The Constitution of the Senate of College Councils received approval from the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System on July 27, 1973. The Senate of College Councils became a body of student governance at the University charged with the specific task of “representing students of the University of Texas at Austin in academic affairs.”  The constitutional purpose of Senate is: (1) the representation of the students of The University of Texas in academic affairs; (2) the coordination and representation of the various student councils of the Colleges and Schools of The University of Texas at Austin; (3) to be a medium for exchange and presentations of the ideas and opinions of the student bodies of the various councils of The University of Texas at Austin; (4) the administration of funds collected through the Student Services Fee.

Through the coordination of the 18 student councils from each college and school at the University of Texas at Austin, Senate has improved the quality of academic life at the University and advanced student recommendations and grievances to the appropriate authorities. 

Senate is responsible for encouraging the activities of these student councils within their respective college or school.  Senate advocates each student council to initiate new programs, services, and ideas that will positively impact University coursework, student-faculty relations, and other arenas of academic life. Senate fosters fellowship among the leaders of these student councils and other registered student organizations.

Additionally, Senate meets its purpose by developing and implementing university-wide academic programs.  Through Senate’s Academic Committees, these programs reach thousands of students and contribute to the intellectual and pedagogical mission of the University.

General Meetings

Every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Senate holds its General Assembly Meetings in the Glenn Maloney Room of the SSB.  The General Assembly Meeting is an opportunity to discuss important Senate issues, report on the progress of Senate committees and programs, and communicate any developments of issues that may affect the quality of academic life at the University. Council Presidents, Financial Directors, Representatives, and all At-large Members are required to attend. The dates for these meetings are listed on the calendar page.