New faces in SGA

During the month of January, the Student Government Association (SGA) made headlines by adding an amendment to its constitution, swearing- in a new Executive VP, and beginning its election commission term.

The two biggest pieces of news that came out of the January 16th SGA Senate meeting were the swearing-in of new Executive Vice President Ashley Osato Uzamere, and the passing of legislation that will now allow freshman to contribute to the SGA during their first semester of college.

Sen. Justin Brightharp proposed a bill during a Senate meeting that would create 12 positions on each of the senate standing committees that could be filled by freshmen in their first semester at Georgia State.

“Creating these 12 new positions would provide a fast-track for first-semester freshman who are eager to get involved with SGA,” Brightharp said. “These representatives would have the same responsibilities as Senators, advocating for student rights and such, however they would not be able to vote or pass any legislation.”

While holding the Senate floor, Brightharp went on to say that these positions would allow freshman to gain invaluable experience as a part of the SGA. More importantly, they would not be overwhelmed with responsibility.

“The creation of these positions would create more available spots for students interested in getting involved with SGA, and would also create more representation for the student population at Geogia State,”

Brightharp informed his fellow senators that before these positions were created, the ratio of students to SGA representatives at Georgia State was 1000-1. Creating these new positions would cut the ratio in half, according to Brightharp.

These new positions will not be made restrictive to freshman applicants only. Any student can apply for these new positions in SGA, but freshman are encouraged to do so.

After much discussion between the senators, the bill was voted into law by a slim majority of senators. 

Uzamere to close out EVP term
After the act was passed, Ashley Uzamere was sworn in as new Executive VP. No senator opposed her instatement.

“I am so excited and truly honored to become SGA’s new Executive VP, ” Uzamere said. “I can’t wait to work with the senators and support my president.”

Ashley Uzamere replaced Ashley Epperson, the former Executive VP that graduated in the Fall 13′ semester. However, Uzamere will only be in office for a short period of time, as the new election term fast approaches.

According to current SGA president, and former election commission officer Andrew Whyte, the role of the election commission is to set the time table for the election process on campus.

“The election commission term period begins on Jan. 21 and continues on through late April,” Whyte said. “Incumbents have to re-apply for positions in SGA just like new- comers do.”

SGA applications are available starting on Feb. 10, and they have to be submitted by the 28th. After reviewing the applications, the election commission notifies all applicants on their eligibility for the positions they applied for by Mar. 5.

Starting on Mar. 24, all candidates begin campaigning around the school. Three days later, individuals participate in a debate that takes place at 7:00 P.M.

On Mar. 31, one week after beginning the campaign trail, the voting period will begin. Then, four days later on Friday, April 4th, the voting period ends. The election commission will tally the votes, and by noon on April 8th, the new SGA representatives are announced.