The preamble of the Illinois Student Senate states, “(The students) charge the Illinois Student Senate with the authority and responsibility to represent and act in the collective interest (of the student body).” This single sentence has been and will continue to be my guiding light as I continue to serve the student body. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides a unique combination of world class academics and faculty, a beautiful and supportive community and a broad range of offerings for students to become involved in their campus. As your newly-elected and sworn-in student body president, I want to expand the senate’s engagement on campus to further all of the components of our great University.

This past year, I have been amazed by how much the senate has been able to accomplish in all fields. The Illinois State Senate passed a resolution regarding the transparency and availability of Instructor and Course Evaluation System (ICES) data for classes and recognized four of the best professors and teaching assistants. The senate has traveled to Springfield both semesters this year to advocate for the University and reach out to our legislators. I have no doubt that we will continue the amazing work done by the 7th Assembly, but we must not lose sight of our mission to serve the student body.

The student senate is only comprised of 54 elected senators and has an executive board of four individuals. While we all strive to represent the student body, it is impossible for us to be everything and everywhere. I am excited and already busy at work, but I need YOUR help.

I ask every Registered Student Organization, or RSO, on campus to reach out to the Illinois Student Senate. I had an incredible opportunity to see a wide variety of different RSOs while on Student Organization Resource Fee, or SORF, Board and the amazing things they do each and every day. The senate can be your ally and help you better reach out to the different diverse communities on our campus.

I ask any students who have an interest in serving students or shared governance to become involved in the Illinois Student Senate! Whether it is applying to be a committee member, an intern, or simply attending our weekly meetings, you DO have a voice in the governance process.

It is easy to become wrapped up with finals and then summer. However, while we go home or away to work, the University still moves forward. It is important not to pause all the work we do on campus during the summer. Please do not hesitate to contact me or your senator! Visit our website, iss.illinois.edu, to learn more about your representatives. Stop by and visit us at the Union, second floor just past the cubes.

David Pileski,

Student Body President