Friday, December 3, 2010

Student Government Part 5 : Building a Better Baylor

Not only does student government have a major impact on the Baylor community, but it also impacts the students who serve in the government as well.
Student government delegates at
the Big XII Student Government Conference

Serving as a student government member provides vast opportunities of being a part of the current changes at Baylor. The members become one of the essential pieces in forming the Baylor experience. Writing legislations that actually cause change on campus is one of the most rewarding parts.  They act as the representatives of the student body.

“I joined Senate because I wanted to be the voice for my constituents’ voice,”Sophomore senator Brian Kim, Houston said.

Student government members are among the first to know about the various issues that are effecting the Baylor campus and Waco community. They are also among the first to know about the different events that will be taking place at Baylor.

Student Body President Michael Wright and EVP Cristina Galvan
speaking at Judge Starr's Inauguration 
But beyond knowing about current Baylor events and changes, student government also acts as a launching pad for opportunities after life at Baylor. Many senators have gone on to have internships and jobs with government officials and lawmakers. Former student body President Jordan Hannah is currently serving directly under Baylor president Judge Ken Starr. The leadership experience that is gained in student government can be used  in the future careers of the current members.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Student Government Part 4: Student Senate


Student senate acts as the legislative branch and exists to advocate on behalf of the student body.

Senators at President Ken Starr's Inauguration 
There are 52 representatives elected by the student body to represent each class. Thirteen from each class.Within student senate, these members are separated into six standing committees to insure that the student body is most efficiently represented. These committees include: Academic Affairs, Community Life, Finance, Operations & Procedures, Public Relations and Limited Allocation Fund.

Each student contributes $5.70 per semester as a part of their tuition fee to the Student Government Allocation Fund. This adds to approximately $87,000 for the Fall 2010 semester. Student senate has sole power as to whom this money is allocated.

Senate meets every Thursday at 5 p.m. to vote on current legislation that is trying to be passed.  This includes the allocations from various student organizations. The meetings are opened to the public.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Student Government Part 3: Class Officers

Sophomore Class Officers: Briana Treadaway(President),
Courtney Carameros(VP) and Courtney Yankowski(Secretary)
Who are the people that flood every Baylor student's inbox with emails about upcoming events? The people who try to generate campus involvement among their classes? These are class officers of Baylor University. Here are the current class officers of 2010-2011.

2010-2011 Class Officers
Senior Class Officers
President Mary Katherine Leslie
Vice-President Rachael Gilbert
Secretary/Treasurer Vacant

Junior Class Officers
President Nate Larson
Vice-President Josh Overton
Secretary/Treasurer Andy Lott

Sophomore Class Officers
President Briana Treadaway
Vice-President Courtney Carameros
Secretary/Treasurer Courtney Yankowski

Freshman Class Officers
President Raechel Adams
Vice-President Benton Miller
Secretary/Treasurer Haley Davis

Each class officer is responsible with forming a class project and provide ample school spirit and unity.