Bylaws Addendum 1: Specialist Senatorial Positions Description

The Academic Senator will serve as the central figure for academic advocacy, representing the interests and concerns of students from all academic schools and colleges.

Responsibilities:  

• Provost Meetings: Engage in regular discussions with the Provost to discuss overarching academic issues, policies, and initiatives affecting the student body across all colleges. 
• Dean Meetings: Meet with the Deans of the various colleges, including the Dean of the University Library, on a recurring basis as necessary to address specific academic concerns and opportunities within their respective domains. 
• Advocacy and Representation: Act as the primary advocate for addressing academic issues, including curriculum developments, academic resources, faculty-student engagement, and other matters critical to enhancing the academic experience of students. 
• Cross-College Coordination: Facilitate coordination and communication between different colleges to address common academic challenges and promote interdisciplinary collaboration and support. 

Expanded Responsibilities: 

• Cost of Education and Course Material: Advocate for strategies and policies aimed at reducing the financial burden on students. This includes promoting the use of affordable course materials, such as open educational resources (OER), and engaging with university administration to explore ways to limit tuition increases and additional fees. 
• Quality of Education and Academic Accreditation: Work closely with academic departments and accreditation bodies to ensure that the education provided meets high standards of quality and rigor. The senator will champion initiatives that enhance academic offerings and ensure programs remain competitive and accredited. 
• Support for Exchange Students: Address the unique challenges faced by exchange students, including but not limited to, orientation, integration, housing, and administrative support. The senator will serve as a key advocate for these students, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard within the university community. 
• Credit Transfer Advocacy: Tackle issues related to credit transfers, advocating for policies that are transparent, fair, and student-friendly. This includes ensuring that credits earned from other institutions or through study abroad programs are accurately recognized and applied towards degree requirements. 

Collaborations: 

• Liaison with Student Government Committees: Collaborate with relevant student government committees focused on academic affairs, library services, and student services to ensure a cohesive approach to academic advocacy. 
• Engagement with Student Academic Organizations: Work closely with student academic organizations and honor societies to amplify student voices and concerns related to academic matters. 
• Engagement with University Administration: Maintain ongoing dialogue with the Provost's office, financial aid, and academic departments to address these key areas of concern. The senator will need to present data, student testimonials, and proposed solutions to advocate for change effectively. 
• Partnerships with Student Organizations: Collaborate with student organizations that focus on international students, academic excellence, and financial advocacy. These partnerships can amplify the senator's efforts and provide a unified front in addressing student concerns. 
• Liaison with External Bodies: When necessary, the senator may also work with external organizations, accreditation bodies, and educational resource providers to support their advocacy goals. 

The Academic Senator at St. Cloud State University plays a pivotal role in streamlining and maximizing the efficiency of academic advocacy. This role aims to provide a unified voice for all students' academic interests, fostering effective communication with the university's academic leadership. By addressing students' academic needs and concerns, the Academic Senator significantly contributes to enhancing the overall educational experience on campus. 

Navigating the intricate landscape of higher education challenges, the Academic Senator focuses on key areas such as affordability, quality, support for exchange students, and credit transfer issues. This comprehensive approach ensures that the senator actively works to improve educational outcomes and support for the diverse student body, making a significant impact on the academic experience for all students at St. Cloud State University. 

At institutions like Monmouth University, Senator-At-Large positions represent the concerns of all students, including graduate populations, and are expected to be actively engaged with the Senate's regular business, attending all scheduled meetings, and serving on committees (Monmouth University). American University's Undergraduate Senate includes At-Large Senators who represent, legislate, and delineate policies regarding the concerns of the undergraduate student body, including academics, programming, and university policy. These senators are involved in drafting and voting on bills and resolutions and working with campus organizations on advocacy and policy projects (American University). Similarly, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, At-Large Senators are identified with specific focus areas, such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and business affairs, indicating a structured approach to representing broad student interests within the legislative framework (UNC Charlotte). 

Responsibilities and Collaborations: 

• Broad Advocacy: Serve as a primary advocate for the general student body, focusing on issues that are not specifically covered by other senatorial roles. This includes representing broad concerns at the student government level and facilitating discussions that lead to actionable solutions. 
• Issue-Specific Representation: Work on behalf of specific student groups or the student body at large to introduce bills and resolutions requested by students. This would involve closely working with various university departments and student organizations to accurately represent their concerns and needs.

