The GCSA Senate

 The Student Senate is a part of the Student Government and serves as the legislative branch of the Gordon College Student Association (GCSA). The Senate governs the association in a way that represents and serves the best interests of the student body. The Senate is composed of eight elected representatives, with two senators from each class year. The powers and responsibilities of the Senate are defined by the GCSA Constitution and Bylaws. These include both the internal governance of GCSA and the role of representing the collective voice of the student body. Each year, the Senate undertakes key responsibilities such as evaluating and voting on GCSA club budget proposals, granting charters to new student organizations, nominating and confirming candidates for positions within GCSA, and championing initiatives that enhance the student experience at Gordon College.

Responsibilities and Duties of GCSA Senators

1. Represent the Student Body Faithfully
   Serve as the elected voice of your class, ensuring that student perspectives and concerns are heard and reflected in all Senate discussions and decisions.
2. Foster Community Connection
   Actively engage with students through residence hall events, informal conversations, and campus activities to build relationships of trust and gather meaningful feedback.
3. Maintain Accessibility and Communication
   Offer consistent opportunities—such as open hours or informal meetings—for students to share input, ask questions, and express needs related to campus life.
4. Collaborate for Effective Governance
   Participate fully in regular Senate meetings and deliberations, contributing thoughtfully to the collective leadership and decision-making of GCSA.Prepares a monthly report for the Student Senate concerning the issues facing their fellow residents.   
5. Provide Transparent Reporting
   Prepare and deliver monthly reports summarizing student concerns, ongoing initiatives, and updates from your constituency to the broader Senate. 
6. Engage in Committee Leadership
   Take an active role in one of the four Senate Committees—Student Life, Academic Affairs, Spiritual Life, or Intercultural Engagement—to address specific areas of campus development.
7. Evaluate and Steward Resources Responsibly
   Participate in reviewing and voting on GCSA budget proposals, club charters, and appointments to ensure responsible use of student resources and fair representation across organizations.
8. Student-Centered Initiatives
   Partner with peers, faculty, and administrators to develop and support initiatives that enhance the Gordon College student experience in alignment with the mission of GCSA.

Standing Senate Committees

The Senate is compromised of multiple standing committees, all of which are defined by the Handbook. These committees work on various Student Government initiatives to represent students and improve their campus experience. All Senators will be appointed to serve on one of the following committees:

Committee of Student Life
The Committee on Student Life Works to enhance the student life experience. The committee advocates for student needs with respect to the wholistic student life experience, college services, and applicable policies of the college.

Committee of Academic Affairs
The Committee on Academic Affairs works to enhance student success by promoting academic initiatives and lobbying for changes in policy at the administrative level. The committee will work closely with faculty committees, the Office of Academic Initiatives, and other institutional leaders to ensure that the academic program of the college is serving student needs.

Committee of Intercultural Engagement
The Committee on Intercultural Engagement monitors the colleges’ development and implementation of programs and services which offer support, advocacy, engagement, and sense of belonging for students from historically marginalized and excluded identities. In collaboration with key campus partners and MIO leaders, the committee promotes the wellness for BIPOC and other historically marginalized students utilizing an intersectional perspective.

Spiritual Life Committee