2008 Woodie Awards
Vanderbilt Student Government
Erika Hyde
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Guide to Vanderbilt
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Vanderbilt Student Government is an organization that lobbies on behalf of the student body in the university's decision-making process. Its members are elected or appointed and specialize in a wide range of areas such as student services, special events, academic needs and resident life. Its main goal, as stated on the VSG website, (http://studentorgs.vanderbilt.edu/vsg) is to "lobby for policies and practices that will enhance the quality of life enjoyed by Vanderbilt students."
VSG's membership is divided into the Executive Board, the House, the Senate and the Cabinet. The Executive Board consists of the President, Executive Vice President, Speaker of the Senate, Speaker of the House and Chief of Staff. Each of these offices holds specific administrative duties over other VSG areas and directly interacts with administration to institute new policies. The Chief of Staff is appointed by the President whereas the Speakers are voted on by their respective chambers.
The Senate, led by the Speaker of the Senate, is composed of elected Senators and Council Presidents from each of the four undergraduate schools. Senators introduce or sponsor VSG resolutions and co-chair VSG committees. Council Presidents are the chairs of their respective school councils and act as liaisons between students and deans.
Standing committees are co-chaired by both a Senator and an appointed at-large member of the student body. The committees are Community Service, Campus Services, Athletics, Security, Organizational Relations, and Student Services and Technology.
The House, led by the Speaker of the House, is the larger body of VSG's bicameral system and is composed of House Presidents and Vice Presidents. Each member of the House represents a residence hall area and is responsible for coordinating residential programming. House members are also required to serve on a standing committee.
The Cabinet, headed by the Chief of Staff, includes several roles designed to facilitate student life and assist VSG's committees. Members include the Attorney General, Treasurer, and Director of Technology.
The Freshman Leaders Program is a standing program under the Executive Vice President. FLP serves as a focus group for the administration and mentors promising freshmen for future roles in student governance. FLP membership is determined by an application process, and the twelve to fifteen FLP participants attend committee or congress meetings throughout the year.
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