This week, students will have the opportunity to select their representatives. Today and Wednesday are Student Association Senate elections, held at polling places across campus.

The SA serves as the student voice at NIU, controlling more than $2 million in student fees. It also can approve or deny student groups as official university organizations.

The SA is one of three governing bodies of the university, said Senate Speaker Austin Quick.

“The SA is the voice of the students,” said Senator Mike Theodore.

Just like the national government, the SA has three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The Senate stands as the legislative branch of the SA.

The SA president and his staff work under the guidelines of the constitution and bylaws set by the Senate, Quick said.

“The SA Senate deals directly with those bylaws and makes changes as needed,” Quick said.

The Senate also legislates on behalf of the students at the university, Quick said. The Senate has seats at the Faculty Senate and voting rights with the University Council.

The SA receives funds from student fees.

“Students pay student fees…student fees come to the SA,” Quick said.

The Senate usually meets Sundays in the Sky Room of the Holmes Student Center, Theodore said.

The Senate currently contains five standing committees that deal with various aspects of the SA and the student body, Quick said. They are the rules and procedures committee, the finance committee, the university service committee, the public affairs committee and the campus life and Greek affairs committee.

Theodore said he thinks the finance committee may be the most important.

“Finance actively worked with [student] organizations and asked them what they need and try to help them to the best of their abilities,” Theodore said.

Senator Zach Fiegel worked on the Public Affairs committee his freshmen year.

“We got opinions from students, created interest for the SA and got feedback,” Fiegel said.

Senators represent five districts to deal with different issues on campus, Quick said.

“One of the big things we’re going to push this year is that [senators] do more things with their caucus,” Quick said.

The Senate will hold its first meeting 6 p.m. Sunday in the HSC Sky Room.