Senators welcomed new Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Lori White at the first Student Senate meeting of the 2007-08 school year.

Dr. White talked about the drug-related deaths that occurred last school year of three SMU students and answered questions about what changes could be made to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“It’s a collective community effort,” Dr. White said. Dr. White wants students to make good choices regarding drugs and alcohol.

Dr. White also talked about her plans for this year and how she wants SMU’s Student Affairs to be the model for others schools by encouraging students to get involved by taking advantage of the resources and opportunities around campus.

Student Body President Katherine Tullos announced that a senatorial forum about SMU’s Task Force, with co-chairs Dean of Student Life Dee Siscoe and Associate Provost Tom Tunks, will occur during the senate’s normal meeting time in the Hughes-Trigg Forum on Sept. 19.

Membership Chair Kelsey Eaton spoke about the upcoming Senate elections. She asked senators to encourage first-year students to apply to run for the first-year seats. Applications are due today at 5 p.m. followed by a mandatory candidate meeting. Elections will be held Sept. 5 and 6.

Other open seats include the Senate’s Communications Committee, one Cox seat, three Education seats; and one Engineering seat. Anyone interested in filling contact Tullos at [email protected].

A representative from the Indian Students Association spoke about their organization. The ISA will host its first event of the year tonight. Students are encouraged to come to the Varsity Room located on the bottom floor of Hughes-Trigg 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for free food and music. Also tonight, CRU Christian group will meet tonight at 8 p.m. in the Umphrey Lee Ballroom.

Outgoing Senator and President of the Muslim Students Association Aisha U-Kiu also invited students to MSA’s annual Fastathon banquet and dinner on Friday October 5.

Tullos also mentioned the return of Giddy-Up to campus. Giddy-Up is SMU’s free security escort service offering rides all over campus. Students can get a ride between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Thursday-Sunday by calling 214-768-3388 or flagging a Giddy-Up cart down.

Student Concerns Chair Kobler talked about the new comment box. The box is intended for students to introduce their areas of concern. The box is located in Hughes-Trigg.

The comments will be used to keep up with student’s thoughts on issues.