By Abigail Passafiume
The Student Association swore in the last vacant senate seat and approved a Campus Service presentation at its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Zoey Saunderson, a first-year psychology major from Brooklyn, NY joins the senate as the last member to be sworn in this semester Saunderson showed interest in the senate to get involved with the SUNY Plattsburgh community.
“I ran for this senator position because in high school I was a organizer for my theatre program, starting off as a small stage manager to running all of school shows in the arts by my senior year — I miss that part of the job so much that I think the senator position will be great to fill that hole of being a great community member.” Saunderson said.
President Kalema Gooding led Saunderson in an oath of office followed by congratulations and a round of applause by the rest of the senate.
The four newest senators, three initiated last week and one this week, showed their interest in specific boards, thereby filling the missing positions.
Senator Dominick Andre will serve on the board for academic affairs. Saunderson will fill the spot on the accreditation board. The vacancy in the legislation review board will be filled by senator Jack Sweet and senator Kayla Alonzo will slot in with the Club and Organization Affairs Board.
The vote for assignments was held and passed unanimously.
Shivear Parker, the Coordinator of Clubs and Organizations, delivered his Campus Service presentation which the Senators will take into classrooms to teach new students and prospective members about the Student Association.
“I made the presentation so the senators can present it in classes to promote awareness about the SA and what we provide. It also helps us get a head start on engagement for elections.” Parker said.
The presentation includes the SA’s mission, values, goals and explains why the election is so important. At the end, there will be two QR codes, one for students who are interested in running in the election and one for voting information. There will also be surveys on the presentation asking if it was helpful.
Senators express that they would like more photos after reviewing the presentation, so students know who is currently on the board.
“Is there going to be a slide that shows all the senators’ faces and maybe the boards they are involved on?” Senator Elizabeth Alden said.. “ I think it would be beneficial for the students to see the faces of the Student Association.”
Other senators agreed with Alden.
“Maybe we don’t have to do individual photos with our positions, but some sort of group photo where it shows the entire Student Association,” said Sweet.
The senate approved the presentation with the change of adding a group photo to help place faces to go with their descriptions.
The meeting ended with an announcement from Student Association advisor Tyler Hargraves.
“Once again we finally have a full senate. Keep the momentum going,” said Hargraves. “This is the most important time of the Student Association right now. Filling next year’s positions, having a competitive election and raising awareness of the Student Association.”
