The Student Government Association resumed after winter break last night with 13 fewer members. The Election Commissioner Thiago Takahashi informed the Senate that the Elections Commission sent out an e-mail to generate interest in the upcoming campaign. Students interested in running for a position must attend one of four mandatory meetings. Elections to fill these seats will occur on Monday, Feb. 27. SGA is also working with Information Technology Services to explore options on how to host these elections electronically. The Gateway Portal is being closely examined as an option. President Cari Johns noted, however, that SGA is not set on Gateway.

Some of the seats in the Senate were vacated by senators who are now studying abroad. The senate appointed Pat Devney as the Spain Ambassador. He will serve as the Senate’s liaison to SLU’s campus in Madrid, Spain.

SGA passed legislation to charter Billiken Disc Golf, which has more than 20 active members. The group has not only been playing disc golf but has also been working with a local company to place disc baskets in St. Louis parks. They also hope to place baskets on Saint Louis University’s campus.

Johns requested that the Senate remain united as the semester continues and that it not become contentious as people run for offices for fall 2006.

“I know things get heated, but the Senate should not become polarized. We had a lot of things started at the end of last semester and have a lot more to complete this semester,” Johns said.