Internal Standing Committees
In 2012-13, the Senate of College Councils includes eight internal standing committees. Per the Senate Constitution, committees are created and maintained each year through majority approval of the Senate Executive Board. Committee co-chairs are appointed by the President, Vice President and Financial Director and are approved by the Executive Board.
Each Senate committee is thematically focused on a particular academic issue. Members of the committees – which include the chair or co-chairs, appointed At-Large members and Senate Representatives from the various College Councils – serve as experts on the academic issue around which their committee is focused. Committees play a major role in setting Senate’s legislative agenda and are frequently responsible for researching, writing and presenting the legislation introduced during Senate General Assembly meetings. Additionally, many Senate committees coordinate major programming events throughout the year and work to raise awareness on campus regarding their particular academic focus.
Academic Enrichment Committee
The Academic Enrichment Committee is responsible for promoting educational experiences that go beyond the classroom. The committee researches unique learning environments that allow students to apply what they have learned while gaining practical knowledge and experience. Issues examined by this committee include academic service-learning, study abroad, technology, and internship opportunities.
Committee co-chairs: Alexis Denis and Judy Hong
Academic Integrity Committee
The Academic Integrity Committee is responsible for increasing the visibility of the Honor Code and incorporating integrity into university culture. The committee researches integrity at various universities and work with Student Judicial Services and university administrators to writing legislation and implement university-wide programs, including IntegrityUT Week, in order to promote integrity at the university.
Committee co-chairs: Shahana Momin and Peter Paul Wong
Curriculum Committee
The Curriculum Committee is responsible for articulating the student voice in curricular and instructional issues at the university. The committee explores avenues to better academic life at the university by working with other students, faculty members and university administrators. The committee also conducts research on curriculum issues and writes legislation in order to improve academic services.
Committee co-chairs: Robert Belanger and Laura Wright
Faculty Affairs Committee
The Faculty Affairs Committee is responsible for fostering a closer relationship and a deeper appreciation between UT students and their faculty through various programs designed to showcase professors. The committee hosts Faculty Appreciation Week and organizes the Professor of the Year award. Additionally, the committee researches student-faculty relations at other universities.
Committee co-chairs: Becky Pickert and Yaneli Rubio
Multimedia and Press Committee
The Multimedia and Press Committee is responsible for working with the Communications Director to help publicize all Senate and College Council programming initiatives. The committee designs advertisements, creates videos, writes blogs, and uses any other forms of publicity needed to adequately inform the university community about Senate and its initiatives.
Committee chair: Wynne Davis
Outreach and Development Committee
The Outreach and Development Committee is responsible for expanding the relationship between Senate and student organizations, corporations and non-profit organizations, and Senate alumni. The committee hosts an annual Alumni Gala, maintains an alumni database, and reaches out to local businesses. The committee works with the Membership Director and Executive Director to help promote Senate to prospective members and the student body.
Committee co-chairs: Mackenzie Dunn and Neha Vaidya
Recruitment and Retention Committee
The Recruitment and Retention Committee is responsible for addressing issues dealing with recruiting and retaining top students at the university. The committee works with the Office of Admissions and the School of Undergraduate Studies to organize the Ready, Set, Go! College Readiness Workshop and the Longhorn School Bus program.
Committee co-chairs: Oliver Mao and Kiefer Shenk
Undergraduate Research Committee
The Undergraduate Research Committee is responsible for promoting research opportunities to undergraduates and enhancing the undergraduate research experience at this university. The committee focuses on exploring ways to integrate research into the curriculum while continuing to make opportunities and information more accessible to students. The committee fosters an undergraduate research community by working closely with programs on campus that support and facilitate undergraduate research.
Committee co-chairs: Geetika Jerath and Joey Dominguez