#1. TEXTBOOK COSTS

The Student Senate proudly began the “Textbook Rental Program” for Madison College students in the Fall of 2009. Student Senate continues to work cooperatively with Bookstore personnel and college administrators to assess and enhance the Textbook Rental Program. Students are invited to provide feedback about the program and provide other money-saving ideas for textbooks to the studentsenate[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Student Senate). 

#2. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Since 1999, the Student Senate has been committed to the enhancement of transportation services for Madison College students. This includes continuance of the Metro Bus and Para-Transit Program, as well as the recently introduced Campus-to-Campus Shuttle between the Downtown Campus and the Truax Campus.  Research is currently being done to determine the feasability of a shuttle being added between Downtown and the West Campus.  Likewise, information is being compiled to potentially develop a funding structure to extend shuttle service to Madison College faculty and staff.  The Student Senate is an advocate of finding new and additional modes of transportation for all of the commuters at Madison College.

#3. COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS

The Student Senate sponsors “Listening Sessions” throughout the year to hear student ideas and concerns, as well as to provide accurate information to students regarding topics of interest to them. Likewise, the Student Senate continually strives to interface with student constituents via a variety of communication systems, such as the Tele-Presence System, Facebook, You-Tube, MyMadisonCollege, BlackBoard, instant-messaging, etc. Students can get information, discuss ideas and vote online for Madison College elections & referendums, 24/7. 

#4. INCREASED CLASS AVAILABILITY

The Student Senate is advocating an increase in course offerings at Madison College. The goal is to have more courses available to students online and in classrooms during summer months, evenings and weekends. Faculty and course sections need to be added where long waiting lists exist. Of special concern is the need for greater class availability (especially Arts and Sciences transfer courses) at the Madison College Downtown Education Center. Students taking classes at Madison College and UW – Madison appreciate the close-proximity of the two campuses. 

#6. NEW CONSTRUCTION, FACILITIES RENOVATION AND GROUNDS ENHANCEMENTS

The Student Senate is involved in the college planning process to develop and implement a “district-wide master facilities plan.” The Student Senate has long maintained an aggressive stance to create a “College Student Union” for student events, activities and services at Madison College. Overcrowding exists in the libraries, the Learning Center, the Writing Center, computer areas, etc. Students want for quiet study spaces, comfortable lounge spaces, meeting rooms, event venues and outdoor gathering places. Likewise, Student Senate has long been an advocate for increased safety with regard to crosswalks, intersections, parking lots and roadways near Madison College - Truax.  As such, the Senate sponsored a Parking Survey in Spring 2010, which helped to further the college's plan for a new parking lot off of Anderson Street.  Construction took-place during the summer and the college has opened the new lot for Fall 2010! 

As you know, there is a $138,000,000.00 Referendum on the upcoming November 2nd. Ballot and all voters throughout the Madison College District will get the opportunity to vote on the future of Madison College.  The Student Senate is sponsoring Referendum Info Sessions for Students in September and October.  Click here to see the schedule and plan to attend, so you'll be in-the-know.  Questions and answers will be a part of these sessions.  See you there!

#7. Establishing a Mother/Child Room (Lactation Room)

The Student Senate is taking-up the concern of student-moms who are brestfeeding.  The Student Senate is working with administration to find suitable and sanitary locations throughout the district.  It is likely that a short-term and long-term plan will need to be made.