STUDENT SENATE

Student Senate Who We Are What We Do Members How You Can Benefit Get Involved Relationship between Student Senate and Clubs  WHO WE ARE All students at Santa Barbara City College are encouraged and invited to participate in the governance of the Associated Students. Student elections are held during each Spring Semester or students are selected in the Fall by the College's Vice Presidents, Deans, and Instructors. Many Student Senators are dedicated individuals who have fulltime college schedules, time consuming jobs and other outside interests. And yet, they are fully committed to creating a better campus environment in which students may learn, study and come to know one another. The Student Senate plays an important role in the decision making process at the College while providing a wide variety of services and activities that enhance the total student experience. The Student Senate represents students' needs and concerns. They participate as voting members on many of the College's advisory committees. The Senate meets weekly to discuss and take action on key campus issues. As a part of the process, students learn about parliamentary law, student leadership principals, group dynamics, communication techniques, goal and budget development, publicity, media techniques, college shared governance and other related skills that will serve them in their later careers. Check the Student Senate display window located outside the main entrance to the Campus Center for meeting date and time information. WHAT WE DO Activities: Merchants Bazaars, Blood Drives, Noon-Time Entertainment, Inter-Club Council, Conferences and Workshops, Political Candidate Forums, Inter-Campus Committees, Leadership Seminars, CalSACC Services: Student Club Financial Support, Co-Sponsorship of Campus Events, Unity Shoppe Canned Food Drive, Voter Registration 2007-2008 ASSOCIATE STUDENTS SENATE MEMBERS President: Tom Fitzgerald Vice-President of Senate Affairs: Lauren Vrazilek Vice-President of External Affairs: Carina Vega Vice-President of Operations and Finance:                          David Elstner Commissioner of Clubs and Organizations: Sean Knotts Student Trustee: Doug Montgomery Student Advocate: Simone Johnson Public Relations Officer: Andrea Williams Senators:                                                                             Deirdre Jones Tanja Khosrawipour Magnus Sickert Pablo Staubli Sage Wallower Advisor: Ann Fryslie Secretary: Amy Collins HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT Your participation in student governance at SBCC can prove to be one of the most valuable and meaningful experiences during your college career. You will need to commit some of your time (2 to 8 hours weekly) and effort, but it is worth the investment. Your participation in student governance is recognized by other colleges, universities, and prospective employers as an indication of a complete education. You will have a voice in what is happening on campus and an opportunity to associate with and learn from College administrators, faculty, staff, and other students. You may gain experience in program planning, organizational skills, marketing, and publicity, while gaining an awareness of various College programs and services. In addition, being part of the decision making process of the College can help you develop your personal and leadership skills. GET INVOLVED The process is basically very simple and primarily depends on your personal commitment and your ability to meet the eligibility requirements. Requirements generally include: 2.0 G.P.A., enrollment in a minimum of 5 units, and availability to attend senate meetings. If I can't meet the requirements, can I still participate? Yes, a student can participate on one of the Student Senate's Standing Committees, or under specific circumstances, be a member of a College committee without meeting all the requirements. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENT SENATE AND CLUBS The Student Senate plays a key role in assisting clubs in their organization and development. First time chartered clubs are approved by the Senate and the Senate assists them in developing their constitution, by-laws, etc. In addition, through the Inter-Club Council, the Senate provides financial support to clubs for specific programs or activities. CONTACT INFORMATION:  A.S. President   (805) 965-0581 ext.2689 Office of Student Life (805) 965-0581 ext. 2262, (805) 730-4062