Student Senate members started with the basics Wednesday, meeting for the first time this semester to discuss their roles and duties as well as their legislative structure.

“This is going to be a very loosely run meeting,” said senate Speaker Mike Walsh. “You know I haven’t done this before. I know I haven’t done this before-I’ll make some mistakes.”

Telling senate members the meeting would have a classroom environment, Walsh ran through the mock agenda with the aid of a power point presentation.

Walsh told senate members he has pretty high expectations of them.

“Have respect for everyone,” he said. “And be familiar with the (student government) constitution and the bylaws.”

But more importantly, Walsh said he wants senate members to enjoy being a part of the senate.

“My No. 1 senate expectation is for everyone to have fun,” he said.

Student Body President Caleb Judy and the four student vice presidents talked about their expectations and upcoming projects.

Like Walsh, Judy stressed the importance of unity.

“We’d appreciate it if you’d help us out,” Judy told the senate members. “We’re all in this together.”

Executive Vice President Bill Davidson told senate members he needs their help with getting Eastern students registered to vote.

“There’s no way I can get 5,000 people registered to vote on my own,” Davidson said.

Amanda Sartore, student vice president for academic affairs, said she wants to start a new program to help new or international students.

“I want to create a new student and/or international student program,” Sartore said. The program will help new or foreign students become accustomed to Eastern through a buddy program that pairs up students unfamiliar with Eastern with someone to help ease any transitions.

Larry Ward, student vice president for business affairs, said he is looking for senate members to help out with the Apportionment Board.

Lisa Flam, student vice president for student affairs, told senate members she needs immediate help with some projects.

“I already have things I need you guys to help me with,” Flam said. “I need people that are going to be committed to the Student Leadership Council and who will put forth a lot of effort.”

The Student Leadership Council, a group planned to unite RSOs through activities such as publicity and programing, is in the planning stages.

An RSO Fair will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Library Quad, Flam said.

Senate members went through a fake resolution, bill and bylaw change in new business.

During the committee chair reports Walsh gave senate members a description of each of the 10 subcommittees.

New senate subcommittees should be installed by next week’s meeting, he said.

Student government editor Niki Jensen can be reached at [email protected]