About Student Government

History of Student Government

The Student Senate came about in the spring semester of 2002 with the ratifying of its Constitution. On May 3, 2002 the first Student Senate meeting was held in the Office of Student Life. Today, the Student Senate assembles for regular sessions on a biweekly basis and for emergency sessions as necessary.

The Student Senate is the main avenue of governance for the students. The Student Senate deals with pertinent issues that affect the day-to-day lives of students at the University of Scranton. The Senate is chaired by the Vice-President of Student Government who votes only in the case of a tie. The other Executive members of Student Government are the President, a non-voting member with veto authority, as well as the Secretary and Treasurer, both non-voting members. The body of the Student Senate is made up of four representatives from each class, two commuter representatives, two off-campus representatives, and two resident representatives for a total of 22 members.

There are four standing committees formed out of the Senate: Safety and Crime Prevention, Residence Life and Dining Services, Academic Affairs, and Appropriations. Proposed legislation is sent to the appropriate committee for research and development at the discretion of the Chair. The Executive Treasurer advises the Appropriations Committee; a Senator appointed by the Executive Council chairs each of the committees.

Constitutional Preamble

We, the students of The University of Scranton, desiring to support the Ignatian mission of The University of Scranton by promoting the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ in all aspects of student involvement through a commitment to leadership and service to others; to provide a means for responsible and effective student participation in the organization and in the operation of student affairs; to provide a forum for the expression of student views and interests; to maintain academic freedom, academic responsibility, and student rights; to improve student culture, social, and physical welfare; to develop better student educational standards, facilities, and teaching methods; to help promote national and international understanding and fellowship at the student level; to organize and mobilize student involvement in seeking solutions to the serious problems facing the community, the nation, and humankind; and to promote the recognition of students’ rights and responsibilities to the university, the community, and humanity; do hereby establish this Constitution of the Student Government at The University of Scranton.