Professional Student Senate

The Professional Student Senate (PSS) is the body within Pacific University's governance structure representing graduate and professional students. Senators are the voice of the students and act to foster inter professional development between programs and the university as a whole. The Senate articulates graduate and professional students' needs to key stakeholders across the university. PSS plans community and social events, acts as a forum for student ideas, and provides a link between all the professional programs. The Senate supports students through the distribution of hardship, research, professional and inter professional development funds. Senators (or student-designee) are appointed to university committees giving students a voice across the institution.

Governance

Senators represent each school and/or program which includes graduate & professional students and in which these students pay a governance fee as part of tuition. Each program elects one senator, unless enrollment of that program is above median enrollment. Median enrollment is calculated every three years or when a new program is added. 

Mission Statement

Provide opportunities for and the promotion of interprofessional relations between the University's professional/graduate programs and the community at large (collegial, local and global). Provide a voice for the professional/graduate students to the larger university.  Provide input and recommendations on Pacific University policies, issues, and decisions affecting professional students.  

Professional Student Senate Bylaws and Handbook

Bylaws and the University Faculty & Governance Handbook (please refer to Chapter 2.7.3) are updated and maintained by all members of the PSS, including the executive board and senators.  Both documents require approval by the University Council.  

Get Involved

PSS meetings are open to all Pacific University community members and held bi-monthly on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. The schedule for the 2023 fall semester is: October 3, October 17, November 14, November 28, and December 5.

If you would like information about how to become a PSS senator, please contact your program representative or the Dean of Students Office.