SA appoints new representative, leaves vacancy

February 12, 2007 —

SA's newest representative Isaac Hudson said he wants to see more political activity on campus, and that was enough to get him appointed to the position during Monday's SA house meeting.

While sophomores Hudson and Eric Skibbe were the only students to turn in applications for the two vacated positions, only Hudson was appointed to fill a seat, leaving one open.

Hudson cited his previous leadership experience, including his position as the third floor representative for Living Center North, his high involvement on campus, and his strong political awareness as being excellent preparation for his new responsibilities as an SA representative.

"I feel my previous roles will provide me with the tools to fulfill the position of SA representative," he said.

When asked what he would like to see in the future at SVSU, Hudson expressed his desire to share his political awareness with his fellow students.

"I would like to see more activities, especially politically-oriented activities on campus," he stated.

Skibbe was also present to make his case for one of the open positions as well. Like Hudson, Skibbe too saw a need for more on-campus activities for students.

"My main concern was to hear what the students want and to try and implement them," said Skibbe, "One thing I would love to see implemented is more activities through SA to keep people here on campus."

Skibbe also emphasized his involvement on campus, which included stints as Program Board Treasurer and President of the Gay-Straight Alliance, and the work he would be willing to put in to make SVSU a better campus as qualities that would serve him well in the position of SA representative.

"I pride myself on working hard," said Skibbe. "I want to ask not what SVSU can do for me, but what I can do for SVSU."

President Andy Suzsek would not comment on why SA chose to leave one seat open rather than appoint Skibbe, but he said that he was "surprised" by the decision. As to whether or not the position would be filled in the coming weeks, Suszek saw it as unlikely.

"By the time we could elect someone to fill it, it would be nearly spring break," he said, "And by then it would be close to the time for students to turn in their end of the year applications."

Parliamentarian Aaron Brown updated the House as to the ongoing discussion concerning the formation of a new, statewide student organization.

Brown and Suszek joined fellow Association of Michigan Universities walkouts Eastern Michigan, University of Michigan-Flint, Monroe Community College and Wayne State at a conference to discuss what their next steps will be in possibly forming a new organization.

"We hope that we can all go back to the table and look at why certain things didn't work, and say 'here's a possible solution to that problem,'" Brown said.

The walkout was due to a long-standing debate over a unanimity clause that allowed any school to veto a piece of legislation trying to be passed without debate or discussion.

"It really stifled a lot of debate, making it difficult to get things done," Suszek said.

SA representatives will meet with these schools to discuss the situation on Feb. 17.

Students can learn more about the services SA offers and contact the student representatives at svsu.edu/studentassociation.