Role of Senators

All about the senator roles.

Department Senators

Department Senators are student-elected representatives for their respective departments and organize events that cater to individual department needs.

Responsibilities

  • Be the point of contact for the students of their respective departments regarding non-academic concerns
  • Attend mandatory Council meetings that are scheduled prior to the start of each semester (unless the Executive Vice President is notified beforehand and the absence is excused – maximum of 2 excused absences per semester).
  • Vote on proposals that are raised during Council meetings
  • Be available to volunteer for/attend VGSA-wide or “signature” events
  • Work with & maintain contact with their departments’ graduate-student advisors to promote VGSA events
  • Maintain contact with department-specific organizations, i.e., “sub-umbrella organizations” per GSG definition
  • Hold at least 1 department-specific event during each semester of service

Eligibility

  • Must be an enrolled graduate student of the department.
  • Must contest in the election held at the beginning of the semester and win majority votes.

Duration

1 academic year (if elected in fall), 1 semester (if elected in spring)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Senators

DEI Senators are selected by the VGSA Executive Board and aim to espouse multicultural competency through Viterbi-wide events that educate students and celebrate our diverse community. DEI Senators are student leaders who are committed to helping address social issues on campus, want to promote greater inclusivity within our Viterbi community, and are vocal advocates against racism and discrimination.

Responsibilities

  • Attend mandatory Council meetings that are scheduled prior to the start of each semester (unless the Executive Vice President is notified beforehand and the absence is excused – maximum of 2 excused absences per semester).
  • Be available to volunteer for or attend VGSA-wide or “signature” events
  • Vote on proposals that are raised during Council meetings
  • Assist with VGSA-wide activities
  • Hold at least 1 DEI themed/cultural event per semester
  • Maintain contact with DEI-related sub-umbrella groups such as SHPE, NSBE, CED, WiSE, etc.

Eligibility

  • Must be an enrolled graduate student from any department in Viterbi.
  • Must participate in an interview with the Executive Board of VGSA

Duration

1 academic year (if elected in fall), 1 semester (if elected in spring)