ASUNM got off to a quick start yesterday in its first full Senate meeting of the fall semester.
With very little on their agenda, senators were able to end the session in about an hour, a welcome change to years past when Senate meetings could drag on for hours.
Associated Students of UNM Vice President Amanda Sims said summer preparation and work will add to the efficiency in which the Senate operates this year.
"It has been a great start," Sims said. "The ad hoc committees have really got the ball rolling and the standing committees are off to a wonderful start and are going to be very successful this semester."
Several new faces will head the separate divisions within ASUNM, and President Jennifer Onuska said this, along with a central location in the SUB, will bring fresh ideas to the student government.
"The centralized location in the SUB has caused the student government to be more focused and energetic than ever," Onuska said. "We will be working together to work for the students of UNM."
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Onuska also addressed the Senate on an issue that has created much interest among students, the formation of a "Prep Week," which would prohibit professors from assigning new material or projects in the week prior to finals week. She said the student poll conducted in last spring's student election, which found that an overwhelming 94 percent of students favor a "Prep Week," will be presented to the Faculty Senate in hopes it will co-sponsor a resolution to be presented to the UNM Board of Regents.
"If the faculty is behind it, there is really no stopping it," Onuska said.
Also addressed at the meeting were the assignments of student organizations to senators.
Sims said this information is vital because the budget process is approaching and senators need to know what organizations they will be representing.
Two deadlines were also outlined for student groups wishing to be included in the fall budget process.
Debbie Morris, student activities director, said the deadline to charter an organization is Sept 17. Organizations wishing to be chartered must attend a chartering workshop provided by ASUNM.
In addition to the chartering deadline, Sept. 17 is also the deadline for student organization budget requests.
Sen. Jenny French, Finance Committee chairwoman, said no late requests will be accepted.
