Of The General Assembly
  • The Overall Eyes, Ears, And Voice Of The Senate.

SENATE ADVISOR

  • Chief Of Logistics For Senate
  • Staff Member Appointed By Student Life
  • Makes Sure The Senate Runs Smoothly And Continuously
  • Non-Voting Member Of The Senate
  • Non-Voting Member Of The Executive Council.