Student Senate

What is Student Senate?

Each campus has a student governing body called the Student Senate. Senate representatives are elected in the fall and plan a variety of activities throughout the year. The Senate coordinates legislative activities that affect students and provide assistance to other campus organizations. The role of the senators is to be the primary communication link between the administration and the student community. The Senate offers an opportunity to develop leadership, civic awareness, community involvement and basic understanding of human relations.

How can I join Student Senate?

During the first three (3) weeks of fall semester every technical/occupational program will elect two (2) senators as representatives of their class. Students in technical/occupational programs interested in serving as a senator should contact their program advisor.

Students majoring in Liberal Arts or Undecided interested in serving as a senator must present a petition signed by 25 current Riverland students at the first Senate meeting. 

What do Student Senators Do?

Student Senators represent the student body to the Administration and are asked to make decisions about important topics that directly impact students!

  • Student Senate Officers, along with the Activity Directors and the Vice President of Employee and Student Affairs, make up the Student Life Budget Committee which funds sports, activities, and even staff salaries.
  • Review new policy or procedure at Riverland Community College that impacts students.
  •  Approve any new club or organization, or any new use of Student Life money.
  • Tuition and Fees cannot be raised without consultation with the Student Senate.
  • Serve on campus committees such as Facilities Committee, Accreditation (AQIP) Committees, Parking Committee, ADA Compliance Task Force, Technology Fee Task Force, Campus Search Committees, and many more.
  • Senators accept leadership roles in campus scholarship fundraising activities, dignitary visits, recruiting events, and other campus-wide events.

Want to find out more about joining Student Senate?  Contact a Senate Advisor!

Austin Advisors:
Suzy Hebrink

Mindi Askelson

Albert Lea Advisors: 
Sherry Vietor 

Al Henslin 

Owatonna Advisor: 
Michael Grenier