Student Senate swore in this academic year's new members Wednesday during its first general body meeting of the year.
Through Microsoft Teams, former Interim Senate President Janie Peterson began the meeting by welcoming new members and enacting the oath of office for new members. Vice President of Student Affairs Jason Pina and newly elected Senate President Ian Carter swore in the new members.
The induction took place following sexual assault allegations against former presidential candidate Carlo DeNiro, who OU’s Student Senate Judicial Panel did not remove from the ballot due to the lack of authority granted by Senate’s Rules and Procedures, according to a previous Post report.
When asked, Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones said she believes changes to the Judicial Panel are on Senate’s agenda for the year.
“[They’re] not allowed to change the rules and procedures during the election cycle,” Jones said.
She also said changing the Judicial Panel’s guidelines for removing candidates would lead to possibly fixing the election for people that are running.
Jones also believes the university is ready for Phase 2 of the reopening plan.
“[I’m] pretty proud of the students of OU,” Jones said.
There are currently 557 documented cases of the coronavirus in Athens County, with cases continuing to rise as students come back to campus. As cases increase, Jones hopes everyone wears their masks. She also advises everyone to get their flu shot as flu season approaches.
