Student Body President Andres Morales speaks during a Student Senate meeting Aug. 18 in the Student Government Chambers. Morales said the meeting demonstrated how democracy and student advocacy work at UTA.
The Student Senate kicked off the semester in its first meeting by swearing in new senators, confirming justices and giving updates on resolutions.
During the open forum, Student Body President Andres Morales said senators have the responsibility to represent a large number of students around campus.
“What you do here today, and in this academic year, and in your terms, not only affects the current generation of Mavericks but future generations to come,” Morales said.
Student Government members stand during a meeting Aug. 18 in the Student Government Chambers. They considered resolutions addressing housing, campus engagement and secure charging lockers for students.
The Senate confirmed Emmanuel Prince and Emma Litsinger as justices.
Prince, an international student from France and a geological engineering sophomore, said he hopes to contribute to a judicial branch that is fair, independent, respectful and consistent.
Emma Litsinger, psychology and social work senior, left, and Student Body President Andres Morales shake hands after Litsinger is sworn in as a justice during a Student Senate meeting Aug. 18 in the Student Government Chambers. Litsinger said she was nervous but excited to become involved in the organization during her final year at UTA.
“I will consider what is important first to the student and what will help them to be comfortable around campus,” Prince said.
Litsinger, a psychology and social work senior, said Student Government is the first big student organization she has been a part of. She said she has gained a lot of career experience outside of campus but wants to get more involved at UTA.
“I really love this campus, and just realizing that I only have one more year left made me realize how little I’ve done,” Litsinger said. “It was just important to me to get involved whenever I can.”
Student Senate Speaker Emman Khan leads a Student Senate meeting Aug. 18 in the Student Government Chambers. Khan said she felt nervous during her first meeting as speaker but was able to push through and finish the meeting successfully.
The Senate also gave updates on the following resolutions:
Resolution 26-03, “Lock, Charge and Go,” which calls for device charging lockers to be placed around campus.
Resolution 26-06, “Match Made at UTA,” which calls for enhancement to the roommate matching process by incorporating more detailed compatibility questions and implementing a roommate feedback service.
Resolution 26-08, “Mavericks at Home,” which calls for an incentive program that awards housing discounts or priority to students who demonstrate meaningful participation in campus life through qualifying activities.
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