Nahder Houshmand, former student senate member, announced his resignation during Wednesday’s night student senate meeting.

Houshmand ran against Michelle Murphy, the student body president, during last year’s school election and lost by 38 votes.

“I had a friend that convinced me the best way to resign was to come out and wish them well,” Houshmand said.

Ceci Brinker, Director of Student Life, welcomed and congratulated each committee, giving special mention to the success of the 2010 First Night and Pantherpalooza.

First Night and Pantherpalooza are usually scheduled to take place during the first three weeks of school.

Because of the success of Pantherpalooza, they might hold another one during the middle of the semester to bring in more transfers, said Dan Rolando, the vice president for student affairs.

No new or old business was listed on the agenda leaving only committee and executive reports to present at the meeting.

Student Senate Speaker Jason Sandidge talked about the open senate seats that will soon be filled with nine of the 18 new applicants.

“I hope this year brings great teamwork, leading to high levels of productivity, engagement, and satisfaction,” Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs said. Along with the committee members and Ceci Brinker, Nadler attends every Wednesday meeting.

Murphy discussed the student government’s outdated website. The website has been out of date for almost two years. “(Our) marketing has suffered because we do it on our own,” Murphy said.

The last Webmaster quit, leaving them little time to find a replacement before school started.

The senate meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Arcola/Tuscola room of Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Nike Ogunbodede can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].