The Student Government Association seated ten new members at last night’s meeting.

“These new senators are overqualified for their duties,” said Executive Vice President Lauren Gretz. “It was a pleasure to get to know them.”

After reviewing 27 applications to fill the freshmen seats, Gretz announced the new members: Brad Bakker, Pat Contreras, Deanna Durrett, John J. Eckert, Paul Fitzgibbons and Vincent Giacabazi. Other seats went to Clark Bitney, of Marchetti Towers; Maria Elena Villegas, School of Social Service; Li Zou, Graduate School of Social Service; and John R. Mueller, Graduate Student Commuter.

All new senators, and those not present at the inauguration ceremony, recited the SGA oath.

Two senate bills were passed to amend the SGA Constitution to add senate seats for the Language Houses and O’Brien House.

Gretz announced a senate bill to amend the SGA Constitution to reflect a new meeting time for the SGA House of Governors. The bill states that HOG will meet the last Tuesday of every month, as opposed to the first and third Tuesdays of the month, as in previous years.

“We’re doing this because of low attendance at the meetings,” Gretz said.

“Representatives don’t come due to lack of business to be accomplished. Last night’s meeting was the highest attendance I have ever seen.”

In addition, a senate bill from SGA President Jay Perry and the Executive Board confirmed and seated the 2000-2001 Great Issues Committee. This was the first year the Great Issues Committee was selected by application.

Tricia Fechter, nominated by Perry, was named the chairman of the committee.

Under the new rules governing the Great Issues Committee created last year, the chairman was to be a former member. This raised some questions about why such a policy was not followed in the selection of Fechter.

Perry explained that she was the only one nominated. He waited until August to make the decision, giving ample time to former members.

Finally, a senate resolution, to recognize and endorse the SLU Voter Registration Drive to take place next week was brought forward by Senator Dan Schniedermeier, College of Public Service.

“The goal is to register all new voters on campus,” Schniedermeier said. “This will help students voice their opinions about voting since the number of registered voters, especially student voters, has declined.

“It’s so worthwhile to give students the opportunity to make a difference,” he added.