For the Athletics Senator role at St. Cloud State University (SCSU), the focus will be on representing the interests and needs of student-athletes across various athletic disciplines. SCSU has a robust athletics program that includes more than 350 student-athletes participating in 15 Division-II teams and two Division-I athletic teams. These teams have achieved considerable success, with eight teams advancing to NCAA competition in the 2022-23 academic year, highlighted by notable achievements in wrestling, men's hockey, and volleyball, among others. The university also has a rich tradition of campus recreation and club sports, providing a wide range of competitive and recreational opportunities for students. 

Responsibilities:  

• Advocacy: Serve as the voice for all student-athletes, addressing their athletic, academic, dietary, and health needs. This includes working on policies that affect their training, competition schedules, academic commitments, and overall well-being. 
• Meetings and Collaboration: Regularly meet with student-athletes, athletics organizations and teams, and coaches to gather insights and feedback on how to improve the student-athlete experience at SCSU. 
• Liaison Work: Act as a liaison between student-athletes and the university's athletic administration, particularly the Director of Athletics, to ensure that the athletes' perspectives are considered in decision-making processes. 

Collaborations: 

• Director of Athletics at SCSU: Work closely with the athletic department to ensure that student-athletes have the resources and support they need to excel both in their sports and academically. 
• Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC): Engage with SAAC to ensure student-athlete voices are heard and to promote leadership and service opportunities. 
• Campus Recreation and Club Sports: Collaborate with the Department of Sports Facilities and Campus Recreation to support club sports and intramural programs, ensuring they have adequate resources and facilities. 
• Student Services Committee Collaboration: Work under the leadership of and collaboratively with the Student Services Committee of the student government to align athletics-related initiatives with broader student welfare objectives. 

Given the wide range of sports teams, including women's ice hockey, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and men's wrestling, along with various club sports and intramural activities, the Athletics Senator will have a significant role in advocating for and supporting a diverse and vibrant athletic community at SCSU. 

The Campus Involvement Senator role at St. Cloud State University is designed to advocate for and support the involvement of students in campus life, ensuring they have access to a wide range of activities and events that enhance their college experience. This position is crucial for promoting student engagement and facilitating a vibrant campus community. 

Responsibilities:  

• Advocate for Student Groups: Represent the interests of various student groups, ensuring their needs and concerns related to campus events and student life are addressed. 
• Promote Campus Involvement: Work to eliminate barriers to student involvement, ensuring all students have opportunities to engage in campus activities and organizations. 
• Accreditation and Recognition of Involvement: Advocate for the proper recognition and accreditation of student involvement in volunteering and other experiential learning opportunities, highlighting the importance of these experiences in personal and professional development. 
• Liaison Work: Serve as a liaison between students, the Department of Campus Involvement, the Dean of Students Office, and other relevant offices to foster a supportive environment for student activities 

Collaborations: 

• Department of Campus Involvement and HEAT: Collaborate closely with this department to stay informed about and support a wide range of student activities and events, from annual events like the Huskies First Four Weeks and the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair to various leadership and community engagement opportunities. 
• Dean of Students Office: Work with the Dean's office to ensure student concerns related to campus life are heard and addressed, promoting policies and practices that support student engagement. 
• Department of Residential Life: Engage with Residential Life to enhance the living-learning experience, ensuring residential students have ample opportunities to get involved on campus. 
• Huskies Advance: Collaborate with initiatives to support and advance student involvement and leadership opportunities across campus. 
• Communications Committee: this Senator will work collaboratively with the communications chair at the student government 

The Campus Involvement Senator plays a vital role in ensuring students at St. Cloud State University have access to enriching activities and events that complement their academic experience, contributing to a holistic education. This position requires a proactive approach to engaging with student organizations, campus departments, and administration to advocate for a campus environment that values and supports student involvement. 

The Campus Services Senator, by covering these areas, becomes a pivotal role in the student government, ensuring that campus services across the board are responsive, equitable, and supportive of the student body’s needs. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying service gaps, advocating for improvements, and working collaboratively with university departments and services to enact meaningful changes. 

