At the heart of Governors State University there is a council of students determined to shape the future of the campus, the Student Senate. The Senate stands as the official voice of the GovState student body, representing every Jaguar who wants their ideas recognized, their concerns heard, and their campus experience improved.
The mission of the Student Senate is powerful, to promote the general welfare of all students and serve as the primary link between the student body and university leadership. Through active representation, the Senate ensures that student perspectives influence real decisions about campus life, policies, and academics. Every senator serves one goal in mind, to make sure no student’s voice fades into the background. Their work isn’t just symbolic; it shapes the quality of education and student experience across Governors State.
The structure of the Senate gives students hands-on experience with leadership and responsibility. The 2025–2026 Senate is led by President Sean O’Brien, alongside Vice President Avery Kittl, Treasurer Colin O’Brien, and Secretary Journey Mae Manuel. Each officer oversees different aspects of student life, from funding student organizations to coordinating open forums where ideas can be freely exchanged.
Representatives from each college, Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Health ensure that every academic discipline has a seat at the table. Even specialized voices, like the Student Veteran Representative and International Student Representative, ensure that every community within GovState is represented.
The Senate meets regularly, often in open sessions where any student can attend, listen, or speak up about what matters to them. The meeting dates (Sep. 11, Oct. 9, and Nov. 13 this semester) are announced in advance, reflecting the Senate’s commitment to transparency. When students walk into those meetings, they’re stepping into a space where student ideas can transform into real initiatives.
The election process is another vital part of the Senate’s work. Each spring, GSU students have the opportunity to run for office through an official election packet overseen by the Center for Student Engagement and Intercultural Programs (CSEIP). Candidates must maintain good academic standing, be active students, and show integrity both on and off campus. These requirements ensure that the Senate reflects responsibility and professionalism while staying student-centered.
Ultimately, the Student Senate embodies what higher education is truly about: growth, voice, and leadership. It teaches students not just to study leadership, but to live it, to debate, decide, and direct real change in their community. The Senate’s presence ensures that every Jaguar, whether a freshman just finding their footing or a graduate student preparing to leave their mark, has a say in shaping the university they call home.
The next time a student walks past a Senate poster or sees an announcement about an open meeting, they should know that’s not just another event on campus. It’s an invitation to be heard, to be involved, and to be part of the heartbeat of Governors State University.