The ASASUD Senate approved one senator but rejected two other candidates at a special session on Friday because of questions over how well the positions were publicized.
The Senate approved Daiyaan Colbert, an Urban and Metropolitan studies freshmen, as one of the two freshmen representatives but rejected Gloria Valdez, a Health and Wellness freshmen. The Senate also did not approve Liberal Arts & Sciences junior Brittany Harris to represent the School of Letters and Sciences.
President Christian Vasquez called the special session in order to fill as many spots as possible before ASASUD began any of their work or activities for the year.
The ASASUD executive board said thousands of students had inquired about the positions but only four had applied to be freshmen representatives.
Sen. Michelle Lauer, of the Walter Cronkite School, said she thought the positions could have been publicized better.
“All the potential candidates weren’t necessarily informed that there was this position available,” she said. “I think that we really need to send an e-mail to all the freshmen to really give everyone a chance.”
Following the number of senate resignations last year, Sen. Dustin Volz of Barrett, the Honors College said he would like to see senators be involved in the application process.
“We had a lot of people that applied and got in the senate last year and they seemed great on paper … and then we had a lot of resignations,” Volz said. “It’s very important to stress how crucial and important these slots are and how much we do.”
Vasquez, sociology and psychology senior, said he will reopen the process and welcome senators to participate. Four senate seats are vacant—one freshmen representative spot, one for the School of Letters and Sciences and two for University College.
However, Vice President Jessica Abercrombie said she thought better communication between the Senate and executive board could’ve helped ASASUD avoid the two appointee rejections.
“This could’ve been addressed prior to (the hearing) and the process could’ve gone a lot smoother,” she said. “Communication is key.”
Colbert said he was happy to get confirmed but also thought it was good that more people will hear about the positions.
“It’s important that we vet the candidates properly and that all the freshmen get a chance to apply for this position,” he said. “I think the candidates who weren’t confirmed today are fully capable candidates, and I guess the Senate just had other thoughts.”
Also, it was announced that former president Tania Mendes appointed Abercrombie as the Downtown campus representative for the facilities fee board created last year and she appointed herself as a nonvoting member.
ASASUD’s first official session will be on Sept. 10.
Contact the reporter at salvador.rodriguez@asu.edu
