If he ever wants to, comedian and talk show host Stephen Colbert can show up at Kansas University and become student body president.

The KU Student Senate Wednesday night appointed Colbert as its honorary student body president for life — a title Colbert could assume any time he’s on campus.

Tom Cox, a student senator who sponsored the resolution, said he chose Colbert for the honor because of his track record of recognizing groups who have honored him in similar ways.

The resolution isn’t quite clear on whether the title is strictly honorary or if Colbert could actually come to campus and become the president.

“If he wants to come here and sign a bill, I don’t think anyone would complain,” Cox said.

KU’s Student Senate has responsibility for a $19 million budget and its members can get engaged in lengthy debates that can last into the wee hours of the morning.

While yes, Cox said, the senators are hoping to attract the attention of Colbert in the hopes that he would either mention KU on his Comedy Central television show or come to campus, he said it’s also a reminder that students should just have fun.

Almost 90 percent of the senators voted for the resolution, which somewhat surprised Cox, as some argued that the whole matter was “silly” and the body had more important things to do.

Cox said the idea was partially motivated by Colbert’s decision to seek the U.S. presidential nomination of both political parties in 2008, and his statements indicating he intends to run again in 2012.

“We thought this would be a good stepping-stone for him,” Cox said.