Undergraduate Senate
The Undergraduate Senate is composed of 30 elected senators who represent the American University undergraduate student body. Senators advocate for student interests in academics, programming, and university policy while serving as a check on the Judicial and Executive branches.
Representation includes all undergraduate colleges, class years, and an at-large campus constituency. Senators are responsible for drafting legislation, approving the student government budget, and collaborating with campus organizations on policy initiatives.
All Senate meetings are open to the public, with options to attend either in person or virtually.
Committees and Commissions
The Undergraduate Senate operates through six standing and special committees, each led by an elected Chair and Vice Chair. These committees address specific legislative priorities and student needs. Additionally, the Speaker pro tempore may establish temporary ad-hoc committees to focus on particular issues as they arise.
All committee meetings are open to the public.
THE COMMITTEE ON academics and faculty affairs
This is a standing committee focused on issues related to students’ academic rights and services at American University. This includes academic policies, integrity rules, grading, curriculum recommendations, and undergraduate academic advocacy.
Chair: Sebastian Sanchez-Clavel
THE COMMITTEE ON student rights and student life
This is a standing committee responsible for issues that effect students’ everyday experiences at American University. This includes things like student spaces, on-campus housing, dining, residence halls, campus safety, fraternities and sororities, accessibility, student organizations, and transportation.
Chair: Kaleigh Olsen
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
This is a special committee charged with creating the budget and stipends of Student Government and overseeing the administration of the budget. Furthermore, the Committee has jurisdiction over any initiatives pertaining to University finances, with the authority to review any and all finance accounts of the Student Government.
Chair: Ben Winokur-Applebaum
The Committee on equity and title ix
This is a standing committee focused on advocacy related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at American University. It also handles issues involving Title IX, sexual violence, sexual harassment, and related campus policies, and can research and propose solutions to these issues.
Chair: Aasiyah Beamon
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Presiding Officer of Undergraduate Senate
The Presiding Officer maintains an impartial order of Senate meetings and drafts the agenda alongside the Clerk. The presiding officer also oversees a Senate cabinet overseen between her and the Speaker pro tempore and maintains a tie-breaking vote during Senate sessions.
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Parliamentarian
The Parliamentarian acts as the advisory officer for Parliamentary Procedure and assist the presiding officer of the Senate.
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Speaker Pro Tempore of the Undergraduate Senate
The Speaker pro tempore acts as the assistant presiding officer of the Undergraduate Senate. The Speaker pro tempore is also responsible for establishing and amending committee assignments.
