Committees

Student Senate has a number of committees which focus on specific parts of the Gustavus experience. A student who is not a member of Senate may apply to join the Ethics or Finance committees as a Student-at-Large. If you have any questions about a committee, please contact the appropriate chair listed below.

Academic and Student Affairs

The Academic and Student Affairs committee is devoted to the academic and student endeavors of the students of Gustavus. This committee focuses on academic issues such as the honor code as well as student affairs such as the new printing policy at Gustavus.

  • Chair: Robert Swenson
  • Dane Stensland
  • Josh Moe
  • Andrew Mendez
  • Connor McCormick
  • Alexis Stapelman

Inclusive Excellence

The goal of the Inclusive Excellence Committee is to assist the Diversity Leadership Council with the needs of their groups. This committee acts as the liaison between the DLC and Senate to make sure that finance guidelines are understandable, PR needs are taken care of, senate participates in DLC events when necessary, and that basic questions are answered about Student Senate. Additionally, the Inclusive Excellence committee dedicates its time into creating a safe campus environment for all students of any race and/or ethnicity. This committee recognizes the racial injustice in our society as a whole and strives to bring the Gustavus community closer to racial justice.

  • Chair: Filmon Fesshatsion
  • Dasha Shyroka
  • Josh Moe
  • Connor McCormick
  • Shae Anderson

Environmental Sustainability

The Environmental Sustainability committee aims to connect students and the administration in their efforts to reduce the College’s environmental impact. This committee emphasizes inclusion and intersectionality in these efforts, and collaborates with an array of student organizations to promote sustainable behavior. Every semester, the committee will release a public report on Senate’s progress.

  • Chair: Tessa Yeager
  • Nikolas Kopek
  • Isabella LaClare
  • Andrew Mendez

Ethics

The primary purpose of the Ethics Committee is to see that the operations of Senate are carried out in an ethical manner in accordance with the Constitution, its by-laws, and College Policy. All Ethics Committee meetings shall be closed and all actions require the consent of a majority of the Committee’s membership.

  • Chair: TBA
  • Parliamentarian Bosma
  • Speaker Charlson
  • Diego Jennings
  • Ester Ljunggren

Finance

The purpose of the Finance Committee is to allocate the student government fee to student groups in their pursuit of quality activities and events that provide enrichment not only for themselves, but also for the entire Gustavus community. Any member of Senate may attend Finance Committee meetings, but the meetings shall be closed to the general public. The Finance Committee reviews all student organization budget requests and forwards them to the full Senate with a recommendation.

  • Director: Maritza Beltran
  • Controller: Will Janzen
  • Henry Landsem
  • Laura Sunnarborg
  • Liam Gulaid

Health and Housing

The Health and Housing Committee works with various campus offices, such as Residential Life, Dining Services, and Health Services, to address student needs that fall under the Health and Housing category.

  • Chair: Kathryn Lillemon
  • Dasha Shyroka
  • Isabella LaClare
  • Shae Anderson
  • Jonathan Pappoe

Public Relations

The Public Relations Committee’s goal is to facilitate communication between Student Senate and the students we represent. This committee keeps students informed through regular projects, such as the display case outside of the cafeteria, the monthly publication of The Gavel Gazette, and additional projects.

  • Chair: Kira Woods
  • Eleanor Charlson
  • Gabby Gormacki
  • Chance Korpela
  • Breeley Ruble
  • Abby Ronnebaum

Technology

The Technology Committee focuses on everything related to technology on campus. We maintain the Senate website, address issues involving technology on campus, and pursue new initiatives while maintaining an emphasis on accessibility.

  • Chair: Jakob Foss
  • Dane Stensland
  • Nikolas Kopek
  • Jonathan Pappoe