The ASUA Senate made changes to its elections code, heard from the UA Ombuds Program and discussed the next Senators on the Mall event in its weekly meeting on Wednesday.

ASUA elections code

Elections Commissioner Leo Oppenheimer spoke to the senate about changes to the elections code, which included changing the date the next elections’ results will be announced to March 7.

Results announcements were originally set for Oct. 4 to accommodate the special senate election earlier this year.

The senate also approved changes to candidate registration policies, campaign conduct and candidate campaign materials.

Ombuds Program presentation

Ombuds Program Coordinator Nancy Stiller gave a presentation about the program’s purposeand explained that ASUA could refer students to the program, which aims to assist any students, faculty and staff who have issues, conflicts or questions regarding the university.

Issues may include unethical behavior, misunderstandings between students and instructors, unfair treatment, workplace issues and clarification of policies and procedures. The program refers clients to resources they can use.

Stiller said that the program is entirely confidential and people can remain completely anonymous if they want.

Stiller began her presentation by asking meeting attendees if they had heard of the program.

When few people raised their hands, senators offered their insight on improving the program’s marketing to students, suggesting that the program start by handing out pamphlets to students to spread the word.

Senator reports

Senator Taylor Ashton reported that ASUA would be presenting a thank you card to veterans on Thursday, thanking them for their service.

Senator Vinson Liu reported that the next and second Meet Your ASUA event would also be on Thursday.

Liu implemented the event in October. It features senators spending their office hours on the UA Mall to meet with constituents about various issues in an effort to increase ASUA’s transparency. Senators are still required to hold regular office hours so that constituents will have specified times to express their concerns.

Administrative vice president report
Students for Sustainability intern applications are due Nov. 22.
The program reported that, with its new initiative to increase recycling at sporting events, the weight of the recyclables that they have collected at a total of six games is the equivalent of five elephants.