STUDENT SENATE

Student Senate Officers

Student Body President
Alex Mace
amace@smu.edu

Classification: Senior

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Major(s): Political Science, Economics, and Spanish

Personal Statement: My term will focus on improving the quality and substance of community on-campus by a) streamlining communication between Students and Senators, b) strengthening ties between SMU and the greater Dallas area, and c) revitalizing the spirit of SMU tradition.

Student Body Vice President
Zane Cavender
zcavender@smu.edu
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Corsicana, Texas
Major(s): Political Science & International Studies

Personal Statement: I want to increase the funding allocated to student organizations and provide them with the means necessary to represent SMU on a national level. I would also like to increase representation to each student organization through two mandatory Senate Liaison meetings each semester. Lastly, I want to create positions for yell leaders for our athletic events, and provide the opportunity to develop new athletic traditions, chants, and engaging activities.

Student Body Secretary
Katherine Ladner
kladner@smu.edu
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Major(s): English

Personal Statement: As Student Body Secretary, I plan to keep senate members on top of their priorities so that Student Senate can better serve the student body and run more efficiently. Working closely with my fellow student body officers and serving as a resource to whole senate chamber will also help senate be more effective. I will work to facilitate clear communication between the Student Senate, the SMU administration, and the student body. Lastly, passing meaningful legislation and helping to better educate senators is also on my agenda.

Student Senate Speaker
Monica Finnegan
mfinnegan@smu.edu
Sophomore
St. Louis Missouri
Major(s): Unknown

Personal Statement: This year I hope we as the 99th Student Senate can promote improvements in the older areas on campus such as the Health Center. We will be exploring ways to see increased Mustang School Spirit particularly now that SMU is a member of the Big East. In addition, I would like to see students have the ability to withdraw from their classes without a permanent "W" on their record, if they choose to drop the class within two weeks of the beginning of the term. (Working on this last piece of legislation will require collaboration with the Faculty Senate.)

Student Senate Parliamentarian
Travis Carlile
tcarlile@smu.edu
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Evansville, Indiana
Major(s): Economics, Public Policy, and Pre-Med

Personal Statement: I plan to strengthen the relationship between athletics and the student body in order to grow in spirit and unity as a campus. I also want to increase awareness of the accomplishments the Student Senate has achieved for our student body and to make sure their is a strong line of communication between the Senate and the rest of campus.

Student Senate Chief-of-Staff
Savannah Stephens
slstephens@smu.edu
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Palmer, Texas
Major(s): Communications History

Personal Statement: I want to make the committees more streamlined and work to educate every senator so we can all work effectively.


		Student Senate Graduate Affairs Officer Stephen Harrington sharrington@smu.edu Classification: Class of 2014 Law Student Hometown: Houston, Texas Personal Statement: I want to help promote cooperation between undergraduates and graduates to improve the overall quality of life for students at SMU.