Although many things will be changing with the new ASUO administration, six steadfast senators will hold their seats for another year. All seem excited to continue to work for students.
ASUO Sen. Jeremy Hedlund@@yes@@ is positive the transition between this administration and the next will be an efficient one. He said last year new senators sort of muddled through things.
“I want to make sure everyone is on the same page as far as what is expected from them,” he said. “I would also like to spend more time with the senators outside of meetings. There is a strange culture (in Senate) due to extreme division, and that doesn’t need to exist.”
Since the transition is so important, Sen. Lindy Mabuya@@yup@@ has been working on a detailed plan to make sure things go smoothly. Her plans include a mock Senate meeting and working more with committees.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/46709138″ iframe=”true” /]
“I envision a Senate that is equipped to be as professional as possible,” Mabuya said. “I would also like to emphasize cultural competency, because that is something that can’t be neglected.”
Many returning senators agreed that they are going to work at creating a better environment during Senate meetings. Sen. Lamar Wise @@yes@@emphasized the importance of respect for peers.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/46709605″ iframe=”true” /]
“I would like to make the Senate atmosphere less an arena and more of a place where students can get help,” Wise said. “It is important to treat each other with respect and to go into every request with an open mind. I am going to prioritize programs that I think bring value to the University and make sure they have the resources they need to grow.”
Returning senators had some advice for those who are new to the position. Sen. Ben Bowman agreed with Wise on the importance of respect within the body.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/46709377″ iframe=”true” /]
“I would tell incoming senators to take their job seriously and respect the job you’ve set out to do,” he said. “I’m going to spend more time on finding ways t[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/46709377″ iframe=”true” /]o get a consensus within Senate, and to come up with solutions during meetings that more people agree upon.”
Sen. Ben Rudin@@yes@@ is excited to keep working on structural changes he was trying to make this year.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/46708934″ iframe=”true” /]
“I would like to see a lot of structural reforms that deal with Elections Board and Constitutional Court and focus on the separation of powers,” Rudin said. “I would tell incoming senators to prepare for anything. There are a lot of twists and turns.”
Sen. Molly Bacon@@http://tinyurl.com/bt2zttw@@ will also be returning for another year. While all agree the transition will be a learning experience for everyone, it will be a time to discuss the best way to serve students.