SGA appoints six new senators

The Student Government Association unanimously approved six new senators Wednesday to fill vacant positions on the SGA’s general council.

The six senators are: Joseph Solomon for the College of Arts and Sciences, Andrew Palomares for the College of Education and Psychology, Ian McDaniel and Marco Weidmer for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Brant Cain for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Loyd Blondin for Patriot Village.

Each of the candidates made a brief speech to the general assembly stating why they want to be in SGA. The candidates then left the room and the SGA voted.

The SGA did not have more candidates than open seats.

The SGA now has 17 senators plus five executive council members, putting it one step closer to having a full general assembly.

There are now nine open positions for the SGA. Prospective senators can contact SGA president Kerrie Ambort by sending her an e-mail at: kambort@patriots.uttyler.edu, or calling 903.565.5557 to make an appointment.

Dr. Howard Patterson, vice president for student affairs, addressed the general assembly at the meeting and told them what he expects of the SGA members this year.

Patterson said the SGA has the ability to influence the student body, and he said he’s there to help. “What I expect out of SGA is a relationship of give and take,” Patterson said, “where after you discuss and vent and investigate problems, that if you think I can have an impact on something then we can sit down and see if it’s something I can help.”

Patterson also said the SGA has to come up with solutions, not just problems.

Other items discussed at the meeting included:

Senators said a student complained about purchasing Scantron sheets for tests in 8 a.m. classes. The bookstore is not open at that time.

Discussed ways to decrease the 30-day waiting period for P2 card refunds.

Looked at ways to alleviate loud noise from people talking in the library.

Discussed bicycle rack placement. The administration has ordered additional bicycle racks for the campus.

Discussed the reason for the $10 graduation fee. One senator complained that the fee wasn’t reasonable after spending four years worth of tuition dollars.

By Allen Arrick Editor in Chief