The newly elected officers of the Graduate Student Association
were officially sworn in to office in the council’s final
meeting of the year Wednesday night.
The meeting started out slowly when quorum could not be met.
Only needing one more voting member, GSA officers decided to swear
in the new officers, allowing Haig Hovsepian, former vice president
of external affairs, to return to his previous position as a voting
member on council. Only after this impromptu move could quorum be
met and the meeting proceed.
The passing of office to the newly elected members was both an
exciting and reflective time for former officers, they said.
One by one, the new officers stood in front of their council
members, reading an oath. Council members showed their collective
support through extensive applause.
“It feels pretty good,” said Jared Fox, current
president of GSA. “I didn’t expect people to
clap.”
Fox, who will be working with his fellow officers over the
summer to plan out ideas for next year, is happy to be working with
really “great” people, he said.
Getting graduate students to become more politically active,
addressing environmental concerns, and organizing efficient forum
meetings are some goals Fox hopes to implement next year.
Hanish Rathod, former president, is sad to be leaving, but feels
GSA is “ending on a very good note,” he said.
With GSA’s achievements this year, Rathod said new
officers have a great platform on which to work.
Rathod said though he will not be involved to the extent he was
this year, he will always be back to help.
Marilyn Gray, the only returning officer, will fill the position
of vice president of internal affairs.
Though former GSA officers had previously expressed concern with
the inexperience of the new officers, those feelings have seemingly
disappeared.
“I like all of the officers and we are already getting
ideas on what to work on next year. … GSA will be a lot more
visible, and we will keep an updated Web site,” Gray added
confidently.
A proposal for a community service director on the
council’s cabinet was also approved in Wednesday
night’s meeting, along with the approval bylaw changes
pertaining to the structure of the cabinet.
Hovsepian, who is looking forward to being a graduate student
again, expressed his confidence in Amanda Moussa, current vice
president of external affairs, during the meeting.
“I wish I had more time, but now is a good time to move
on. Great leadership is on its way with Amanda,” Hovsepian
added.
Hovsepian hopes to see graduate students more actively involved
and engaged in issues in the coming year.
One of Hovsepian’s favorite memories during office was
seeing the passion forum members expressed on various issues.
Former officers are sure that this passion and dedication to
take action will continue into the new year.
Shannon Clements, director of student group the Environmental
Coalition, is also optimistic about the potential of the new
officers.
“(I’m) thrilled with the new office. … GSA
attracted a solid, diverse group of students this year ““
(I’m) impressed with their strong working relationship and
with the transition period and new plans,” she said.
Among other important things discussed, council approved the
motion to support the California Stem Cell Research and Cures
Initiative organization’s holding of a kick-off press
conference at UCLA to help campaign for the launch of a stem cell
bond that will appear on the November ballot.