First Senate Of 2020 Brings New Changes

Union University’s first Senate of the semester took place in Harvey Hall, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 9:30 p.m..

Senate opened with the voting to approve the positions of both sergeant at arms and chaplain. The voting passed for Jaxon Via to be sergeant at arms and Suzanne Rhodes to be chaplain.

SGA Vice President, Madison Hari, opened the floor for nominations for president pro tempore and clerk. Sam Sadler, Nicholas Bitterling and Hayden Rash were nominated for president pro tempore, with Rash securing the nomination. Maggie Exum, Mac Hazlerig and Daniel Clay were nominated for clerk, with Hazlerig securing that nomination.

Two bills were presented to the Senate. Madeline Fleming and Daniel Potts presented the first bill on behalf of the Union Broadcasting Club. The Broadcasting Club requested that the senate would grant the club $200 to go towards a club trip to Los Angeles. The senate passed the bill.

“It’s exciting because it means a group of us gets to go to LA and make connections that could have a big impact on our future,” said Fleming, a senior public relations major.

Grant Gammon and Allison Schiebout presented the second bill to the Senate. The bill requested that trash cans be placed at the entrance of Union Woods for both students and the Jackson community to use. A question was raised as to how often the trash would be taken from the potential trash cans, with the answer being weekly. This bill also passed.

SAC president, Leah Campbell, made a few announcements about the upcoming events within the next week. On Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m., SAC will be hosting a BINGO night. Participants at the event will have the chance to win prizes such as new Airpods, an Apple Watch or Disney Plus subscription. SAC will also be putting on the Hoops in Cobo event. The event will be held during the dinner hours, and prizes will also be awarded.

“I’m super pumped to get to work with Raymond, Mads, Takiya and the rest of all staff,” said Averi Alexander, vice president of administration. “Madi Hari has so many fun ideas for senate, and we’re really making efforts to make senate something people look forward to. I’m excited to see all the legislation people bring this semester.”

Photo courtesy of Neil Cole