Student Senate Tables Bill; SGA Meeting Canceled

Editor-in-Chief

   The Student Senate tabled a bill to eject members not attending meetings after senators could not agree on terms of the legislation Wednesday, Nov. 19.

   When some students expressed concern about bill, author of the bill Zack Tucker said this act would make the quorum smaller. The Student Senate has to have half of its membership plus one in attendance to conduct business.

   “This will also help us practice changing legislation,” Tucker said.

   Tucker proposed the bill to eject the members for having three or more unexcused absences. According to the Student Government Association Constitution, Senate members with three unexcused absences shall cease to hold office. It also says excuse forms, available in the Student Programs office should be submitted 24 hours in advance. 

   During affirmative debate, Ron Forte, a sophomore Psychology major, said there should be a level of accountability and the Senate needs rules and regulations in order to be successful. Angelia Buford, a senior social work major, said the Senate should follow the constitution.

   Michael Thomas, SGA president, said he disagreed with the bill right now. He said senators have given him verbal excuses “before the forms were enforced.”

   “Now that everyone knows, we should move forward and continue using the rules,” Thomas said. “But right now, I’m against the bill.”

   Jonathan Greenlee, a speech and communications major, said the senators should have read the constitution and know the rules. He also pointed out the senate did not know about the senators’ absences.

   The senate tabled the bill when the meeting ended since it did not reach a decision. Sandy Herring, Student Senate President Pro-temp, called a special session for Dec. 3 at 12:30 p.m. 

   Mindy Holcomb, director of Student Programs and Activities, canceled the SGA meeting scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20.  She said she met with the executive board and people could not attend the meeting for different reasons. She also said the SGA agenda had no new business.

   For more information about Student Government, contact Holcomb at Holcomb@uamont.edu or 460-1396.

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