While the intended timeline still stands, the mascot competition lacks participation from members of the Student Government Association Senate, and students are being asked to get involved. SGA President Olinda Ricard said she requested SGA members develop questions for the campus-wide survey to determine the criteria of the new mascot contest. She hoped to have the questions available on the election ballot so students could take the survey while voting.

“I’ve mentioned it several times in different meetings,” Ricard said. “I have not received anything from anyone at all within student government.”

Even if the survey is not prepared and completed this semester, Ricard said next semester would still leave the timeline as is. She said she wants think everything through rather than rush the process.

“It would just take individuals to step forward because I can’t tackle every task personally,” she said.

Ricard said she ends up spearheading every project “on the table for us,” and it is very difficult for her to “lead every little thing, especially if there are students claiming to be really interested in seeing this happen.”

She said since she is not receiving any commitment from SGA members, Ricard said she will open up assisting in developing the criteria for the mascot competition to students who want to become involved.

According to Ricard, the two-year timeline set in August 2006 can be thought to be “too long” considering the University has been without a mascot since 2004, but the process of having individuals submit their ideas alone is taking long.

Ricard said she does not see students worried about the University’s mascot like they once were. Those concerned are encouraged by Ricard to make things happen.

“I’m for mascots, but I can’t devote all of my time and energy to creating ours,” Ricard said. “I create the process of doing it. I just need SGA and student body to step forward and assist in the process.