Since its founding in 1978, the Student Senate at the University of Kansas Medical Center has provided an opportunity for students to discuss emerging issues and activities that affect students across campus.

Fernanda Cantu Corona, a doctoral student in dietetics and nutrition, is the current chair of the School of Health Professions senate delegation. Cantu Corona said she wanted to be involved with the senate wanted to advocate for, represent and support her fellow students.

“Through the senate, I hope to improve student participation and engagement and contribute to discussions about campus decisions, services and policies that affect all students.”

Student senate is a great opportunity for students to get involved, said Heather Gibbs, Ph.D., RD, LD, associate professor of dietetics and nutrition, associate dean for student affairs in the School of Health Professions and a faculty sponsor for the health professions student senate delegation.

“Serving students is our fundamental purpose, and getting the student input on the student experience is important,” Gibbs said. “It’s a place of belonging for students who want to interact with students who have different career directions but share their concerns.”

Each of the eight School of Health Professions departments have representatives on the senate.

The School of Health Professions senate delegation is led by officer positions of chair, vice chair, communications director and finance director. They are elected by the student body and serve one-year terms. A portion of KU fees paid by students each year is allocated to the senate. Involvement with senate allows students to help decide how these funds are used.