President White swore in the new executive authority of the Student Senate Tuesday night, who in turn swore in the new senators of the student body. Former Student Body President Jesse James ‘08 and former Student Body Vice-President Robert Boarman ’08 yielded their offices to Student Body President Elect Juan Carlos Venis ‘09 and Student Body Vice-President Elect John Moton ’09, and new senators representing the ten fraternities, four residence halls, and off-campus housing were inaugurated.
Vice-President Moton, who also acts as Chairman of the Student Senate, called the meeting to order. The main order of business Tuesday night was the election of general offices in the Senate. Those elected include Sean Clerget ’09 as Chairman Pro-Tempore, Craig Cochran ’10 as Student Senate Treasurer and Royce Gregerson ’09 as Student Senate Secretary.
The Senate also elected a new Sergeant-at-Arms, a position that existed in the by-laws of the Senate but was unfamiliar to many senators. Wesley Ault ’10 was elected to this position, and he will serve a ceremonial role and also be entrusted to keep the Senate in order.
President Venis then nominated four juniors to represent the class of 2009, since no one had run for these positions in the fall election. Royce Gregerson, Sean Crane, Austin Kline, and Sean Clerget were nominated, and all were unanimously elected. With the exception of Mr. Clerget, who was unable to attend Senate Tuesday evening, they were all sworn into office.
President Venis spoke concerning his goals for the upcoming term. He said that, while senators will mostly collaborate with Vice-President Moton, he still encourages students to contact him with any questions or issues they have. He also advised freshmen senators to give their input during discussions.
The AFC reported on the budget. $49,128.67 from the fall semester was reverted to the General Fund. Vice-President Moton then claimed this amount was typical for the beginning of spring semester. New student activity fees of $192,825 were transferred to the Senate, resulting in a new budget of $241,908.67.
Julius Woods ’09 reported for the Community Service Committee and said he was “very excited to be elected again,” and Relay for Life will be coming up soon. Woods was ecstatic about his re-elected position and was given hearty applause by the Senate.
Chris Hawes ’09, Chair of the Senior Council Activities Committee, reported on the Spring National Act. 400 tickets for the Third Eye Blind concert have been sold at twenty dollars each, and the SCAC hopes to raise $40,000 in ticket sales. After next week, ticket sales will be open to the general public, and Hawes reported that ESH jobs for concert setup will be available to students. Third Eye Blind is scheduled to play Chadwick Court on Saturday, February 9.
The Senate closed with remarks from Vice-President Moton about attendance, which is mandatory for all senators. President Venis then dismissed the Senate. “I’m looking forward to a great year,” he said.
“I thought it was a good night,” said Chairman Moton. “It was mainly bureaucratic, just filling positions, but it was good for our members to learn more about student government and how it works.”
“It was a big mix of guys,” said President Venis. “There were lots of underclassmen, which pleases me a lot because they will ensure the continuity of student government. Some are very outspoken, they are very involved on campus, and they will do well in the Senate.”
“The new Senate has more young, fresh faces than it does veteran representatives,” said outgoing President Jesse James, “but I am not worried. My advice to the newly elected officials is that they resist shyness in the Senate but that they also respect and hear what veteran representatives say on issues.”
The executive authority also hopes to accomplish lofty goals before their term ends.
“My primary goal is to strengthen the line of communication between students and administration,” said President Venis. “I want students to know that the Student Senate is always open to the student body. I want people to come to me with their concerns, or at least go to their senators. I am going to try to be as accessible as I can, and I also plan to work with the Senior Council and strengthen campus unity and focus on campus life issues.”
“I want to promote the ideas of transparency and responsibility concerning the budget, correct procedure, etc.,” said Vice-President Moton. I am open to new ideas and I want to know how I can better serve. I want students to know that the Senate will meet every Tuesday and ensure that the student voice is heard.”
Former President James has no anxiety about the new executive authority. “The students should not be worried that our finances and student government have fallen into incapable hands,” he said, “but that on the contrary, students have elected two very capable Wabash men. I would hope that both President Venis and Vice-President Moton serve their offices and the students to their fullest potential without bias and that they maintain and strengthen student government and the voice of students in the mechanisms that drive our College, but I do not need to hope of something that I am certain.”