SGA welcomes new senators

The Student Government Association approved the appointment of 12 new members to the Senate at its meeting yesterday afternoon.

The new senators had to undergo a judicial vetting process prior to the meeting before the motions to appoint each member went to the rest of the organization for a vote, which saw each appointment pass unanimously.
Senator Drake Thibodaux said that the organization has certain expectations for its new senators.

“[We expect] as much participation as possible,” said Thibodaux. “We want them at every meeting, we want them at all of the committee meetings and we want them to be active and just for them to make a positive impact on campus through SGA.”

Two senators—Brady Levron and Kelsey Brooks—will represent the College of Arts and Sciences, while three—Kady Huszar, Julia Pierce and Katelyn Banker—will represent the College of Business Administration. Sydney Matherne, Rachel Thibodaux, Erin LeBoeuf, Hali Westerman and Camille Palmer will hold the five freshman senator seats. Additionally, Andrew Benoit-Naquin will be a Senator-at-Large, while Joshua Daigle will serve as Veteran’s Senator.

Thibodaux said his hope for the new senators is that they will reach out to fellow students.

“I believe they will go out and talk to new people and more students on campus and get their opinions,” said Thibodaux.

Director of Public Relations Josie Graham announced that the organization raised over $600 for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Ms. Dolly McGeever, SGA’s secretary, said that the organization has partnered with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to lead another collection for Harvey victims. Items needed include box cutters, bleach, gloves, wide push brooms, face masks, shovels, paper towels and garbage bags. These items can be placed in a box in the lobby of the Union until the end of September.

Director of Student Rights and Grievances, Peyton Chiasson, reported that updates and additions have been made to courses within the Department of Languages and Literature for the 2018-2019 advising year. Among these updates was the addition of English 346 and 446, Short Film Production and Documentary Film Production, to the film studies minor.

President Tommy Thibodaux said that the search for a new university president will begin soon.
The organization also approved its fall and yearly budget at the meeting.