History of the Senate

Student Governance maintains a proud tradition of service, leadership, and excellence at Saint Joseph’s University. Since its recent nominal transition, the University Student Senate (USS) has taken significant steps to increase its clout and notoriety within the university community.

The University Student Senate's formation was realized under the leadership of then President, J.Dillon Collins '02. The USS was formed in order to combat the sense of lethargy that seemed to have taken hold of the stagnant Student Governance Association (SGA). This revitalized face of student governance would be tremendously instrumental in shaping student life at the University
in the years to follow.

The 2nd senate was particularly marked by a sense of ambition and professionalism. After buying into the vision set forth by the 1st Senate, the 2nd Senate, under the leadership of a precocious sophomore President, Jordan A. Hitchens, achieved notoriety in a way that was all but foreign to recent student governance structures. The 2nd senate is remembered for eliminating smoking within the Campion Student Center. Also, the 2nd senate is credited for crafting a strategic plan for
student governance & finance.

Rising from consecutive terms as Vice President of Financial Affairs, the 3rd USS President would boldly step forth nominally as Student Body President. Mark A. Denney would be remembered as a strong willed leader who acted on behalf of student affairs. The Denney Administration is credited with reforming the Student Budget Allocations Committee's (SBAC) funds from $52,000 to $165,000. As part of this reformation, the 3rd Senate included representatives from SUB and SJU 'Til 2 to sit on the SBAC along with members of the USS. Prior to this change the SBAC was composed solely of USS members.

In its second session, the 3rd senate attempted to pass legislation to reform student governance at the University once more. Some proposals included the idea  to increase the number of elected Senators to 6, reduce the number of appointed Senators to 3, change the title of "President of the USS" to "Student Body President," establish transitional freshmen and senior Senators, require class Senators to hold town-halls each semester, and incorporate the State of the Student Body Speech - all passed unanimously. The notion that was not ratified was the motion to separate the Student Body President from the USS, and consequently, have the Senate chaired by an elected "Student Body Vice President."

Matthew R. Pellish became the 4th USS President with a plurality from the student body. The 4th senate saw the implementation of the new budget structure and boasted a proud membership which was the most comprehensive representation of the student body at Saint Joseph 's up until that point.

In its 5th year, the USS gained the leadership of President Patrick J. Hughes. President Hughes, in his first semester as president, had to undertake the office reallocation project that would make way for a revitalized 3rd floor in the Campion Student Center. The new third floor provides 24 hour student work space for all of the students in the University. Under Hughes’ leadership, the 5th USS also reestablished the Organizational Presidents Association (OPA), to promote greater communication between all student organizations on campus. President Hughes also resurrected the State of the Student Body Address, which had not been given in over 2 years.

James P. Finore became the 6th President

Michael McDonald became the 7th President

Hollyanne Pronko became the 8th USS President

The USS will continue to provide student representation throughout the Saint Joseph 's University community. We ensure that student voices are heard in every decision at the University level from the Annual Budget process, to Curricular Review and Application, the food we eat, the places we sleep, there is no query too small or problem too large. The University Student Senate is committed to providing stewardship for our student population at the University.