Student Senate Executive Positions

There are four Executive Positions that are filled by Student Senators each year through a formal election process. On this page you will find descriptions of these positions as well as information to consider.

Student Trustee (3 positions)

There are three (3) Student Trustees, who are elected by their fellow Senators.

Student Trustees serve as a link between the Board and the Senate. On behalf of the Senate and all students in the Division, Trustees provide the Board with a student perspective.

• Trustees prepare written materials, including reports, speaking notes, and slides, for a minimum of three public Board meetings each school year.

• Trustees present these materials and answer questions from the Board during each meeting.

• Trustees may be asked to attend official Board functions and events as is appropriate and reasonable for the role.

• Trustees participate fully in the Student Senate and continue to fulfill their role as a Student Senator for their school.

• In all their actions, Trustees need to respect the responsibilities, opportunities, limitations, and boundaries of representing Edmonton Public Schools.

• This role may require additional training in media relations, which will be provided, if necessary.

Helpful Qualities: To succeed as a Student Trustee, it's helpful to be thoughtful, collaborative, and confident. Trustees should also have strong oral and written communication skills and be able to look at issues from multiple perspectives.

Senate Chair (1 position)

There is one (1) Senate Chair, who is elected by their fellow Senators. 

The Chair is responsible for running the formal portion of Student Senate meetings in accordance with established processes.

• The Chair works with Advisors to set the formal agenda prior to each Senate meeting and solicits presentation submissions from the other Senators.

• The Chair reviews the meeting agenda with the Vice-Chair prior to each meeting.

• Once set, the Chair provides the agenda to the Secretaries for the preparation of the minutes document.

• The Chair facilitates the formal portion of the meeting, ensuring the meeting proceeds according to the agenda.

• The Chair participates fully in the Student Senate and continues to fulfill their role as a Student Senator for their school.

Helpful Qualities: To be a successful Senate Chair, it's helpful to be organized and attentive to time. Strong oral communication skills and previous experience facilitating a group are also helpful.

Senate Vice-Chair (1 position)

There is one (1) Senate Vice-Chair, who is elected by their fellow Senators. 

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in their duties and acts as Chair in their absence.

• In collaboration with the Chair, review the meeting agenda prior to each meeting.

• Support the Chair in facilitation of the formal portion of the meeting.

• Chair meetings when the Chair is unavailable.

• The Vice-Chair participates fully in the Student Senate and continues to fulfill their role as a Student Senator for their school.

Helpful qualities: To be a successful Senate Vice-Chair, it's helpful to be attentive to time, supportive, and have strong oral communication skills.

Senate Secretary (2 positions)

There are two (2) Senate Secretaries, who are elected by their fellow Senators. 

Secretaries are responsible for recording the minutes of the formal portion of each meeting.

• Secretaries prepare the meeting minute document once the Chair or Vice-Chair has provided the agenda.

• Secretaries work together to take notes of key ideas and decisions during Senate meetings.

• Secretaries collaborate to make sure the meeting minutes are accurate and complete for review by the Senate at the next meeting.

• Secretaries must participate fully in the Student Senate and continue to fulfill their role as a Student Senator for their school.

Helpful qualities: To be a successful Senate Secretary, it's helpful to be organized, have strong written communication skills, and have good attention to detail.