The Student Senate met Wednesday for its General Body Assemble meeting, during which new members were approved, the pizza budget was passed and resolutions were changed and discussed.
The meeting began with the Office of Global Opportunities representatives, Director Catherine Marshall and Assistant Director of Global Security, Health and Safety, Joe Wakeley, giving a presentation.
They discussed the different opportunities the Office of Global Opportunities presented, like global consultation, the Ohio Credit program, exchange programs and affiliated providers. Wakeley discussed ways to make the programs affordable through scholarships, how these programs will not affect graduation and the programs’ availability over winter and spring break.
*After the presentation, the Senate began to vote on its resolutions for the night. The first five resolutions were passed unanimously and voted in new members of the Senate.
Resolution 2425-75 appointed Aiden Wickham as the Environmental Affairs senator for the 2024-2025 academic year. His primary sponsor came from Environmental Affairs Commissioner Charlie Bartels and Executive Staff Assistant Landen Hensel.
“While I've known him since high school, I was still impressed by his professionalism and enthusiasm,” Bartels said. “Aiden has always been somebody who gives 100% to everything he does and that dedication shines through.”
The second, resolution 2425-76, appointed Zakaia Eiland as the Black Affairs senator for the 2024-2025 academic year. Treasurer Johnny Susany was her primary sponsor, and Graduate Assistant Carson Sarver was her secondary sponsor.
“In just one semester at OU, (Eiland) has already distinguished herself as a leader, a member of the Black Student Union, the Multicultural Student caucus and a dedicated pre-law student,” Susany said. “She is the type of resume that we need in the Student Senate.”
Resolution 2425-77 appointed Emma Lucas as the University Life Senator for the 2024-2025 academic year. Chief of Staff Olivia Barnes was Lucas’ primary sponsor and President Dan Gordillo was the secondary.
“She is heavily involved on campus, and is committed to making this point of the world a better place for everyone,” Gordillo said. “I'm confident that she will succeed in her role as university life senator.”
The fourth, resolution 2425-78 appointed Nathan Malz as the Residence Life senator, filling a current vacancy. The position would be for the 2024-2025 academic year. Residence Life Commissioner Mae Hu was the primary sponsor and Barnes was the secondary.
“During his interview, one of the words he described himself is stubborn,” Hu said. “This is perfect for my commission as many of our initiatives require dedication and persistence.”
Resolution 2425-79 gave the final appointment. It appointed Katelynn Fox as minority affairs senator for the 2024-2025 academic year to fill a current vacancy. Vice President Kiandra Martin was her primary sponsor and Hensel was the secondary.
These five resolutions went into effect immediately after the meeting ended.
Resolution 2425-80 was a request for the Governmental Affairs Commission event. The resolution asked for $101.92 for seven large pizzas: four pepperoni and three cheese. Governmental Affairs Senator Jack Meermans determined the amount based on previous statistics.
It was also announced the pizza would be from Domino’s. The $3.99 delivery fee was included in the amount requested.
“I am rather lazy and don't carry seven pizzas,” Gordillo requested.
Resolution 2425-81 replaced and removed content to the charges for breaches of the rules, procedures and duties. This resolution was made because the impeachment system was “a point of contention and confusion.”
The resolution added appendices A, B and C to replace sections 5.10, 5.11, 5.12 and 5.14 of the Rules and Procedures. In addition, Appendix D was added as Chapter 17.
The changes include redacting the name from the recorders if found not guilty, appeals must be made through a gradual system that will alert the chief justice, removing the original alert system, defining clearly what charges fall into which section and requiring members to disclose conflicts of interest.
The resolution was passed unanimously.
Resolution 2425-82 was brought up to get members of the Senate to begin thinking about it and provide feedback. Barnes said the resolution would be discussed and then tabled. This would be done so changes could be made based on suggestions.
The resolution plans to overhaul the election process in chapter 14 of the Rules of Procedures. Currently, the chapter has parts that are “outdated, overcomplicated, and in need of clarity,” which has caused issues within previous elections.
According to a statement given by Associated Justice Clay Lewis, this overhaul is “a critical safeguard for the activity of the electoral process.”
This overhaul would introduce a two-strike system, remove rules relating to placing advertising on “inappropriate surfaces” and remove candidates from the election board to make it impartial.
“Here’s why this initiative is essential for Student Senate because its broader mission to serve the two bodies,” Barnes said. “Fair competition creates a level playing field by preventing financial misconduct and ensures ethical practices.”
Gordillo closed the meeting by letting commissioners give their reports and gave his own.
“Each and everybody has done amazing work this semester,” Gordillo said. “I'm very, very proud of what this body has accomplished. As always, my door is open. Come talk to me if you need me, let me help you be successful.”
