MSA opens doors for meeting

University students yesterday had their first look at what Michigan Student Assembly members say is a new and more organized student government.

MSA hosted an open house yesterday to introduce new University students to the assembly, which serves as their voice to the administration. Following the meeting, MSA met for the first time to discuss the agenda for the semester.

MSA Vice President Olga Savic said that not only first-year students, but also many student leaders came in to learn about MSA. The attendees discussed campus issues had the opportunity to tour the student offices.

"We had a lot of interested students," Savic said. "Basically there was really good interaction between people."

Residential College first-year student Josh Benninghoff said that after listening to MSA President Mike Nagrant speak at the New Student Convocation he decided to find out more about MSA. Benninghoff said he decided to stay for the meeting to get a stronger grasp on the role MSA plays at the University.

"I am glad I came today to the open house," Benninghoff said. "I think it would be more helpful for me to watch a meeting."

During the meeting, committee and commission chairs outlined their goals for the semester. The meeting agenda also included discussion of student tenant issues and MSA election dates.

As the meeting began, an MSA member proposed a resolution in support of a rally, sponsored by the National Women's Rights Organization Coalition, for affirmative action next week. However, the Assembly tabled discussion on the resolution until next week's meeting to obtain more information.

"I think an endorsement from MSA would have helped," said NWROC President Jessica Curtin. "We were trying to get on the agenda tonight and not wait until next Tuesday."

MSA President Mike Nagrant said he was impressed with the meetings degree of efficiency and that it ran smoothly.

"This was the best meeting I have ever been to in the 2 and 1/2 years I have been in MSA," Nagrant said.

Communications Committee Chair Ryan Friedrichs also said the meeting was successful.

"People are beginning to see MSA as a big student service not a play government which is the whole idea," said Friedrichs, an LSA junior.

Engineering Rep. Mark Dub said the assembly was definitely more productive then any other year.

"People came in with a whole new attitude," Dub said. "Everyone cooperated and stuck to the agenda. MSA has found a new focus to work towards serving the students."

JOHN KRAFT/Daily
MSA executive board members conducted the assembly's first meeting yesterday.

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