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Application Process

There are 2 ways to become a Senate Internal New Member:

1. Apply to your respective college council! Indicate interest in joining Senate Internal in the written application and/or interview process. A select number of college council members will be delegated to Senate Internal.

2. Apply directly to Senate Internal! The first round of the process will involve submitting a written application that will open in September. The second and final round of the application process will be group and individual interviews.

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 sccmembershipdirector@austin.utexas.edu.

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 go through Orientation Week, 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. Do I have to choose a committee before I apply?

 

A. No. 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. However, no committee ranking will be present in the application process. After Orientation Week, NMs will be able to formally rank their committees and will be assigned a committee accordingly.

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. Take a look at the info session PowerPoint to learn more about Senate’s past and current initiatives.

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 5-6 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!