The second meeting of the fall semester for the 55th General Assembly of SGA Senate was held on Thursday at 9 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers in the UC.

The executive reports followed beginning with President James Orr’s report that was presented by Chief of Staff Catherine Carlton due to the fact that President Orr was in Knoxville meeting with the Board of Trustees.

In his report, President Orr stressed the importance of the yearbook forum on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Duncan Ballroom in the UC. He additionally noted that the first President’s Roundtable on Tuesday, Sept. 12 was a success with over 30 organizations in attendance.

Secretary-General Lindsey Sutherland followed with her report regarding the voter registration drive from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. of this week in the UC. A sign-up sheet was passed around for senators to sign up for one hour to help with the drive. The hour will be exchanged for one office hour.

Sutherland continued with a sign-up sheet for office hours. Everyone was asked to sign-up for one office hour and one desk hour. Additionally, all committee chairs were asked to post their hours. Lastly, Sutherland reiterated the yearbook forum, but added that each senator needs to attend the forum and bring two guests. Attending the forum will be exchanged with one office hour and one town hall meeting.

The executive reports were concluded by Vice President Chris Cherry. He said that the first Freshmen Council meeting was a large success and that he is “looking forward to working with the Freshmen Council.”

The advisor reports followed beginning with Dr. Jerald Ogg, interim vice chancellor of student affairs.

Dr. Ogg began with updating students on the search for a new chancellor.

A committee has not yet been formed, but it is expected that one will be in order sometime next month. Next, the committee will write a description of the position and publish it around the country. Interviews are expected to begin that at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

Dr. Ogg finished his report with commenting on the search for a new vice chancellor of student affairs.

The search has reportedly halted until a new chancellor has been found. Therefore, there will continue to be an interim vice chancellor of student affairs for this academic year and the next. Steve Vantrease, director of the University Center, concluded the advisor reports mentioning the Blood Drive that will take place this week.

“Please donate if you can. If not, please urge people to do so. Let’s beat Murray State again,” said Cherry.

The committee reports followed beginning with Erin Smith, chairperson of the academic affairs committee. Smith mentioned that a regular meeting time has been set for Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

All committee meetings will meet at their set time on a bi-weekly basis on the off-week of senate meetings in the SGA office. Smith continued her report with an update on an internship coordinator position that she and her committee have been working on and a resume drop box in the SGA office.

Lastly, Smith mentioned that a keynote speaker or a theme has not been selected for the annual High School Leadership Conference in the spring.

Kaylis Magras, chairperson of the campus observation committee, said that his committee is working on a proposal for the faculty to use the gym during a designated time and for a fee.

The committee is also working on a solution for smoking on campus close to the buildings, which he said has become a serious problem. Amelia Kosta, chairperson for the multicultural affairs committee, continued with an update on Diversity Week that will take place in November.

Kosta said that a keynote speaker has not been determined. Kosta ended with mentioning the regular meeting time on Thursdays at 8 p.m.

The committee reports were concluded by Heather McLean, chairperson of the procedures committee. McLean reiterated the yearbook forum and the survey that was sent out on the UTM portal last Tuesday. The survey will be available until Friday, Sept. 29.

McLean and her committee continued the meeting with a PowerPoint presentation of parliamentary procedure.

The presentation addressed the issues of defining parliamentary procedure, how to present a main motion and explaining additional motions – amend, adjourn, lay on the table and take from the table.

In old business, a Homecoming Amendment, Bill 1 of Fall ‘06, was passed into the constitution. The amendment was changed so that homecoming elections are held the week of homecoming. There was no debate on this motion.

In new business, a representative of the executive committee for the Student Activities Council, Justin Chandler, spoke about an opening on the Executive Committee for SAC. Applications are available in the SAC office in the Student Life Center.

Chandler continued with mentioning the SAC event, “Eat Right, Feel Good, Look Great!” by Deanna Latson on Monday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elam Center.

Lastly, Chandler invited all students to come to the SAC All Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the SLC.

The meeting will be a question and answer session with the Executive Committee of SAC.

Chief Justice Audrey Smith followed Chandler with the swearing in of ratifications.

Smith swore in Sarah Morris as Associate Justice.

Associate Justice Morris said, “I am excited to work with SGA and the students of UTM. This is a new position for me and I am ready to work hard to make this a great year.”

Smith continued with the swearing in of Anastasia Umanets as Student Defender and Jamal Malone, Jude Miller, Adam McCall and Eric Gardner on the Elections Commission.

The next SGA Senate meeting will take place at 9 p.m. on Thursday.