Student Senate is the legislative and representative body of the ECOS student government. The senate is made up of 14 senators (one from each residence hall and two from the commuter student population), the Executive Vice President, the Parliamentarian, and the recording secretary. Because they are so closely tied to the student population, they hold a lot of power over many student affairs. They can disburse or freeze ECOS funds to student organizations and departments, approve clubs and appoint committees and other ECOS officers, and they are also involved in hearing impeachment proceedings and passing resolutions on administrative decisions. On the fun side of things, Senate is also responsible for helping to run Dorm Olympics and approving and organizing weekend approved amplified sound events.

 In order to become a Senator, students must run an election campaign during the third week of fall semester. They have to fill out a declaration of candidacy form, create a platform, and attend the declaration of candidacy meeting. This kicks off campaign week, and at the end of campaign week, each residence hall votes for which candidate they want to represent them. Potential senators find out after the election concludes whether or not they won a senate seat. 

If you are interested in becoming a Senator or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Vice President ecosevp@eckerd.edu

Senate is important because it is the most visible and accessible branch of student government! All senate meetings are open to the public (unless senators vote to close the session) so students can see what exactly the student government is working on. Senate also gets to be the megaphone for student concerns by getting a chance to review administrative decisions, referendums, and the behavior of other student government officials. 

Senate also handles the operation of so many of the organizations and events students love on campus. Without Senate, no clubs would be able to receive money or organize their meetings. There would be no ICV fund or budget for Springtopia, the theater troupe, or the Current. Without their review, approved amplified sound events on Saturday nights couldn’t come around. And there would be no friendly competition between dorms each month. 

Senate is a voice for the student body, and without them ECOS would not be able to be the bridge between the students and the administration.