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Senate Application and Membership
Application Process
There only 1 way to become a Senate Internal New Member:
- Apply to your respective college council! Once accepted into your respective college council, Senate will visit college councils' general meetings to discuss the application process. The application process consists of a written application through Hornslink and an interview process. A select number of college council members will be delegated to Senate Internal.
To best prepare an application, we suggest speaking with current and former Senate members. We value concrete answers that clearly outline the applicant’s vision for the future of academics at UT Austin. There are many opportunities for prospective Senate members to engage with our community during and before the application period, including tabling, tea-times, meet-and-greets, and information sessions.
If you have any questions about Senate, the application process, or opportunities for incoming members, please email our Membership Director at membership.utsenate@gmail.com.
Membership Requirements
To maintain active status, New Members must fulfill the requirements below:
- Attend Internal General Assemblies & Committee Meetings (every other Thursday 6-7 PM)
- Attend Member Development Workshops (every other Thursday (not on IGA week) 6-7 PM)
- Engage with Internal initiatives and events
- Attend External events
- Participate in outreach and community development
Senate Recruitment Timeline
Senate Summer
Learn more about Senate! Think about what committees you might want to join, what initiatives you are interested in pursuing, and why!
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August 31-September 26: Recruitment Events
Check our social media (@utsenate) to learn about upcoming engagement opportunities.
| Event | Details |
| Informational Session | Tuesday 9/2, WCP 2.102 @ 6 PM Council Wide Social Thursday 9/4, WCP Leg Room @ 6 PM Monday 9/8, WCP 2.102 @ 6 PM |
| Meet & Greet | Thursday 9/18, WCP 2.102 @ 6 PM Tuesday 9/23, WCP 2.102 @ 6 PM |
| Application Office Hours | Tuesday 9/16, WCP 2.102 @ 7 PM Thursday 9/25, WCP 2.102 @ 5 PM |
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Early September: Application Opens
The Senate New Member application will open late August-early September and will be available on the Senate website. Contact our Membership Director (membership.utsenate@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
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Late-September: Application Closes
Applicants will be notified of interview offers.
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October 8th: New Member Banquet
New members are selected and begin their New Member meetings on October 9th.
Senate Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is a New Member?
A. Our New Member class is made up of up to 48 students. New Members that are accepted into Senate attend New Member Meetings, where they learn about the structure of Senate, committee initiatives, and get to know other New Members and committee chairs. New Members will then be placed on 1 of 8 committees based on interests and will work year-long with the committee on different initiatives that benefit the student body. New Members also will have a project that they will complete in groups with the guidance of others in Senate.
Q. What does a New Member do?
A. A New Member attends New Member Workshops. Following the Policy Initiative Calendar, within their first semester in Senate, New Members pass legislation or complete a community advocacy initiative pertaining to academics at UT.
Q. Do I have to choose a committee before I apply?
A. Yes. New Members are encouraged to learn about the committees before they apply to Senate and can express which committee they envision themselves in during their application responses. At the New Member Banquet, NMs will know which committee they are assigned to.
Q. How competitive is the process?
A. We will accept up to 48 members in our incoming class. If the selections committee feels like less than 48 new members meet requirements, we reserve the right to admit a class of less than 48.
Q. Do I have to be a freshman to apply?
A. For our New Member class, we are looking for students of all majors, years, backgrounds, and experiences. You do not need to be a freshman to apply.
Q. Do I have to be interested in government to apply?
A. We are looking for students of all years, majors, backgrounds, and experiences. You do not necessarily need to be interested in government or legislation to apply. Senate works on many different issues in many different avenues of change including events, workshops, town halls, and fundraising.
Q. When are the meeting times?
A. Internal General Assemblies (iGA) and committee meetings are a 2 hour commitment every other Thursday evening (6-8 pm). These are required. Member development workshops will take place from 6-7 pm on the Thursdays where there is no iGA. External General Assemblies (ExGA) are optional for members unless they are presenting to the assembly. If members cannot make required meetings, they can work out a schedule that works with the Membership Director.
Q. What does Senate look for in its New Members?
A. We encourage people from all different years. majors, and backgrounds to apply. We embrace the diverse set of experiences that each set of New Members can bring to the Senate space and look to expand upon those experiences each year. Senate hopes that its New Members are growth-oriented, thoughtful, sincere, and community-focused, among other qualities. Anyone with an interest in academic advocacy is encouraged to apply!
More Senate Fun
