SGA makes changes to Senate, board
By Nicole Russo
Last Updated:4:31 PM EST 4/22/09 Section: News
The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate approved an amendment to its constitution on April 16 to give voting rights to several major clubs.
The Resident Student Association (RSA), Commuter Council, Student Activities Board (SAB), Teddi Committee, and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) were previously non-voting members of the Senate. Representatives from the groups attended meetings and could offer feedback on issues but could not vote on resolutions.
"It makes no sense to have non-voting members," SGA President Matt Lengen said. "Everyone should have a say."
In addition to including more clubs in the vote, the amendment also slightly altered the Senate's lateness and attendance policies. A senator is now considered late at a certain point of the meeting, and three unexcused absences from meetings per semester will be cause for dismissal and the appointment of a new representative chosen by the SGA E-board. SGA maintains the right to excuse absences.
Senate representatives are allowed to send an alternate in their place twice a semester, but must send the same alternate to create consistency.
"If you miss a meeting, your alternate will know what's happening," Lengen said.
The amendment, sponsored by Kaylee Kramer, a senator for the arts clubs, was introduced to the Senate on April 2 and approved two weeks later. All in attendance were in favor.
The changes occurred shortly before SGA announced its E-board for the fall semester. Although Lengen and Vice President Eddie Sundquist were re-elected to their positions in March, other members of the group were appointed following an application and interview process last week.
Among the new members of the E-board are Director of Financial Affairs Rick Brienzi, Assistant Director of Financial Affairs Alex Mountzouros, Director of Activities Erika Cary, Chief Justice Nicole Djamgarova and Secretary Breanna Erck.
The Resident Student Association (RSA), Commuter Council, Student Activities Board (SAB), Teddi Committee, and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) were previously non-voting members of the Senate. Representatives from the groups attended meetings and could offer feedback on issues but could not vote on resolutions.
"It makes no sense to have non-voting members," SGA President Matt Lengen said. "Everyone should have a say."
In addition to including more clubs in the vote, the amendment also slightly altered the Senate's lateness and attendance policies. A senator is now considered late at a certain point of the meeting, and three unexcused absences from meetings per semester will be cause for dismissal and the appointment of a new representative chosen by the SGA E-board. SGA maintains the right to excuse absences.
Senate representatives are allowed to send an alternate in their place twice a semester, but must send the same alternate to create consistency.
"If you miss a meeting, your alternate will know what's happening," Lengen said.
The amendment, sponsored by Kaylee Kramer, a senator for the arts clubs, was introduced to the Senate on April 2 and approved two weeks later. All in attendance were in favor.
The changes occurred shortly before SGA announced its E-board for the fall semester. Although Lengen and Vice President Eddie Sundquist were re-elected to their positions in March, other members of the group were appointed following an application and interview process last week.
Among the new members of the E-board are Director of Financial Affairs Rick Brienzi, Assistant Director of Financial Affairs Alex Mountzouros, Director of Activities Erika Cary, Chief Justice Nicole Djamgarova and Secretary Breanna Erck.
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