About the legislative branch

The legislative branch of the Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA) is comprised of elected student Senators and at-large committee members, with the Student Senate serving as its primary body. 

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Student Senate

Who's part of the Student Senate

The Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA) consists of seven (7) cabinet members and thirty-four (34) senators, each serving a one-year term. The Senate is comprised of twenty-six (26) seats which are elected during general elections held in the spring. An additional five (5) seats are reserved for incoming students elected each fall, and two (2) seats are filled through an open-seat process in the fall specifically for transfer students. At least one seat in Senate must be filled by an international student. This structure ensures representation and continuity within WSGA throughout the academic year.

How the Student Senate works

The Student Senate gather weekly to deliberate and vote on various pieces of legislation. These legislative items take the form of either bills or resolutions. Bills within the Student Senate are binding pieces of legislation that initiate political actions. Examples include funding bills for student organizations or amendments to current WSGA and university policies. Resolutions, on the other hand, are non-binding statements that can take a definitive stance. They may call upon other entities to take specific actions or commend members of the University or the broader Washburn community. 

Committees

In addition to their legislative duties, all student senators are actively involved in committees that align with their specific goals and aspirations. These committees play a crucial role in furthering the senators' impact and contributions within WSGA and Washburn University as a whole.

The allocations committee is directed by the WSGA budget director and appoints in a chairperson and a vice chairperson. This committee focuses on the funding operation of the student government. Together they decide whether to allocate money towards certain student organization determining on their goals and intentions with the money they request. They meet once a week for a 30 minute meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday's right before senate. For more information about the allocations committee, contact wsga.budget@washburn.edu.
The campus & community affairs committee (CCA committee) is directed by the campus and community affairs director and hires in a chairperson and a vice chairperson. This committee focuses on Washburn campus engagement along with the greater Topeka community engagement. Together they work to create programming to help meet the needs of Washburn students and Topeka community members. They also work to bridge together Washburn students and the Topeka community member in order to build relationships and connections. The CCA committee meets once a week for a 30 minute meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday's right before senate. For more information about the CCA committee, contact wsga.campus@washburn.edu.
The diversity, equity & inclusion committee (DEI committee) is directed by the diversity, equity & inclusion director and appoints a chairperson and a vice chairperson. This committee focuses on making Washburn accessible to any and everyone. Through events, meetings and activities on Washburn's campus the committee is constantly looking at ways to make Washburn more accessible, diverse and inclusive on all levels and create spaces for belonging. The DEI committee meets once a week for a 30 minute meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday's right before senate. For more information about the DEI committee contact, wsga.diverstiy@washburn.edu.

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GET IN TOUCH WITH WSGA

Address
Memorial Union, Lower Level
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Email and Phone
wsga.office@washburn.edu
785.670.2318
WSGA executive staff

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