Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG) elected Senators Victoria Rivas, Jacob Van Riper, Kadyn Werkhoven, Aiden Bryant and Kiser Young to the Senate Restructuring Committee, which focuses on reorganizing the Senate. The election was uncontested.
“This is kind of an inflection point of the whole organization,” Bryant said.
Student Body President Will Brinley presented on behalf of Chelsie Kirk, director of ASG restructuring. He said Kirk wants to focus on making the Senate Cabinet more niche to their role and wants as much feedback from senators as possible.
ASG passed its Internal Operating Budget for the semester. Secretary of the Treasury Jeff Koch said there is a surplus of funds left over from COVID-19 shutdowns.
Additionally, Senator Ife Araba submitted a student concern regarding electric transportation devices to the Committee of On-campus Affairs. He said these devices are not allowed in residence halls and students don’t have a place to charge them. Speaker of the Senate Shelby Alford said the devices are likely a fire hazard.
Responses to student concerns are expected to be on the floor in two weeks.
Chief of Staff Nya Hodge presented ASG with two vacant roles. Alford and Hodge will appoint one senator to the university senate and are in search of a student trustee to represent Miami University. Applicants must be Ohio residents, and the appointment is for two years. Governor Mike DeWine oversees the final appointment.
ASG elected Senators Nate Paprocki and Rivas to the Steering Committee in the uncontested election.
“I’m very passionate about making sure that student government is serving students, but also that everyone in student government is taking care of themselves,” Rivas said.
Alford said special elections for senator openings are coming up. Packets open on Sept. 23 and can be found on ASG’s website or Instagram page.
ASG’s next meeting is at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 in the Joslin Senate Chamber.