The 42nd Student Senate held its first meeting Wednesday to a standing-room-only in Senate Chambers.
Students listened closely to an agenda molded around confirming new electoral commission supervisors and a Supreme Court justice.
Senate members cross-examined the prospects in a rigorous round of questions, and voted in favor of every candidate who vied for a position.
“We want to make sure they know their documents and have the best interest of the student body at heart,” said Evan Bailey, a second-year business administration student from Kansas City, Mo., and this year’s chair of judicial rules.
This rigorous approach to vetting candidates, who have decided to dedicate their services to the student body this year, is a part of the new standard SGA is applying.
“I think we did an above average job last year,” said Bailey. “But this year, we’re setting a new standard.”
Accountability is being embraced by most student leaders roaming the hallways of SGA this year. This derives from the student body’s new leaders, President Marissa West and Vice President Michael Jefferson, who made it one of their platform points.
“The one thing I am noticing is the theme of accountability,” said Junior Senator Gregory George,a third-year political science student from Miami. I think under the West/Jefferson administration, they’re sticking to accountability.”
Members of the student body are not as susceptible to the new standards being implemented in SGA.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” said Tristen Gabuers, a third-year education student from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Wednesday night’s meeting also included approving the new electoral commission’s point system. This point system is going be used in the upcoming student election.
Student Senate meetings are held every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Senate chambers.