Register to Run for Senate

Student Senate functions as the legislative branch of Student Government and exists to advocate on behalf of students to voice the opinion of Baylor students.

These goals are sought and accomplished by 52 representatives elected by the student body to represent each class. Within Student Senate, these members are separated into five standing committees to ensure that the student body is most efficiently represented. These committees include Academic Affairs, Campus Improvements and Affairs, Finance, Operations and Procedures, and Public Relations. Ad Hoc committees also are formed, as needed, to address specific issues and projects.

How it Works...

There are two senate elections:

1. Freshman specific elections occur in the fall. During freshman elections, the freshman class elects the senators that will occupy the 13 freshman senator positions for that academic year.
2. Non-freshmen senate elections occur in the spring. During spring elections, the student body elects all non-freshman senate positions for the following academic year.
3. Candidates must register to run for election prior to campaigning.
4. Candidates are required to attend the mandatory candidate meeting or send a representative in their place. Attendance is required throughout the entirety of the meeting.
5. A campaign period occurs prior to the voting period.
6. A voting period occurs where the student body is able to submit votes for their candidates of choice or submit write-in candidates.
7. If necessary, a runoff occurs for Student Body Officer positions.
8. Election results are posted after votes are tabulated.

Eligibility

• Candidates must qualify under Student Activities academic eligibility requirements: "In order to hold a leadership position in an organization, a student must have and maintain a cumulative minimum grade point average of 2.67 and a current minimum grade point average of 2.00."
• Members must maintain good standing with the university, per the institution's honor code and Baylor Judicial Affairs.
• Successful candidates for any position in Student Government are typically driven by their affinity for Baylor, a strong sense of civic duty, an openness to civil discourse, and a desire to serve the student body. Student Government is a team endeavor and requires a willingness to work within diverse groups in order to achieve a common goal.
• All members pay dues, which are set by the Student Body Officers annually. Students who cannot pay dues because of personal financial circumstances are afforded a waiver. 
• Student Government members must be undergraduates. Graduate students seeking to serve in a similar capacity are encouraged to contact the Graduate Student Association.

Important Dates

Feb. 9: Filing opens

Feb 25: Interest meeting (location TBD)

March 2: Filing Closes at 11:59 PM

March 17: Mandatory candidate meeting (location will be emailed - candidate must send representative if he or she cannot attend)

March 19: Student Body Officer campaigning begins

March 26: All other positions allowed to begin campaigning

April 1-2: Elections (polls close at 5:00 PM central on April 2)

April 2: Election results announced in the evening

Information

Contact the Electoral Commissioner for questions at StuGovElections@baylor.edu.

Important Documents

Electoral Code

Student Body Constitution

We advise reviewing the Senate Bylaws prior to registering so you are familiar with the position.

Register Here

File a Complaint

Contact the Electoral Commissioner for questions at StuGovElections@baylor.edu.