Responsibilities:  

• Comprehensive Advocacy: Advocate for the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of all campus services, including medical and mental health services, accessibility services, student employment, and campus facilities. 
• Accessibility Services: Ensure services are inclusive and accessible, advocating for accommodation and support for students with disabilities. 
• Student Employment: Champion fair practices and opportunities in student employment, working towards integrating these opportunities with students’ academic and career aspirations. 
• Facilities Oversight: Address issues related to campus facilities to ensure they meet the needs of the student body, including maintenance, safety, and usability. 
• Health Services Advocacy: Advocate for comprehensive medical services and mental health support, ensuring they are accessible and meet the diverse needs of students. 
• Campus Safety, Parking and Metro Bus Services: Work on initiatives to improve campus safety and parking services, ensuring they are efficient and student-friendly. 
• Veterans Support: Advocate for the needs and support of student veterans, ensuring the Veterans Resource Center is well-equipped and responsive. 
• Policy and Resource Allocation: Assist in policy development for student services and work with the Vice President of Finance and Administration to advocate for necessary resources. 

Collaborations:  

• Dean of Students Office & Division of Student Affairs: Collaborate on broad student life initiatives, ensuring services are student-centered and address the holistic needs of the campus community. 
• Campus Facilities & Business Services Offices: Work on improving the physical aspects of campus life, from facilities to financial services that impact student life directly. 
• Campus Safety, Public Safety Office, & Campus Parking: Engage with these departments to discuss and improve safety measures, emergency preparedness, and parking services. 
• Medical Clinic & Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Partner to ensure health and wellness services are comprehensive, accessible, and adequately funded. 
• Veterans Resource Center: Ensure that the services and support for student veterans are meeting their unique needs and challenges. 
• Student Services Chair: Maintain a close working relationship to align on service-related initiatives and ensure cohesive action within the student government. 

Incorporating these responsibilities ensures that the Campus and Cultural Diversity Senator plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive university environment. This senator would serve as a key advocate and resource for students from all backgrounds and identities, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are valued on campus.  

Responsibilities:   

• Advocacy and Representation: Advocate for the interests and needs of diverse student populations, including but not limited to cultural, racial, gender, LGBTQ+, veteran, and differently-abled groups.  
• Program Development: Initiate and support programs that foster an inclusive campus environment. Develop initiatives that celebrate diversity and promote understanding among various student groups.  
• Policy Influence: Collaborate with student government and university administration to develop policies that ensure equitable treatment and opportunities for all students.  
• Awareness Campaigns: Organize and support campaigns that educate the campus community on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
• Resource Coordination: Assist students in accessing resources and services provided by identity centers and ensure these centers are responsive to student needs.  
• Event Coordination: Facilitate events in partnership with identity centers that highlight cultural heritage, awareness days, and diversity milestones.  
• Crisis Response: Be an active participant in addressing and resolving campus issues related to discrimination, bias incidents, or cultural insensitivity, and Work with DEI Office  
• Committee Collaboration: Work under the leadership of the Cultural Diversity Committee, aiding in the planning and execution of its objectives.  

Collaborations:  

• Multicultural Student Services (MSS): Partner with MSS to engage students from diverse backgrounds in leadership and development opportunities.  
• Identity Centers: Including the Women's Center, LGBT Resource Center, American Indian Center, Veterans Resource Center, and others to support their programming and advocacy efforts.  
• Division of Student Affairs & Dean of Students Office: Work with these offices to promote diversity initiatives, address student concerns, and influence university-wide policies related to diversity and inclusion.  
• Cultural Diversity Committee: Collaborate with this committee to ensure alignment with broader Student Government diversity initiatives.  

By focusing on these responsibilities and collaborations, the International Students Senator will play a crucial role in enhancing the campus experience for international students at St. Cloud State University, ensuring their unique needs are addressed and supported through thoughtful policy development, resource allocation, and community engagement. 

