The second class of undergraduate senators was sworn in Wednesday night and re-elected Ben Murray as their speaker.
Murray, a senior in the School of Public Affairs, said he was enthusiastic about the new class of senators.
"I think we have a really great group of dedicated advocates and leaders that will start some much needed discussion on campus," he said. "... It is very important that the Senate focus on realistic and attainable goals that are communicated with the administration and faculty and supported by the students."
Murray was appointed last May by Secretary Carrie Johnson and confirmed by the Senate as the Director of Information Technology. As the IT director, Murray sits on the Executive Cabinet and serves in two branches of the SG.
Last semester, the Judicial Board ruled that a member could serve in two branches, although Murray was questioned on the matter by College of Arts and Sciences Senator Peter Wahlberg.
Murray will continue to serve in both positions and said he does "not believe it will be a conflict of interest. ... I separate the two positions very well and have not received any points to the contrary."
The inaugural Undergraduate Senate confirmed the fall election results as presented by Board of Elections Chair Joe Pavel before their indefinite adjournment.
President Ashley Mushnick presided over part of the meeting, giving her State of the Student Government report.
Mushnick emphasized the need for open communication between the legislative and executive branches and said she was excited to work with the new body.
There is much anticipation for the potential of the new Senate and what they can accomplish for the student body, according to SG members.
"I think the new senate is a beginning of a new direction of creating a truly powerful student advocacy organization that can actually influence the administration and promote positive change on campus," said Class of 2009 Senator Josh Cahan.
At-Large Senator Charlie Biscotto echoed Cahan's sentiments.
"I believe that with the energy of these 25 new senators and the vision of Benjamin Murray, the Senate will be capable of really making a difference in the way the campus views its Student Government," he said.
At its first meeting Sunday, the Senate confirmed Caitlin Hodgkins, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs, as the SG parliamentarian. Hodgkins was nominated by Mushnick. According to the SG Constitution, the parliamentarian is responsible for advising the SG on procedural matters and the governing documents.
The Senate will hold its next meeting, open to the student body, Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Kogod 118.
