Academic Affairs
This committee is charged with identifying the needs of students as they relate to academics. This includes but is not limited to scholarships, classroom procedures, relationships among administration and students, class offerings, research opportunities, and test preparation. This committee often works closely with the General Education Curriculum Committee and the Undergraduate Educational Policy and Curriculum Committee – both within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences – and with the Office of the Provost.
Committee Chairs
External Relations
The External Affairs Committee works to engage the University of Iowa and Iowa City communities in projects that benefit both groups while spreading awareness of USG and student activities. The committee hosts events to engage students and let them know what’s happening on campus. This committee also creates volunteer events that all senators can participate in.
Committee Chairs
Finance
The committee’s main responsibility is managing funds provided by the Student Activities Fee. SABAC directly oversees allocations to commonly registered student organizations and jointly approves with GPAC budgeting proposals from Collaboratively Funded Organizations (CFOs). Aside from annual allocations, the committee reviews any funding request to Senate above $1,500 and works with CFO of USG to manage the Contingency Account.
Committee Chairs
Governmental Relations
The Governmental Relations Committee works to advocate for student interests in the local, state, and federal governments as well as encourage participation in governmental elections. Members of this committee register students to vote in Johnson County, organize events such as debate watch parties, and partner with Hawkeye Caucus to meet with state legislators in Des Moines.
Health and Safety
The Health & Safety Committee works to provide students with resources, programming, and information relating to health and safety concerns at the University of Iowa. This committee often works with the City of Iowa City to complete initiatives dealing with safe transportation, living environments, and experiences downtown. This committee also frequently works with various offices on campus and around Iowa City that handle issues of health and safety – University Counseling Services, Rape Victim and Advocacy Program, Women’s Resource and Action Center, residence hall staff, and others.
Committee Chairs
Internal Affairs
The Internal Affairs committee assists in the management of the Student Senate. One of the primary responsibilities includes soliciting and reviewing applications for membership in USG and Presidential Charter Committees as well as conducting interviews for those positions. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: coordinating appeal’s processes when members of USG are removed from office and reviewing and updating our bylaws and constitution. This committee often works with the Speaker of the Senate, the Secretary, and the Student Judicial Branch.
Committee Chairs
Justice and Equity
The Justice and Equity Committee works to create a campus environment that is welcoming and inclusive to all University of Iowa students. This committee works to magnify the voices of underrepresented and historically marginalized populations by listening to student concerns, building partnerships across campus, and creating initiatives and campaigns that improve the campus climate surrounding matters of justice and equity.
Committee Chairs
Student Life
The Student Life Committee works to foster an enriched student life by developing initiatives designed to address student interests, needs, or concerns. This committee works on a wide range of issues from providing access common resources (umbrellas and chargers) to advocating for, and trying to secure, affordable food and housing for all students. This committee works on anything aimed at improving the day-to-day experience of the undergraduate student body.
Committee Chairs
Sustainability
This committee is responsible for coordinating the sustainability projects and general environmental awareness efforts at the University of Iowa. The Green Initiatives Fund is allocated by this committee to fund sustainability-oriented events and projects.
Committee Chairs