Responsibilities:  

• Advocacy and Representation: Act as a primary advocate for international students, representing their unique needs and concerns at the student government and university levels. 
• Liaison Work: Serve as a liaison between international students, the Center for International Studies, International Student and Scholar Services, and various international student organizations and clubs. 
• Policy Development: Collaborate with the Dean of Students Office, Division of Student Affairs, and the Office of the Provost to develop and advocate for policies that support the integration, well-being, and academic success of international students. Work with the Department of Residential Life to ensure accommodations are conducive and responsive to the needs of international students. Promote and support cultural exchange and understanding within the campus community.  
• Resource Navigation: Advocate and work with university resources, on issues including but not limited to, health insurance issues, and academic and cultural sharing opportunities. 
• Emergency Support: Coordinate with campus safety and public safety offices to ensure international students are informed and prepared in case of emergencies. 
• Employment and Career Guidance: Advocate on behalf of International Students on issues related to internships and employment options, including on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, issues various barriers in their way. 
• Academic Support: Advocate on behalf of International students on academic issues that are specific to International Students and issues pertaining to maintaining visa status and succeed academically. 

Collaborations: 

• Center for International Studies & International Student and Scholar Services: Regular meetings to stay informed, and advocate for the needs of international students and to coordinate support and events. Regularly engage with these centers to stay updated on issues affecting international students and to promote services that assist with travel, immigration, finance, employment, and academic support. 
• International Student Organizations and Clubs: Engage with student-led groups to understand diverse perspectives and advocate for their needs effectively. 
• Dean of Students Office & Division of Student Affairs: Collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing the international student experience on campus. Work on initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall experience of international students, from orientation to graduation. 
• Department of Residential Life: Work to ensure housing services meet the needs of international students. 
• Office of the Provost: Engage in discussions about academic policies affecting international students. particularly around credit transfers and academic support. Collaborate closely with academic departments and the Office of Records and Registration to review and update transfer credits, ensuring they contribute towards the student's degree progress effectively. Facilitate a smooth transition for international transfer students by advocating for clear, accessible processes for credit evaluation. This includes ensuring that course descriptions, syllabi, and other documentation from previous institutions are evaluated fairly against SCSU's degree requirements 
• Career Center: Engage and advocate for career events inclusive of International Students, such as; Inviting employers to Career Fair that are CPT and OPT friendly.  

The role of the Legislative Affairs Senator within the St. Cloud State University Student Government is fundamentally about ensuring that the legislative process is accessible, transparent, and responsive to the entire student body. This senator is tasked with facilitating the introduction of resolutions or bills that students wish to see discussed within the student government, whether these initiatives aim to address campus issues or propose amendments to the Student Government Association's constitution or bylaws. 

Responsibilities:  

• Broad Advocacy: Serves as the primary contact for students, groups, or organizations seeking to introduce legislation within the student government. This role ensures that student voices are heard and acted upon within the governance framework. 
• Legislation Drafting and Presentation: Responsible for creating well-researched and articulated bills and resolutions that address the concerns and needs identified by the student body. This involves presenting these legislative items to the student government for consideration and action. 
• Campus-wide Collaboration: Engages with a wide array of campus groups to ensure that proposed legislation reflects the diverse interests and needs of St. Cloud State University's student population. This senator strives to represent a broad spectrum of student perspectives in all legislative efforts. 
• Information and Resource Facilitation: Actively gathers necessary information and resources from various campus departments and offices to inform and support the development of effective legislation. 
• Facilitating Dialogue and Cooperation: Works closely with all committees within the student government, fostering a collaborative approach to legislative development and advocacy. This ensures that student concerns are addressed in a unified and comprehensive manner. 

Collaborations: 

• Engagement with the Entire Student Body: Maintains open channels of communication with all student groups to ensure their legislative interests and concerns are accurately represented within the student government. 
• Partnership with University Departments: Collaborates with various university departments and offices as needed, gathering essential information and advocating for legislative support to address student needs. 
• Student Constitution Committees of Student Government: The Legislative Affairs Senator works closely with the student government's Constitution Committee, particularly its leadership, to guide the development of legislation. This collaboration ensures that all legislative efforts align with the student government's constitution and bylaws, upholding the integrity of student governance.  
• All Committees of Student Government: Legislative Affairs Senator is also tasked with collaborating across all committees within the student government. This cross-committee collaboration is essential for addressing the diverse legislative interests present within the student government, allowing for a more holistic and inclusive approach to student representation and advocacy. By working closely with all committees, the Legislative Affairs Senator facilitates a unified effort in legislative development and advocacy, ensuring that a wide range of student concerns and interests are considered and acted upon within the student government's legislative framework. 

