The University of Rhode Island student senate swore in ten newly-elected senators and approved four bills officially recognizing three new clubs and one organization on Wednesday.
President Argha Goswami began the swearing-in ceremony by having all ten elected senators stand and repeat the student senate swearing-in oath. Goswami congratulated senators and welcomed them to the student senate.
The following senators included First-Year Reps. Beyonce Martin, Lindsey Alemany and Arpan Singh. Other electees were On Campus Rep. Tailah Abbott, At Large Rep. Carli Romano, Off Campus Reps. Caitlin Curry and Olivia Connolly, Education and Professional Studies Rep. Jackson Troxell, College of Arts and Sciences Rep. Victor Paulin and College of Environmental and Life Sciences Rep. Lyla Macrae.
“I want to emphasize that each and every one of you belong here, [and] don’t let these students intimidate you,” Goswami said. “I know it can look daunting at first but this is a very supportive collaborative environment. I’m sure each and every one of us will be happy to support you.”
Academic Affairs Chair Hannah Collins announced Sen. Wentworth will take over the academic affairs chair upon Collins’ upcoming graduation.
Student Organizations Chair Jacob Milner called for the Red Cross Club, Chinese Games Club and Golf Club, in addition to the Student Organ Donor Advocates Organization, to be senate-recognized organizations. The senate voted unanimously to have them officially recognized.
Coordinator of Organization Advising and Interim Student Senate Advisor Lucas DeWitt opened the meeting with a presentation about the URInvolved website . DeWitt shared the ways student organizations can use URInvolved and how it can help connect students through clubs and organizations.
Speaker of Assembly Lauren Peckham took a moment to honor former Student Senate Advisor, Memorial Union Director and Office of Student Involvement Director Maureen McDermott, who recently passed away.
“[Maureen’s] dedication to URI and students went so far beyond her job,” Peckham said. “She does truly care about making this community the best it could be for everyone. We all must now continue Maureen’s mission and her legacy by striving to work hard, to inspire others, to get other people involved and engaged on campus and dedicate ourselves to making a positive impact on our community.”
Peckham followed her statement by having the office take a moment of silence to honor McDermott.
The last student senate meeting of the semester will take place on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Memorial Union Room 300.