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: Madison Yoder
Vice President: Saige Forseth
Secretary: Joelle Lamontagne
Treasurer: Taylene Mendiola
Public Relations Manager: Garret Fettig
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.
2022 Viking Pilot Award Winners
- Charismha Tsosie
- Allie Critchley
- Garret Fettig
- Hayley Shanks
- Keaton Kvilvang
- Mitchell Silkman
- Shelby Dietz
- Gina Burtness
Senator of the Semester
The Spring 2022 Senator of the Semester is Kiara Radke! Kiara is the Business and CSSE Rep for Student Senate. Kiara is new to senate as a freshman, but consistently provides energy and shows willingness to participate, making Senate better and more fun! Kiara has also been elected as the 2022-2023 NDSA Head Delegate and is looking forward to joining the executive team.
Teacher of the Year
The 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year is Professor Dave Hanson! In his nomination, students described him as a faculty member who stays updated on his students both inside and outside of the classroom. His openness to feedback and genuine willingness to adapt his educational approach has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated!
Student Advocate of the Year
The 2021-2022 Student Advocate of the Year is Dr. Margaret Dahlberg! In her nomination, students described her as an administrator who can consistently be counted on to bring student-oriented focus to the forefront of every decision. Her careful and meticulous cultivation of ideal academic experiences for students is unmatched.