The date, November 19, 1986. The motion, 87-5. The vote, 36 ayes and 25 nays. The results, the Drake University Senate approved a proposal which recommended the University Senate divided itself into two separate bodies. The proposal was accepted by the University Board of Trustees and the Drake University Faculty Senate and the Drake University Student Senate became reality.

Between 1986 and 1988 the Senate began to define and develop itself into a student body of its own. Senators stepped up to leadership positions to define Senates role, structure, and address student issues. The Constitution and Rules and Regulations were approved in 1989. This year marked the first official Senate meeting. Over the first few terms Senators tackled student issues: Campus health, enrollment management, student life, academic affairs, fundraising campaigns, student concern reports, delayed recruitment, student activities, school spirit and more.

Senate continues to address similar issues today and is still a governing body for the students. There are seven standing committees: Academic Affairs, Campus Advancement, First-Year Interest, the Organizational Council, Public Affairs, Student Fees and Allocations, and Student Life. Student Senate committees are charged with diverse responsibilities, including allocation of student funds, publication of campus activities, general improvement of campus facilities, and oversight of campus organizations. In addition, committees often investigate key issues of the student body and make recommendations to the Student Senate.

There are 24 members around the table: three Executive Offices (Student Body President, Vice President of Student Life, Vice President of Student Activities), 10 Senators-at-Large, 3 Diversity-Interest Senators, 7 Academic Senators and 3 Organizational Senators. Senator’s responsibilities range from chairing committees to representing organizations and voting around the table.

More so, Senate has a direct relationship with the Board of Trustees where Senators sit on Board Committees. Additionally, Senators are liaisons to the Faculty Senate, neighborhood and a plethora of groups across campus. Senate continues to work for the betterment of students and campus life.