As UNA gears up for the upcoming Senate elections, Anjalee Crawford, a sophomore serving as the Chairwoman of Elections and Recruitment, provides insight into the intricacies of the electoral process that will shape the composition of the student senate.
The structure of the senate is similar to the United States House of Representatives, with the number of senators determined by the student population in each college. A total of 30 senators make up the assembly, with 25 elected through votes and an additional 5 appointed by the then-elected president. This innovative approach ensures representation for various segments of the student body, including one freshman, two transfer students, and two international students.
“We did that so that we could make sure there was a voice for those minority groups in this university just in case they don’t get elected,” Crawford said.
The breakdown for the upcoming elections stands at 3 senators for the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions, 8 for the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, 9 for the Sanders College of Business and Technology, and 5 for the College of Education and Human Sciences.
To run for a seat, potential candidates must complete a Declaration of Candidacy, accompanied by an unofficial transcript to verify the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 and determine eligibility for the respective college.
“As many people from each college can run, but only there’s so many seats,” said Crawford.
After the main election concludes, any remaining vacant seats are reopened for applicants. The elected president oversees the application process, conducting interviews and selecting the most qualified candidates. The Senate then votes on whether to appoint these individuals to fill the empty chairs, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the student body.
The Declaration of Candidacy period commenced on January 15th and concluded on February 14th. Students interested in running for a position can find detailed information, including the timeline and election manual, on the Student Government Association’s (SGA) website at https://www.una.edu/student-government.
Dr. Tammy Jacques, the SGA advisor, plays a crucial role in guiding the process and maintaining its integrity. She assists Crawford in every step of the process.
Campaigning officially kicked off on February 12th, leading up to a pivotal candidate debate scheduled for February 27th. The elections themselves are set to take place from March 11th to March 13th, marking a crucial period for the UNA student body to exercise their democratic right and choose representatives who will advocate for their diverse needs and perspectives.
