What is the Undergraduate Student Senate?
The USS is the official representative body for all undergraduate students and is charged with enhancing and improving your overall experience at Virginia Tech. Throughout the shared governance system, members of USS represent your voice on university committees and commissions, contribute to policy recommendations and changes, and vote on wider university issues. Some examples include reviewing revisions to the student code of conduct, updates to UCSO constitutions, and proposals to create university task forces.
When do I have to apply by? & When are Elections?
Applications are open September 2nd and will close September 14th at 11:59 pm. Voting will take place from September 22nd to September 30th.
Are there any Major or GPA Requirements?
There are no Major Requirements! There are specific senator roles meant for a specific college; for example, a "College of Science Senator" would have to be in the College of Science. But we also have at-large senators who can be in any college and in any major! As for Leadership Roles, like Directors and Vice Presidents, there is no major requirement. As for GPA, the only requirement is that you are in "Good Standing" with the University. Essentially, keep at least a 2.0 GPA!
What are the Time Commitments?
Every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 pm!
*As a senator, you are given 4 excuses throughout the semester! This means, without penalty, you can miss 4 meetings, either the senate or the committee.
What does USS do on a week-to-week basis?
Every Other week, USS meets as a senate in Squires Auditorium (also known as Colonial Hall) in Squires! In this meeting, we read the agenda, previous minutes (meetings), resolutions (legislation), and have our VPs/Directors give short presentations on what & their committee has accomplished and is striving to accomplish. On the other Tuesdays of the month, you will meet with your committee! There are several committees that you can pick from, like Appropriations (Finance), Communications & Marketing, Governmental Relations, Administration, Special Programs, Issues & Policy, & More! This is where a lot of your work will come from. Your Director or VP will likely give you a task to complete, depending on which committee your in and what work the VP or Director has to delegate.
Who should I contact if I have questions that weren't answered?
If you still have questions, please contact the Director of Public Relations, Abigail Yonas (abigailyonas23@vt.edu). Or Deputy Advisor Kat Nelson (katn@vt.edu). If you're looking to speak with a specific Vice President or other Staff Member, go to the Contact Page of this Newsletter!