Committees

What are Committees?

Committees are the most important function the Student Senate has. They are the core functioning structure.Each Committee is given Most arguments, discussions and decisions are made in these groups, usually before meeting with the General Assembly.

Each committee refers or commits to certain business - proposed legislation, estimates, special studies etc. for more detailed review and public input in these smaller,  less formal forum of the senate. Work conducted by committees provide an important opportunity for interest groups, individuals and organizations to express their opinions and participate in policies . At the end of their work, committee members report their findings and recommendations to the general for its consideration. The General Assembly then decides if a new policy or action is needed.

The Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is tasked with (1) the renegotiation of the annual contract for the ridership program with Madison Metro Bus Company, (2) the annual fall renewal of the Student Savings Club Program and (3) the preparation and maintenance of the Student Senate Three-Year Plan, including the Annual Budget.  The Budget Committee is chaired by the Vice President of Administration and Finance.  The annual budget is roughly $20,000.00.  The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.  The annual budget is set each Spring Semester by the MATC Student Activities Board (S.A.B.).  The Senate President, Senate Vice President of Administration and Finance and a Senator are members of the S.A.B.  The Senate has one vote at S.A.B.  The Senate Vice President of Administration and Finance is the voting member of S.A.B. and a Senator serves as an “alternate” in the event that the Vice President of Administration and Finance is not in attendance at a meeting.  The Senate President is a Co-Chair of S.A.B.  (Committee membership is 3 and includes the Vice President of Administration and Finance (Chair), President and Senator.  This committee holds meetings and work-sessions September - April, as necessary.) 
 

The Carry-Over Committee

The Carry-Over Committee is responsible to carry-on the business of the Senate and its committees from the end of the spring semester, throughout the summer months and into the beginning of the fall semester.  The Carry-Over Committee is made-up of Executive Officers elected for the up-coming year, plus any Senators who express a sincere interest and make a commitment to the summer responsibility.  The Carry-Over Committee is chaired by the Senate President. This committee is to maintain contact with newly elected Senate personnel throughout the summer months.  (Committee membership is 5 and includes all of the Executive Council Members.  This committee holds meetings and work-sessions May - August, roughly twice-a-month. This committee works to carry-on with “in-progress initiatives” and the business of the Public Relations Committee and the Learning Committee.) 
 

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee is tasked with the stewardship of the Student Senate Constitution and Bylaws and related legislation.  Bylaws are amended upon approval of bills presented to the Student Senate General Assembly.  The committee is chaired by the Vice President of State and Local Government.  The Constitution and Bylaws Committee is also responsible to manage referendums, as necessary, and elections each September and April.  (Committee membership is 2 or 3 and includes the Vice President of State and Local Government.  This committee meets, as necessary, under the direction of the Vice President of State and Local Government.  This committee works in close cooperation with the Senate Public Relations Committee regarding recruitment as it flows into the Senate elections.) 
 

The Downtown Committee

The Downtown Committee addresses issues that relate specifically to the MATC Downtown Center.  The committee is chaired by an appointee of the President, approved by the Executive Council.  This committee includes Senators and students from DTEC.  (Committee membership is 4 or 5 and includes the appointed Chair.  This committee holds meetings and work-sessions September - April, roughly twice-a-month.) 
 
 

The Learning Committee

The Learning Committee is tasked with the introductory orientation and continued development of Student Senate members in the areas of role fulfillment, organizational skills, communication, group dynamics, Senate Office procedures, college processes, etc.  The Learning Committee is chaired by the Vice President of Learner Success.  The Learning Committee is responsible for the preparation of a resource binder for each new member of the Senate.  The committee is also responsible for the planning and implementation of teambuilding and developmental activities throughout the semester and for the coordination of a potential off-campus retreat each semester.  In cooperation with the Senate Advisor, this committee assists with an end-of-the-year celebration (dinner, picnic, outing, etc.). (Committee membership is 3 - 4 and includes the Vice President of Learner Success as the Chair.  This committee holds meetings and work-sessions August - May, roughly twice-a-month.  This committee works closely with the Senate Vice President of State and Local Government to ensure that members learn Parliamentary Procedures and proper procedures for writing and presenting bills and resolutions.  It also works closely with the Vice President of Administration and Finance and Technology Committee to assist Senate personnel to learn proper use of the h-drive, Senate website and Blackboard site and e-mail for groups.  Likewise, this committee works closely with the Senate Advisor regarding learning outcomes for Senate personnel.) 
 

The Public Relations Committee

The Public Relations Committee is responsible for the visibility of the Student Senate and for communicating with the student body and the campus community via events, such as:  2nd. Tuesday Spotlights, DeStressor Days, New Student Orientation, New Student Daze, Senate Open-House, Student Activity Days, Campus Fun Day, “Welcome Back” gigs and the annual presentation to the MATC District Board. The committee is chaired by the Vice President of Communications.  The committee appears in-print-and-images featuring current initiatives and accomplishments in the following resources:  The Clarion student newspaper (published twice-a-month), The Student Bulletin (published on-line weekly), Inside MATC (on-line portal for students), MySpace, FaceBook, U-Tube, BlackBoard, ads on the hallway monitors, brochures, bulletin-boards, table-tents and banners.  The Public Relations Committee is responsible to promote use of the Metro Bus and Para-Transit Program, the Fitness Center, the Student Savings Club and the Children’s Diversity Library (past accomplishments of the Senate).  This committee is responsible for the acquisition of promotional items and Senate logo-wear.  (Committee membership is 4 - 6 and includes the Vice President of Communications as the Chair.  This committee holds meetings and work-sessions weekly August - May.  This committee works closely with the designated WebMaster regarding information on the Senate website, BlackBoard site, MySpace, FaceBook, U-Tube, Inside MATC, etc.  It works closely with the Senate Constitution and ByLaws Committee as recruitment PR flows into the actual Senate elections.) 
 
 

The Technology Committee

The Technology Committee is tasked with maintenance of the Senate computers, updating the Senate website, Blackboard site, FaceBook, MySpace, U-Tube, Inside MATC, etc. facilitating use of technology, and monitoring changes in technology that may be used to the advantage of the Senate and MATC students.  (Committee membership is 2 and includes the designated WebMaster and the Vice President of Communications as Chair of the committee.  This committee holds meetings and work sessions at least once-a-month and as directed by the Chair.) 
 
 

Responsibilities of the Chairperson:

The Chairperson of the committee is responsible to do the following:

Characteristics a Successful Chairperson:

Responsibilities of Committee Members:

                                                                                                                           
How To Give Recognition to Contributing Committee Members:

         smile   treat them to a soda
         ask for their opinion     take time to talk with them
         utilize their ideas      inform others of their contributions
         enlist their help in an important project   give them additional responsibilities
         encourage their ideas     ask them to give the committee report
         ask them to sponsor a bill or resolution   write them “thank you” notes
         surprise them with treats at a meeting   nominate them for awards
         celebrate their outstanding achievements   send them to a conference
         write a “feature article” about them   say “thank you”
         plan a special social event to honor them   other…