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: Grace Reep
Vice President: LilyBeth Townsend
Secretary: Grady Hornung
Treasurer: MacKenzie Rist
Public Relations Manager: Beth Mehus
NDSA Head Delegate:
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.
2024 Viking Pilot Award Winners
- Kiara Radke
- Brooke Gaudry
- Derek Bear
- Macey Schlenker
- Carter Gill
Senator of the Semester
The Spring 2024 Senator of the Semester is Cherokee Warnecke! Originally from New England, ND and is currently an English Education Major and Music Minor. When asked about serving in the Student Senate NDSA Head Delegate role, Cherokee said that Student Government has been a huge role in her college career, and she is grateful to everyone that she’s had the chance to meet through student senate.
Teacher of the Year
The 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year is Travis Knapp! The 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year is Travis Knapp! In his nomination, students discussed his enthusiasm for the courses he teaches and his caring attitude towards all students. In his short time here, Travis Knapp has become the advisor for English Club and has continuously helped with the SOAR projects.
Student Advocate of the Year
The 2023-2024 Student Advocate of the Year is Erin Klingenberg! The 2023-2024 Student Advocate of the Year is Erin Klingenberg! In her nomination, students spoke about Dr. Klingenberg’s clear advocacy for students through her open communication and willingness to listen to, and hear, all students. Dr. Klingenberg has made meaningful connections with students during her time at VCSU and students felt as though her obvious devotion to bettering the lives of Vikings was a strong reason for her nomination.
North Dakota Student Association
The North Dakota Student Association represents the voice of North Dakota’s 45,000 public college and university students. The NDSA meets as a General Assembly on a monthly basis during the academic year to discuss student concerns and higher education policy. If you have any questions concerning the NDSA or would like to attend a monthly meeting, contact the NDSA Head Delegate! More Information on the NDSA can be found at https://ndsa.ndus.edu/