As the new semester commences, Student Senate is pushing some new initiatives and continuing on some old ones.

One of the biggest initiatives the senate has been working on is how it shares information with students. Student Senate President Colin Bowden said the use of different forms of media will be crucial to this initiative. Using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter will be the crux of the movement.

Vice President of Legislative Affairs Caroline Russell said it is important to get the information out there.

“We are trying to make sure students are aware of the bills going on that affect them,” Russell said.

She said one of the topics of information she would like to bring awareness to is about Senate Bill 776, which would put more money toward voucher schools. She said it potentially could affect money going to items that are technical college related.

“Sometimes bills move so fast it’s important to let students know that these bills do affect them,” Russell said. “I always like to throw things out there like that.”

Also, on the heels U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan coming to campus, Russell said she would like more high-profile political figures to come to campus.

“I want them to be here as a resource – a motivational resource – to show that the hard work they (students) are doing is not going to no avail,” Russell said.

Bowden and Russell also said that the senate is looking into having B cycle stations on campus to allow people to rent bicycles and have a place to put them at or near campus when finished using them.

It could cut down students commuting via car and alleviate some space on the Madison Metro buses.

“We have a lot of students who ride bikes,” Russell said. “We are just trying to get people more environmentally friendly.”

Russell said she would like to continue to distribute information on FAFSA and Pell grants so students will be more empowered and may have a better chance to receive help to get through school.

“The more information we can get to them the better off they will be,” Russell said.

Vacant senate seats
Currently, there are two open seats in the senate. Student Senate is trying to fill the vacancies.

Bowden said filling positions is important to create more success for the senate in the spring semester.

“It’s critical to have as many folks on senate as we can to fully represent the student body,” Bowden said. “We really appreciate what they do.”

If interested in becoming a senator, attend the meetings and talk to representatives on the senate. Then, potential senators may fill out an application online at www.madisoncollegestudentsenate.com.

Student Senate meetings are held 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Officers are expected to work 12-15 hours per week on senate-related business.

For more information on the senate, email [email protected].