The Associated Student Government (ASG) rejected a proposal Tuesday to reallocate an off-campus senate seat to create dedicated representation for the Honors College and approved a resolution to extend Clawson Fitness Center’s hours.
After extensive debate, ASG voted down a bill granting the Honors College a distinct chair in the senate in a 20-10-3 vote. Senator Nick McClure proposed the bill to give honors students a distinct representation within the senate.
Senator Gabe Slark questioned whether an honors-specific seat was necessary, noting that many current senators already belong to the Honors College while representing other districts or academic colleges. During debate, Senator Kädyn van Werkhoven estimated that nearly half of the current senate chamber is composed of honors students, despite the Honors College representing only a fraction of Miami’s overall undergraduate population.
Senator Leah DeSantis opposed the bill, arguing it would reduce off-campus representation for a constituency that regularly fills its seats while creating a position for a group already strongly represented within the chamber. She suggested senate expansion as an alternative to reallocating an existing seat.
“I get wanting them to have their own seat at the table,” Senator Desantis said. “But they’re all around the table.”
Senator Amara added that off-campus representation has already declined, noting the committee began the year with 11 seats and now holds four.
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ASG also passed a resolution supporting extended hours at Clawson Fitness Center. The facility is currently open from 3-9 p.m. each day except Saturday, when it is closed. Senators Catherine Conner and Zoe Erickson introduced the legislation in response to recurring student complaints, arguing that the current schedule does not accommodate many students with classes, jobs or extracurricular commitments.
Senator Lynn Setter noted that similar concerns had been raised previously, when limited staffing was cited as the reason for the facility’s hours. She said formal legislative support would strengthen ASG’s case when discussing the issue with university administrators.
ASG also selected new cabinet members. Senator Erickson won against Senator Setter for secretary of Community Engagement. With the midterm elections approaching, Erickson said she hopes to increase voter participation and civic dialogue through tabling efforts and voter education initiatives. She also emphasized collaboration with Oxford organizations to host community events and expanding outreach to off-campus students.
As head of a nonpartisan committee, Erickson said neutrality and collaboration would be central to her leadership style.
“I want to give senators guidance while also giving them the resources for their ideas,” Erickson said.
Senator Conner won against Senator Kali Barcroft for secretary of Campus Affairs. Looking ahead, Conner said her initiatives will be centered around “bridging the gaps” between student government and the student body, between students, and between students and administrators.
“We don’t have a resource problem,” Conner said. “We have a visibility problem.”
Senator James Li defeated Senator Carson Ebbrecht for secretary of Safety and Transportation. Li said he hopes to improve scooter and bike infrastructure, while expanding access to Miami’s BCRTA bus services.
President-Elect Charlie Merrill and Vice President-Elect Susanne Morrissey also confirmed Aubrey Crish as chief of staff-designate.
ASG also unanimously passed a bill formally clarifying that students enrolled in Miami’s 3+1 graduate programs remain eligible to serve in the senate body. Senator Werkhoven introduced the legislation to address ambiguity surrounding students’ academic standing during their fourth year, arguing that ASG should represent students completing a traditional four-year campus experience, including those simultaneously pursuing a master’s degree.
McClure also withdrew his previously tabled legislation seeking uniform grading scales across all courses. Senator Conner and Senator Erickson presented updates to the secretary of Safety and Transportation bylaws, while Parliamentarian Crish introduced revisions to the Judicial Council bylaws, both of which passed.
Several student concerns were also addressed. Senators discussed recurring flooding in the Farmer School parking garage basement and rising dining hall swipe costs for off-campus students limited to dining dollars. Both concerns were submitted for further review.
ASG will meet again at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 in the Joslin Senate Chambers.
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