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: Madison Yoder
Vice President: Saige Forseth
Secretary: Joelle Lamontagne
Treasurer: Taylene Mendiola
Public Relations Manager: Garret Fettig
NDSA Head Delegate: Gina Burtness
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.
2021 Viking Pilot Award Winners
- Angeline Gannon
- Riley Perryman
- Will Egan
- Hannah Aberle
Senator of the Semester
The Fall 2021 Senator of the Semester is Taylene Mendiola! Taylene is the Treasurer for Student Senate. She’s always readily available and more than willing to help wherever needed, serving on the most committees of any Senator. Taylene’s organization is a huge help in keeping track of club and organization finance requests and Senate’s budget.