During the first Senate meeting of the 99th Session, several points of contention regarding procedure, precedent and statutes made the initial start to the new session anything but smooth sailing.
At the meeting, 30 senators took the Student Government oath of office and were officially sworn in.
According to an update provided by Student Body President Emma Carter, a third-year in international studies and sociology, appointments for the executive cabinet have not been decided in time for the first Senate meeting; however, candidates are anticipated to be appointed at the next Senate meeting of the semester.
Currently, there are still vacant seats in several colleges. There are three in the College of Design, three in the College of Education, four Graduate and Lifelong Studies seats, five in the Poole College of Management and 10 first-year seats that will be filled in the fall.
During the first meeting of each session, the Senate elects senators to four roles: Senate president pro tempore, legislative secretary, secretary and sergeant-at-arms.
Senate President Pro Tempore
This role effectively acts as a second in command and takes over in cases where the Senate president is unable to perform all duties associated with their role.
Coleman Simpson, a fourth-year studying agricultural sciences and political science, was nominated for the position.
James Withrow, a Ph.D. student in entomology and biology, was also nominated, but Senate President Mitchell Moravec, a first-year graduate student in public administration, refused to recognize his nomination because Withrow did not take the oath at the start of the meeting; therefore, Moravec did not recognize him as a senator. Withrow had taken the oath of office with Carter before the senate meeting, but Moravec refused to recognize that swearing in as valid.
Additionally, Moravec did not recognize Withrow’s request to speak even when other senators attempted to yield time. After senators challenged and eventually appealed Moravec’s decision, Withrow was recognized as a senator for the meeting.
Withrow eventually did not accept the nomination, and Simpson was elected as Senate president pro tempore.
Legislative Secretary
This position is responsible for maintaining a record of legislation, including amendments, and may also make grammatical corrections if necessary.
Sam Brohaugh, a first-year transfer student in civil engineering, was the only senator nominated for legislative secretary and was elected to the position.
Secretary
This position is primarily responsible for maintaining records pertaining to voting, attendance and the Senate meeting journal.
Two senators were nominated: Erinn Foote, a first-year studying political science and philosophy, and Molly Vanhoy, a second-year studying microbiology.
Foote was elected to the position.
Sergeant-at-Arms
This position maintains order and may explain orderly conduct during Senate meetings.
Alyssa Stoltz, a second-year in parks, recreation and tourism management, was the only senator nominated for sergeant-at-arms. Stoltz was elected to the position.
One piece of legislation was up for vote during the session.
GB 03 – Advisory Council Reinstatement Act
This legislation would reinstate something known as the Advisory Council, which gives leadership advice and general governing help to senior elected officials. It would be comprised of nine total members: three university faculty, three graduates of NC State and three others with sufficient experience relevant to Student Government. These members would be selected by the Personnel Committee.
The resolution passed unanimously with 31 votes in support and will be passed on to Carter for her signature or veto.
