The Associated Students at the University of New Mexico appointed a new senator and passed two appropriation requests and a bill on Wednesday, Aug. 28 during the first full senate meeting since the start of fall classes.
Senator appointment
The senate appointed Sen. Sierra Dedmon after a unanimous vote of all present. During a recess, Associate Justice Juan Romero swore Dedmon in, after which she was allowed to vote on business matters.
American Nuclear Society
Appropriation — or budget bill — #1F for the American Nuclear Society passed. Sen. Nicholas Romero raised concerns about clarity in the organization’s funding request, which required number and destination adjustments.
“While it is important to fund student organizations, if a student organization is presenting a funding request that is not crystal clear, I can’t support it,” Romero said.
Hindu YUVA
Appropriation #2F for the Hindu YUVA chapter passed with a unanimous vote of all present and language edits.
Emergency Scholarship
Vice President Mutazz Jaber and President Pro Tempore Hope Montoya introduced Bill #1F, which passed. The bill changed the Emergency Scholarship fund amount to reflect the correct amount traditionally given — the ASUNM Lawbook previously stated $300, when it has typically been $250.
The Emergency Scholarship consists of 20 undergraduate scholarships funded by ASUNM, according to Bill #1F.
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Public comment
Public comment included introductions to the senate from Student Regent Victor Reyes. Reyes offered his support and resources to ASUNM and the student body at large. Representatives from UNM Secular Lobo — a new secular student alliance — also introduced themselves to the senate.
Community Experience Executive Director Miriam Barba promoted Fall Frenzy and encouraged the senate to get involved. Student Activities Center Director Ryan Lindquist spoke to the senate briefly and introduced his role as advisor.
Former Vice President Mikenzie Chessman spoke as a guest to the senate. After a short introduction, she cut her time short to allow for more questions from the senate.
Presidential report
President Anthony Tomaziefski gave his report, during which he talked about the opening of the Student Fee Review Board application for senators and participating in Community Experience events. He also encouraged participation in Emerging Lobo Leaders.
Board of Regents
Tomaziefski also discussed the Aug. 22 Board of Regents meeting at the Valencia campus, during which the regents approved the Integrated Campus Plan and the 2025-26 requests for research and public service projects.
Upcoming plans
The joint council, boards and committees, senators and attorney general gave reports about their upcoming plans and goals. The Outreach and Events Committee, as well as the Steering and Rules Committee, also gave reports about upcoming ventures.
There were no senators who needed to go through senator accountability at the meeting.
Sen. Dillon Williams was absent.
The next full senate meeting will be Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Building. Members of the public are allowed five minute time slots each for public comment with no prior sign-up necessary.
Marcela Johnson is a beat reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at news@dailylobo.com or on X @Dailylobo
Marcela Johnson is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo, and the editor-in-chief of Limina: UNM Nonfiction Review.
