Senate

Creating Policy

Established as a means of giving the Columbia community a voice in Columbia’s operations, the Senate is the policy-making body of the University. Presided over by the President, the Senate meets monthly during the academic year to hear committee reports, discuss issues, and vote on resolutions.

Alumni elect two Senator and have representatives on several Senate committees, including Education, Budget Review, Physical Development, External Relations and Research Policy, Alumni Relations, Honors and Prizes, Libraries, and Academic Computing Facilities. Learn more about the Senate and its committees.

Every two years, the CAA Nominating Committee meets to nominate candidates for the position of University Senator. Any alumnus may request to be considered for nomination and may also be nominated by petition. University Senators are typically alumni who have served in a variety of alumni leadership positions prior to election. University Senators serve for two-year terms.