The Student Government Association’s 62nd General Assembly had its first meeting of the 2013-2014 school year on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
Alex Wilson, the previous assembly’s president and this year’s vice president, announced Freshmen Council has plans to start next week. John Abel, SGA’s new advisor, informed the assembly of the changes made to Homecoming voting.
“Over the summer we changed voting for homecoming elections to make voting more secure. You will now vote through your Banner,” Abel said.
Other changes were brought to this year’s assembly as Jamie Arnett was elected to be the first ever Speaker of the Senate for UTM. The position is new this year and a candidate must meet several qualifications. Arnett had to pass the National Association of Parliamentarians test with a score of 70. She exceeded this requirement with a score of 93. Candidates must preside over a mock piece of legislation before Senators vote. Arnett chaired the meeting while Jacob Everett, SGA Elections Commissioner, presented a mock piece of legislation concerning green fees. She was elected to the position with a unanimous 21 for, zero against vote. She will receive a $250 scholarship for serving in this position.
The six appointed committee chairs gave brief overviews of what they hope to accomplish within their committees this year. Academic Affairs Chair, Robert Reeves, looks forward to open, honest debate both in his committee as well as in the Senate.
“I want the Senate to be better prepared and for us to be better leaders,” Reeves said.
Incumbent Campus Observation Chair, Jana Vestal, plans to focus on the road to the equestrian barn this year. This year’s Communications Chair, Sean O’Brien, was unable to attend because of class. Instead, Chief of Staff, Brian Swayze, gave his report.
“We definitely plan to update the website every week,” Swayze said.
Hosting tailgates during football games this fall is also a goal of the committee. Tucker Gillihan, Multicultural Affairs Chair, plans to focus mainly on this November’s Diversity Week. Fixing overlap in the SGA’s Constitution concerning Chief of Staff and Communications Chair positions is Procedures Chair John Domanski’s goal this semester. Chelsea Boyd, the Student Affairs Chair, got inspiration and ideas from sitting in on Freshmen Council interviews. Dana Maurizio closed the reports with her goal as Athletics Liaison being to improve communications between athletics, the student government and the student body.
The last order of business was for Elections Commissioner Jacob Everett to present this year’s Homecoming packet. Packets became available on Sept. 5 and will be due Sept. 16. He will be seeking volunteers from unaffiliated SGA members to help with voting on Oct. 2.
The next SGA Senate meeting will be held Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. in UC 111.
