This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Rachel Barker.
The Student Association Senate confirmed two new members of SA President Vishal Aswani’s cabinet and three members of the Joint Elections Committee Tuesday night in a special meeting called by Aswani.
The Senate confirmed Jordan Chapman, a junior, as the new vice president of judicial and legislative affairs, and Michael Cashman, a third-year medical student, as vice president for graduate student policy, positions vacated earlier this year. Jacob Chervinsky, Thomas Luley and Patrick Rizk were confirmed as members of the JEC, the body which oversees SA elections.
Chapman, who is responsible for making sure the work that the SA complies with the body’s constitution, said despite recent reports of conflict within the executive branch, he is confident that the SA will now begin to work together.
“I think there is a need for leadership and there is a need to work together between the executive and the senate,” said Chapman. “I am here to be that bridge.”
Newly appointed Vice President for Graduate Student Policy Michael Cashman said his previous student government experience will help him.
“I’m just looking forward to working with all the other grad schools and collaborating to get things done,” Cashman said.
Thomas Luley, who was appointed to the JEC, said he sees the position as an opportunity to get more involved with the SA.
The JEC is responsible for making sure that SA elections are fair and that candidates follow the rules laid out in the JEC Charter.
Luley said candidates should be aware of the rules, but is willing to make exceptions in certain circumstances.
“It’s my own personal belief that it’s the responsibility of the candidate to know the rules and follow the rules,” Luley said.
Jacob Chervinsky, the second appointment to the JEC, said that candidates need to be aware of expectations, but the role of the JEC is not to make life difficult for candidates.
“I think the role of the JEC is not to get in the way of candidates because of technicalities,” Chervinsky said.
The SA Senate will meet again on Feb. 4.