The spot left open by the removal of the Vice President of WSA was filled last week. Majority vote gave the position to the current Speaker Jasmine Neldon.
“I chose the candidate who I felt was the best fit for the position. Keeping in mind that there are only eight weeks left under my administration, I picked Jasmine Neldon because we work well together and she is already very active on our executive Cabinet, requiring minimal training for the vice presidential position,” said Erin Kaplan, WSA President.
Neldon’s responsibilities have increased now that she is both the Speaker and Vice President.
“Not only will I be responsible for filling in for the President in any absence, but I will be holding myself accountable for staying up-to-date with all connections made between the WSA and administration in order to better serve the students in the unlikely event that President Kaplan is unable to attend an event or meeting,” Neldon said. “As Speaker, I have been responsible for educating the Senate about the goings-on at WMU, but as VP, I am responsible for reaching out to the entire student body. I will also attend all WMU Board of Trustees and Faculty Senate meetings, along with any other administrative meetings President Kaplan attends.”
Kaplan said Neldon deserved the position for her incredible dedication to the organization this year. In a word, Neldon said that she felt honored to have the position.
“I know that the idea of giving a student the authority to serve in two major Cabinet positions, let alone on two separate branches, is very unorthodox, and I’m humbled to know that the Senate has faithfully entrusted me with this responsibility. I’m motivated and determined to serve the students to the best of my ability in both positions,” said Neldon.
Although there are only a few weeks until a new President and Vice President will be elected and Kaplan and Neldon will step down, there are still plans for WSA. According to Kaplan, Neldon has two main goals, which are to increase focus on senator appreciation and programming, which would include writing resolutions, and being active in the senate.
“I will be placing primary emphasis on reaching out to the students and bridging the gap between WSA and administration. In my unique position as Speaker and VP, I will have the very special opportunity of seeing the legislative process full-circle, from the voicing of opinions by the students, to the resolution-writing process, to the approval of resolutions, all the way to the execution of the document to administration,” said Neldon.
Kaplan said that WSA is lucky to have Neldon in the position and that they are eager to continue their work. Their work will continue until April 2 when the inauguration of the new President and Vice President will occur. Elections for the new positions will be open to students the week of March 19; HC will cover the elections in-deapth as the story unfolds.
Editor: Gena Reist