Every Senator serves on at least one committee during their term. Senate committees work to address issues from the different aspects of life at the University. The committees manage projects that enhance student life and address problems that affect students. They also propose legislation to the full Senate on a variety of issues. There are three main types of committees:
Open Standing Committees -- ANY STUDENT MAY JOIN
These are the permanent committees which meet on a weekly basis throughout the academic year. Membership on the committee is made up of both Senators and non-Senate members.
-- any student may join, work on projects, and vote on legislation to be sent to the full Senate.
Senator-Only Standing Committees
These are the other permanent committees which also meet on a weekly basis during the academic year. However, membership is reserved for Senators (though anyone may sit in on a meeting to observe). These committees sometimes meet more frequently than once a week, due to extra business.
Special and Ad Hoc Committees
These committees are formed by a vote of the Senate on an "as needed" basis; they meet as often as necessary to accomplish their business and are disolved once that business has been done. An exception is Rules & Ethics, which meets only when it is brought business, but does not disolve until new members are chosen. Membership on these committees is also reserved for Senators, in fact they must be elected by the full Senate to serve on the committee.