Meter

Issue date: 4/9/07 Section: Campus News

Students nearly fill upthe FPCC Forum at the SEC Nomination Converntion of Sunday(Kevin Terrell)

A sign that reads, "SECWEEK 2K7" greets cars that pass along John A. Merritt Blvd.(Cara Anthony)

Candidates' campainmaterials fill nearly all of the wall in Watson Hall's lobby on Sunday(Cara Anthony)

Though a crowd of over 300 students flooded the forum for the 2007 Student Election Commission Nomination Convention on April 8, 12 Student Government Association position were left vacant at the conclusion of the convention.

Each spring there are nearly 40 SGA positions available for qualified students to obtain.

SEC member Stephen West, a senior business administration major from Nashville, was disappointed that so many positions will be left open until the special elections held in the fall.

"It shows a lack of students wanting to step up and take leadership positions," West said, adding that the hard work of individuals elected often goes unseen and unnoticed.

In spite of the large turnout at this year's convention, SEC Chairperson Brandie Long said she felt that this year's convention lacked seriousness from the candidates that were nominated for SGA positions.

"This year's convention was taken less seriously than past years," Long said about the number of empty positions and the lack luster attitudes of some candidates.

According to the Student Handbook, the SGA is the key student organization that works with the administration in planning and regulating student affairs.

Each year, its representatives appoint other students to university committees, stimulate student participation in campus life and recommend student organizations to the administration for official recognition.

Ronald Myles, director of student activities,
said he felt that this year's convention was no different than previous years and was executed successfully.

"I think that this years convention was handled well by the students," Myles said about the efficiency of the convention.
Vice President for Student Affairs Michael A. Freeman served as the speaker for the convention.

"I was glad to see so many students in attendance," Freeman said with a smile, noting the parents and alumni who were also in the crowd.

Shortly after Freeman's address to the convention, the nomination floor was opened to the student body.

This year, nominations were moderated by SEC member Stephen Morrison, a senior health sciences major from Memphis.

"I thought that the students were well prepared," Freeman said." The decorum during the convention was outstanding."•

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools