What to Watch For

Now that election season is all wrapped up, I thought I'd detail some things to watch for as we go into the end of the year. It was a hard fought campaign up and down the ticket, and I can't be the only one who is glad this is all finally over. As the snow starts to melt and we start making our plans for spring break, here's What to Watch For from NISG for the rest of the semester.

Senate

While at least it's over for me, in reality things are just getting started for the newly elected Senate. The Senate has several returning senators as well as plenty of new ones, and those senators will get their first taste of action with the transitional Senate meetings. These meetings take place before the current Senate's term is up, so there is a little overlap from one year to the other . In these meetings new senators get briefed on the procedures and rules for writing legislation as well as speaking and debating on the senate floor. Most importantly, Senate will elect a Speaker to act as their leader and will handle behind-the-scenes responsibilities such as putting together the agenda for the meetings as well as presiding over the meetings themselves. Technically, any student can apply and become speaker, not just senators, but it's likely that several of those just elected will be nominated for the position. This speaker is elected by a simple majority of the transitional senate.

Scoop: I've mentioned before that CHAS Senator Aaron Friel is eyeing the speakership, and judging by the number of elected senators that got behind his platform, it's likely he'll be Speaker next year. Since he's released his platform, he's already been contacted by people in the DOR regarding the catering policy, so look for Senate to address this in their first few weeks in office.

Cabinet Appointments

Among the many things that the newly elected Evans-Beard administration will pursue right away is getting people to apply and interview for Cabinet positions. Between the Director of Administration/Finance (DoA), Director of Govt. Relations (DoGR), the Director of Public Relations (DoPR), and Director of Diversity and Student Life (DDSL), Katie and Renae have some very very important personnel decisions to make. Cabinet directors have nearly as many responsibilities as the President and VP, and its absolutely critical that Katie and Renae get a team of hardworking students that make the most out of their positions.

DOA- This year's DOA, Carl Reitz, submitted a request to increase NISG's total budget in the years ahead, due to increased student interest and use of NISG funds and resources. The next DOA will want to keep the momentum Carl is passing on, as well as continue to increase access and availability of NISG funds. There's a reason that the DOA is paid the most out of all the cabinet positions, so KR's pick here will be important.

DoGR- Outgoing DoGR Tori Hurst has held the position for two years, so the next DoGR would be wise to learn as much as they can from her while she's here. Every legislative session is a critical time for UNI in an era of being underfunded, but we could be turning the corner. The next DoGR will not only be hyperaware of UNI's position in Regents funding, but also continuing relations between NISG and the City of Cedar Falls. Last week's senate meeting saw an outstanding showing from city officials from the mayor to the fire dept. With the new rental ordinance, all eyes will be on the City to see how it affects students. Next year isn't an election year, but it will be a caucus year, so in addition to maintaining relations at all levels, the DoGR will also be involved with getting students to participate in the caucuses as well as the myriad of candidate visits to campus.

DoPR and DDSL- I honestly don't know much about these positions in spite of dating a former DoPR, but these two cabinet positions are critical in shaping the priorities that Katie and Renae want to focus on throughout the year. With the implementation of the women's center being a focus of the campaign, watch for KR to get DDSL involved with those plans.

All nominations for the cabinet have to be approved by the Senate, which typically doesn't involve any drama. However, two years ago after a close election race, Tom and Blake's noms for DoGR and DDSL were denied by the Senate in a controversial nomination hearing where many feelings were hurt. Barring a controversial choice by KR, expect noms to go through unhindered.

Election rules

Wait, election rules again already? Well maybe. Considering that Chief Justice Nathan Davis is returning next year, expect his experience to be a benefit to next year's elections. He shared with me that he's already got ideas on how to improve and clarify some ambiguous things in the current rules, and he's also been looking at how other schools do elections and what might work at UNI. There's also been talk of extending the election season, but only for Senate candidates. The thinking is that the season will start for Senate one week earlier than the Presidential campaigns. Personally I think this is a great idea. Giving students more time to get to know about/decide to run for Senate is a win-win, and I think it'll result in more candidates on the ballot, and maybe even contested Senate races!!



All told, I've have a very enjoyable time with the blog, and I hope you have too. It means a lot when people actually read the stuff I write, and it means more when people get involved on campus, particularly student government. Now that election season is over, make sure to support your representatives and help them out by staying involved. It takes the effort of many to keep the gears turning, and the UNI community needs all types. With this, my time on the blog has ended. It's been a pleasure, and make sure to tune in next year for the latest in everything NISG elections.