Eleven new members were sworn in at the student government meeting Wednesday night. Out of 21 applicants, 11 were chosen to fill the open senate seats.

Each one of the new members told why they wished to be involved in.

“I like to be involved on campus and student government will broaden my view,” said Kaci Abolt, a sophomore undecided major and new student senator. “During the year I hope to hear more from the students. I want to hear their concerns and try to address them.”

Some of the new student senate members were former student government members from previous semesters.

After the speeches, Ceci Brinker, student government adviser, swore in the students and they were greeted with a standing ovation.

Student Senate Speaker, Jason Sandidge, welcomed the new members and expressed his excitement at having a full government.

“I apologize to the audience if some of the senator backs are to you, but honestly I love it,” said Sandidge.

There were two changes made to the agenda. The first was to approve the appointment of Michael Stopka as Vice President of the Student Action Team.

The second was to appoint Demarlon Brown as Student Diversity Chair. Both of the changes were approved.

Student Body President Michelle Murphy, started off her report by welcoming the new members, but she also expressed her concerns about how quickly the new members were brought in.

“I’m a little concerned about how quickly the new members were accepted,” said Murphy. “I’m sure you’re (the new senators) all highly qualified, and I’m delighted to have you. But I didn’t sign on to be a rubber stamp. I wished we had taken the advantage to question each appointment. In spring court, we drill the applicants and they drill us, few souls go through this. In the future I would like this to be taken in consideration.”

Murphy continued her report with news on the position of webmaster and graphic designer. She said five applications have been taken, but there are still more available in the Student Activity Center. The applications are due on Monday.

Jarrod Scherle made two announcements during the meeting. Panther Nation is currently up to 442 members, only eight members behind last years total. Students can still sign up in the Student Activity Center.

The remainder of the meeting was spent allowing each committee chair to explain a little about what they do and their goals for the semester.

Student government meets every Wednesday in the Arcola-Tuscola room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union at 7 p.m.

Kaylia Eskew can be reached at 581-7942 or kbskew@eiu.edu.

Director of Student Life Ceci Brinker swears in 11 new senators at the student government meeting in the Tuscola-Arcola room in the Martin Luther King Jr. Union. They were chosen out of 21 applicants for the senate seats. (Kim Foster

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