Student Senate
Student Government helps give students an opportunity to make a student’s voice heard and helps make a difference at VCSU. The various university committees, community involvement and intercollegiate relations help improve the university experience for everyone.
The Student Senate is the governing body for the student association, which includes all Valley City State University students. The Student Senate is duly and freely elected by the student association and is recognized and given authority. The Student Senate Association acts as liaison with the faculty and administration and is the official voice of the students in university affairs.
Student Senate acts a liaison with the administration, faculty and staff. Student Senate is the official voice for the students in university affairs. VCSU Student Senate also represents VCSU every month of the academic year in the North Dakota Student Association (NDSA).
Executive Team
President: Carter Gill
Vice President: Chloe Anderson
Secretary: Clare Ebsen
Treasurer: Jaden McNeily
Public Relations Manager: Hope Ishizaka
NDSA Head Delegate: Kiara Radke
How to Join
At the beginning of each semester, elections are held for positions. Each officer must fill out an application, gather 50+ signatures, and turn both in at the Information Desk.
Weekly Meetings
Student Senate meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Each week we get together to discuss topics that impact the student body. Anyone is welcome to come and sit in, even if they’re not on Student Senate.
If you have questions regarding these topics or our meetings, please feel free to contact any of the executive members.
Viking Pilot Award
Viking Pilots are those who conduct or set the course of student life on campus. The Viking Pilot Award was founded in 1931 by the staff of the Blizzard, then the name of the college yearbook. At that time, the subscribers to the yearbook elected the ten most prominent students on campus. The purpose of the award was to honor those individuals that were engaged in a multitude of campus activities and were acclaimed for their participation in the social and extracurricular life of the college. At that time, the recipients were known as “Propellers.”
In 1936, the students expressed a desire for a more meaningful name, and the name “Viking Pilot” emerged as more representative of the leadership function.
Today, the Viking Pilot Award remains a prestigious student honor, recognizing those campus leaders who have made substantial contributions to the quality of life on campus.
Viking Pilots are elected each year by a committee of students, faculty, and administrators.
2023 Viking Pilot Award Winners
- Madison Yoder
- Saige Forseth
- Hope Ishizaka
- Dahlia Diegel
Senator of the Semester
The Spring 2023 Senator of the Semester is Madi Klabo! Madi is a Freshman Representative for Student Senate. Madi has shown passion for student senate, generosity, and a caring attitude this semester. Madi also was a Spring Blast co-chair that brought events and club participation to campus. Congrats on the great semester, Madi!
Teacher of the Year
The 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year is Assistant Professor Taylor Mounts in the Business Department! In her nomination, students spoke about Taylor’s passion for feedback within her classroom and her visibility around campus. Her willingness to alter her instructional style for the betterment of her students makes them feel cared for and ensures optimal understanding. The high energy Taylor brings to her lectures, the consistent value she crafts into her assignments, and the deliberate pacing has not gone unnoticed.
Student Advocate of the Year
The 2022-2023 Student Advocate of the Year is Janna Kohler in Career Services! In her nomination, students spoke about the major changes Janna has made to her office’s functionality and visibility around campus. Her outreach through email and social media has helped shed light on community needs and student opportunities. Students feel empowered to visit her and use her as a valuable resource while they prepare themselves for professional opportunities. With stellar response times and a genuine concern for students’ success, students felt she deserved the SAOY award.