Each commission director within the Student Senate shared its commissions’ status and tentative goals for the semester Monday as the Senate had its first meeting since May.

“We have some new energy in the Senate and more energy to get input from students,” Senate President Sarah Schuh said.

The nine commissions will focus on the Senate’s group goals of using student input and encouraging students to vote, as well as individual goals for this semester.

The public relations commission, for instance, will focus on developing a Senate open house and making the Senate visible to students, said Adrian Klenz, public relations commission director.

The student services commission, directed by Nathan Keiser, is working on developing a disabilities awareness week.

While the commissions are looking ahead to this semester, last year’s accomplishments will not be forgotten.

The differential tuition bill that Senate passed last semester will go before the UW System Board of Regents today and will be voted on in October.

Differential fees are included in student tuition and help fund academic programs such as internships, first-year experience, collaborative research, capstone and service-learning.

If the Senate’s bill is approved, the student differential tuition fee will increase by $15 during the next two years. Starting in the spring 2003 semester, the fee will increase by $5 every semester through spring 2004. Beginning with the fall of 2004, the fee will grow by a 4.5 percent flat rate each school year.

“We’ll be talking to students to see what they want more money put toward,” Schuh said.

The Senate is comprised of 20 off-campus senators and 10 on-campus senators. Applications are being accepted for a few open positions. The commissions are open for all students to join. Those interested in joining can stop by Davies 132 for more information.