After passing a two-thirds vote by the Elections and Appointments Committee, the appointees went before the senate at the emergency meeting to go through the same questioning and voting process.
The only other way to become a senator is by student vote during general elections held once a semester.
According to Student Government Senate President Carlo Fassi, senate seats become vacant when senators step down or graduate.
“We’re allowed to fill it on our own terms,” Fassi said.
Fassi said there are two general seats, in addition to various college-specific seats, still available.
Normandy is a junior who said she pursued a senate seat after noticing the impact Student Government has on the student body.
“They have a lot of control over the campus, as well as having a voice for the students,” Normandy said.
Normandy’s favorite Student Government function is planning events, such as the recent Jacksonville Jaguars ticket sale to UNF students. She joined the Student Events Committee within the senate.
After going to a few senate meetings with her Kappa Delta sisters, Normandy wanted to get involved. She enlisted the help of her sorority friends, who were already Student Government members.
“I started asking questions and liked what they did,” Normandy said.
Turner said he visited the senate chambers during freshmen orientation and met Fassi, then met with Fassi in his office to ask how to become a senator.
He was bombarded with all the new activities and possibilities a freshman experiences during their first semester of college, he said.
“It’s a little overwhelming,” Turner said. “There’s a lot going on, such as rush week, senate, and classes.”
Bowman, a freshman, decided to start her career in Student Government immediately. She is unconcerned with her naiveté.
“I hope to grow as I gain more experience,” Bowman said.
All three of them said they are relieved that they passed the series of inquisitions and voting in order to have a seat amongst fellow senators.
“It’s a goal I had and now it’s accomplished,” Turner said.
