This week, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona meeting was short and sweet and was the first of the semester held in a hybrid manner with some senators attending in person and others via Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. and adjourned at 6:47 p.m. on Feb. 9.

The main focus of the meeting was on ASUA’s upcoming election.

There is a week-long extension for senator applications in seven colleges where not enough candidates submitted applications. For students interested in running for senator in their college major, visit the ASUA website.  

If the open seats are not filled, the senate positions will be posted on Handshake where applicants will go through an application process with interviews and names submitted to the Senate for approval, according to ASUA advisor Dr. Sylvester Gaskin. 

Additionally, the ASUA elections commissioner made the call to cancel primary elections because of the lack of applications. 

“Where we really need help is in just getting people to vote,” Gaskin said. “The biggest thing is the turnout … and getting folks to understand the importance of being able to choose all of their elected representatives”

Honorable Mentions

Senator Swathi Ramkumar from the College of Engineering brought up issues with the UA Room and Course Scheduling, or RCS, not approving room bookings for clubs even though requests are submitted two weeks in advance. 

“There is no reason why students shouldn’t get a room when they’re trying to book it two weeks in advance,” Ramkumar said. 

Ramkumar noted that sometimes the doors will be locked or the room won’t be cleaned up. She asked for further backing on the issue and hopes to contact them to resolve the inconsistencies. 

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