Student Senate seemed to have swung into full gear after Tuesday afternoon’s meeting.
On the agenda was recognizing SMU Olympians, discussing community relations and setting the tone for the upcoming semester.
Student Senate continued its discussion of a resolution commending SMU athletes who participated in this summer’s London Olympic Games. There were 14 SMU students, coaches and alumni representing nine different countries at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Kelly Kiser, a sophomore who sat in on the meeting, approved of this resolution.
“We can all be really proud of our peers who achieved these amazing feats,” Kiser said. “I am glad to see that Student Senate took the time to recognize them.”
Student Senate President Alex Mace spoke on the current football season. After acknowledging the Mustangs’ Sept. 2 loss against Baylor, he encouraged SMU students to support their team in the upcoming game on Saturday against Stephen F. Austin College.
“One thing you can do is continue to be a strong voice of support,” Mace said.
Support for the Mustangs continues to build annually as season tickets sales are the highest they have been since 1986.
In his community update, Mace discussed engaging the Dallas and Highland Park communities in SMU events.
Additionally, the Student Senate will begin using a new texting system, SendHub, which will release urgent news and updates to senators.
Cox Senator Nikki Ruh is excited for this change.
“Senate is always thinking of ways to keep updated and connected,” Ruh said. “SendHub allows quick and effective communication.”
Vice President Zane Cavender discussed Student Senate Committee appointments and addressed senate relations with on- campus organizations.
Each organization has a student senator liaison. While some have been left without a senator, these organizations will be assigned a senator when vacancies are filled this month.
“It’s all about communication,” Cavender said. “If our house is in order and everyone is doing their job, we’re doing what we’re here to do and being the best we can be.”
General Membership Chair Anthony McAulliffe discussed senate vacancies, general member applications and first-year senator applications. Thirty-six students applied for first year senator. There are still Senate vacancies for the Simmons School of Education.
Allison Dupuis, a career coach from the Hegi Career Center, visited Senate to present the upcoming event Career Prep Day.
The day features sessions like Resumania, where students can meet one-on-one with employers and receive feedback on their resume, a LinkedIn photo booth and a work abroad panel. All events will be held in Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
Executive Director Jennifer “JJ” Jones shared the Senate’s “Thought of the Month.” She suggests that success stems from loving what you do. While you may not always enjoy your current task, you can make your own value in your work.
International Senator Ramon Trespalacios found this talk valuable and applicable to life at SMU.
“JJ’s talk about being sincere in what we do reminded me how passionate I am about SMU,” Trespalacios said.
“I am in a position where I can create positive change-I have responsibilities with my constituents, and I know that I’ll enjoy working hard to improve life on the Hilltop.”
