Cowell Student Senate

WHAT IS THE SENATE?

The Senate is the student governing board of Cowell College. The Senate represents the Cowell assembly, comprised of current Cowell students, staff, and faculty. The Senate acts as a central organizing body that oversees the distribution of Cowell student fees. This money is used for funding Cowell and campus-wide student events and projects.

The Senate meets weekly to discuss relevant campus issues and hear presentations about campus programs and initiatives. For more information, you can view the Cowell Senate Constitution, Bylaws, or contact us at csenate@ucsc.edu.

WHO ARE THE COWELL SENATE MEMBERS?

Cowell Senate is comprised of Cowell students (and a staff advisor from the Programs Office). Our membership varies from year to year, but every Cowell affiliate or resident is eligible to become a Senator, a full voting member of the Senate.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

To become a Selectperson, you must attend four Senate meetings in a quarter. At your fourth meeting, you will present to the Senate an original eight-line poem of your creation. All Cowell affiliates are welcome to attend any meeting throughout the quarter.

HOW DO I REQUEST FUNDS?

To petition for Cowell Senate funds, follow these steps:

1. Review the Standing Rules for the Funding Requests.
2. Fill out the Funding Request Google Form
3. Write to csenate@ucsc.edu and request to be added to the weekly meeting's agenda. 
4. After you have been confirmed on the agenda, prepare for your funding presentation. You will have up to 5 minutes to present your request. Be prepared to answer any questions Senate may have for you. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF BEING A SENATOR?

By attending regular Senate meetings, you will hear about the very latest events being planned and the current issues being discussed on campus. You will also voice your opinions by voting, sharing your unique views, and creating ideas with an extremely attentive audience. Senate members have access to the Cowell Senate Office (Room 135) for use as a study space or meeting room.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COWELL SENATE?

• Regularly attend Senate meetings

• Check the Senate Board (located in the hallway outside the Senate Office, room 135) for meeting minutes and upcoming events

• Email csenate@ucsc.edu and ask for more info

• Talk to a current Senator

• Follow us on Instagram @CowellCollegeSenate