The legislative branch of SGA shall be called the Student Senate. The Student Senate will be composed of elected and appointed student Senators.
The Senate will consist of twenty-five (24) student Senators
Four (4) Academic Senators serve to represent the interests of students in their academic colleges and departments. The assigning of constituencies for Academic Senators shall be enumerated in the bylaws. i. One (1) Senator for the College of Business ii. One (1) Senator for the College of Education & Health Professions iii. One (1) Senator for the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences iv. One (1) Senator for the College of Natural & Applied Science
Two (2) Senators must serve to represent the interests of first year university students
The four (4) remaining Senators must fairly represent the Texas A&M University - Victoria’s student body.
No Senator may hold their seat on the assembly concurrently with apposition in the Executive Board.
All Senators shall be members of the Student Body and shall be in good academic standing unless decided upon otherwise by the Executive Board. Shall be in good disciplinary standing at the time of election or appointment and must remain in such status while serving in their position, as enumerated in the bylaws.
At the end of every long semester a $200 scholarship shall be awarded to a senator that is nominated and voted on by the Executive Board known as the “Outstanding Senator Scholarship
Meetings a. The Senate shall convene weekly while classes are in session during the long semester. These meetings shall take place on Monday, unless otherwise approved by the Executive Board. b. The Senate shall attend 1 training session a year in order to be able keep up to date on their roles and responsibilities.
Section 2. Authority, Powers, and Responsibilities of the Legislative Branch
Senators
Senators must abide by and support the Student Government Association Constitution and other governing documents; support the university community and its mission; represent the student body to the university and local community; initiate student referenda in accordance with university guidelines; approve and monitor the SGA budget; enact legislation, policies, and services on behalf of and in the best interest of the student body; accept reports from the SGA Administration, internal committees, and members of the university community; approve all budget expenditures over $750 before expenditures may be processed.
Senators shall represent the interests of the student body in general and shall be free to chair or serve on any committee as directed by the Student Government Association.
Senators must actively participate in the duration of a minimum of three (3) SGA events; duration includes planning for the event, participating and breaking down the event.
Senators must attend all SGA Meetings unless excused by the Speaker of the Senate (Attendance Excuses must be submitted within 24 hours before SGA Meetings or 48 hours after SGA Meeting, and a limit of 3 excused absences are allowed) failure to attend three (3) SGA Meetings in a row without being excused will call on immediate removal of position.
Senators are responsible for being active in an SGA committee whether it is as a chair or member.
Senators must participate in ten (10) volunteer hours a semester could be internal or external opportunities.