In light of upcoming elections, the Student Government Association recently released the official attendance records of the senate-revealing a large number of absences.

The attendance records are supposed to be available at all times. Administrative Vice President Tony Wagner said that there were a lot of attendance sheets floating around because he had been absent.

From the released results, which include 15 meetings leading up to the Jan. 26 meeting, over 122 absences were documented. Only five of the 122 absences were excused for doctor appointments, classes, tests or sickness.

The average number of absences per meeting was eight. One meeting early this semester had 14 absences. In a senate of only 41, 14 absences eliminated more than 36 percent of the senate.

“I think some of the low turnout is due to apathy,” Wagner commented. He further explained that attendance varies in cycles based on the importance of legislation on the docket.

“I expect attendance to increase during funding debates.”

The SGA constitution does not clearly spell out attendance requirements, nor do the by-laws or standing rules. The Committee for Internal Affairs along with the SGA president and administrative vice president may determine the attendance requirements, explained Wagner.

Under the attendance policy established for this senate, impeachment hearings should begin after two unexcused absences.

However, with 20 senators violating this policy, the CIA has decided only to investigate those members missing five or more meetings.

The CIA will consider articles of impeachment for nine senators.

The senators under investigation are Eric Armbrecht, Mike Benoist, Timothy Bizga, Brian Black, Anthony D’Agostino, Brent Gaines, James Hester, Jenny Hylton and Zachary Pancoast.

The nine senators being considered for impeachment will receive e-mail and written notification of the investigation along with an invitation to attend the next CIA meeting and explain their side of the story.

The CIA, composed of Wagner and Senators Todd Stonewater, John Gunn and Peter Brokish, will determine if articles of impeachment are warranted and present the articles to the senate next Wednesday.

Two-thirds of the senate must vote to impeach any senator. “Each senator being impeached can make a statement before the vote,” Wagner added.

“We’re hoping to give everyone the same due-process rights.”

In his campaign speech, administrative vice president candidate Chad Kreikemeier said, “It is time we make senators responsible to the students who have elected them and attendance is imperative to that responsibility.

“I plan to make public senatorial attendance, so the students themselves can follow the involvement of their elected leaders,” Kreikemeier said.