The Professional Student Senate (PSS) is the body within Â鶹ӰÊÓ's governance structure representing Â鶹ӰÊÓ and professional students. Senators are the voice of the students and act to foster inter professional development between programs and the university as a whole. The Senate articulates Â鶹ӰÊÓ and professional students' needs to key stakeholders across the university. PSS plans community and social events, acts as a forum for student ideas, and provides a link between all the professional programs. The Senate supports students through the distribution of hardship, research, professional and inter professional development funds. Senators (or student-designee) are appointed to university committees giving students a voice across the institution.
Governance
Senators represent each school and/or program which includes Â鶹ӰÊÓ & professional students and in which these students pay a governance fee as part of tuition. Each program elects one senator, unless enrollment of that program is above median enrollment. Median enrollment is calculated every three years or when a new program is added.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Professional Student Senate is to foster interprofessional collaboration among the university's Â鶹ӰÊÓ and professional programs, as well as with the broader community, both locally and globally. By empowering Â鶹ӰÊÓ and professional students to contribute to the university community, we aim to amplify their voices and influence university decisions that impact their academic experience. This mission aligns with the university's core values by emphasizing interprofessional teamwork and fostering excellence in scholarship, service, and critical thinking within our academic community and beyond.
Professional Student Senate Bylaws and Handbook
and the University Faculty & Governance Handbook (please refer to Chapter 2.7.3) are updated and maintained by all members of the PSS, including the executive board and senators. Both documents require approval by the University Council.
Get Involved
PSS meetings are open to all Â鶹ӰÊÓ community members and held on every other Tuesday from 6 - 7:30 p.m. These meetings are available both in person and online through Zoom.
For more information about PSS, including how to become a senator, please contact your program's representative or the Dean of Students Office.