The role of the Public Relations Senator within the St. Cloud State University Student Government Association is designed to foster stronger connections and enhance collaboration between student organizations and the student government. This position is pivotal in ensuring that the activities, needs, achievements, and voices of student organizations are effectively communicated and advocated for within the student government framework. Moreover, the Public Relations Senator plays a key role in representing the student government's initiatives and efforts back to the student body, particularly focusing on the contributions and impact of student organizations on campus life. 

Responsibilities:  

• Enhance Collaboration: Actively work to strengthen the relationship between student organizations and the student government, ensuring that there is a seamless flow of communication and collaboration. 
• Advocacy and Representation: Meet with leaders of student organizations to understand their concerns, achievements, and needs. Advocate these points within the student government to ensure that student organizations' voices are heard and their contributions recognized. 
• Regular Communication with the Department of Campus Involvement: Maintain ongoing engagement with the Department of Campus Involvement and HEAT, and any and all other departments of Student Involvement to stay updated on the pulse of student organization activities and to advocate for support and resources where needed. 
• Event Organization: Spearhead the organization of an annual event specifically designed for student organizations. This event should serve as a platform for networking, collaboration, and celebration of the diverse contributions of student organizations to campus life. 

Collaborations: 

• Student Organizations: Engage directly with student organizations to foster a mutual understanding of goals, initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration. 
• Department of Campus Involvement: Partner with the department to ensure that student organizations have the support they need to thrive and that their contributions are adequately highlighted across campus channels. 
• Communications Chair: Work closely with the Communications Chair of the student government to develop and implement strategies that effectively communicate the work, needs, and achievements of student organizations to the wider student body. 

This role is crucial in ensuring that the contributions of student organizations to the campus community are recognized and celebrated. By facilitating better communication and collaboration between the student government and student organizations, the Public Relations Senator helps to create a more cohesive and vibrant campus culture where every student organization feels supported and valued. This not only enhances the student experience but also contributes to a more engaged and active campus community. 

By focusing the RHA Senator's responsibilities on areas that significantly impact resident students, SGA can ensure that these students' voices are heard, and their needs are addressed more effectively. The RHA Senator is a key figure in the continuous improvement of on-campus living and dining experiences. 

Responsibilities:  

• Dining Services Oversight: Ensure that the dining services meet the needs and preferences of on-campus residents. Collect feedback on meal plans, food quality, service hours, and dietary accommodations. 
• Housing Advocacy: Advocate for the quality, affordability, and accessibility of on-campus housing. Address concerns related to living conditions, maintenance requests, and resident safety. 
• RHA Liaison: Act as the primary liaison between the Residence Hall Association and the Student Government, communicating initiatives and concerns from the RHA to the Student Government and vice versa. 
• Campus Dining Partnership: Build and maintain a relationship with Campus Dining partners to facilitate open dialogue and collaboration. Participate in meetings and discussions regarding dining services management and improvement. 
• Residential Life Coordination: Collaborate with the Department of Residential Life to implement programs and policies that enhance the residential experience. Help coordinate events and activities that promote community within residence halls. 
• Policy Development: Work with Student Government and university administration to develop policies that reflect the needs of residential students, including those related to housing contracts, room assignments, and resident assistant programs. 

Collaborations: 

• Residence Hall Association (RHA): Coordinate with RHA to gather input from residential students and communicate their interests to the Student Government. 
• Campus Housing and Dining Services: Work closely with these departments to discuss and influence decisions regarding dining options, housing facilities, and living conditions. 
• Department of Residential Life: Collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving residential student life, ensuring that programming and resources are aligned with students' needs. 
• Student Life and Development: Engage with this office to integrate residential life with broader campus life, encouraging resident student involvement in campus-wide events and activities. 
• Student Services Chair: This senator position operates under the leadership and collaboration with the Student Government Association's Student Services Committee, fostering a cohesive approach to address and enhance the well-being of the student body. The collaboration with the committee will provide valuable insights and support in implementing initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of the student population.