Exploring the function of Student Senate

Constant collaboration between University Student Senate (USS) members and members of St. Joe’s administration is necessary for the USS to function properly, according to several USS members.

Jason D’Antonio ’19, current USS president, said this year’s senate members were intentional about having sustained dialogue with key administrators.

“It allowed us to collaborate on things creating a more holistic picture and greater synergy,” D’Antonio said. “During stressful times, we didn’t lose the initiative and were able to use our existing relationships to work towards common ground.”

The relationship between the administration and USS differs from year to year, “often based on those serving in the various roles on the senate and the administration,” according to Cary Anderson, Ed.D., associate provost and vice president of Student Life and faculty advisor for USS.

“Currently, the USS has been very active and helpful to the administration on many levels,” Anderson said.

USS members take part in various committees and university-wide initiatives ranging from Student Life policies, academic initiatives, athletics strategy and external relations, according to D’Antonio.

“Our goal is to use feedback and sentiments of students to continuously make sure St. Joe’s main focus is the student,” D’Antonio said.

Jill Bateman ’19, USS vice president, said she sees the role of USS as one of advocacy, inquiry and leading by example.

“The relationship between university administration and the USS has become more transparent, and the USS can approach the administration more openly about concerns,” Bateman said.

D’Antonio said he hopes the current transparency continues in years to come.

“It’s important for the next Senate and the current administration to continue this theme of using one another as resources to further common goals and to better understand one another when differences in policy opinions do arise,” D’Antonio said.