The Senate ¹⁾ was a student government organization that was established in the early twentieth century and continued to exist until 1970.

The Senate originated in the spring of 1909 and was comprised of elected representatives from within a variety of student body groups—class years, sports teams, fraternities, Trinity Tripod editors, and Medusa. While its function was unclear at the time of founding, the Senate quickly found footing, and by the 1960s, its stated purpose was to “create and maintain channels of communication among students, faculty, administration and trustees.” Both the Senate and Medusa acted as branches of the College’s student government, with offices located in Mather Hall. The Senate was the legislative body, overseeing class and club funding as well as student organizations in general, and keeping the student body apprised of campus affairs.

In the early 1950s, Medusa was empowered by the Senate to oversee judicial and disciplinary functions, working with the Dean of Students and the Faculty Committee on Academic Standing and Discipline on matters of student conduct. Medusa was responsible for the delivery of penalties such as fines, censures, suspensions, dismissals, and expulsions. The Senate, however, acted as the final student court of appeal. By the 1969 academic year, Medusa had disbanded, and the Senate followed in 1970.

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Guide to the Medusa and Senate records, Trinity College Archives.

The Trinity College Handbook, 1968-69 (1968).

The History of Trinity College (1967) by Glenn Weaver.

Trinity College Bulletin, 1966-1967 (Catalogue Issue) (1966).

The Trinity College Handbook, 1963-64 (1963).