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Printer-Friendly ModeURA approves new constitution
April 2, 2007 —
Voting members of the University Residence Association recently passed an amendment to their constitution that completely changes how the organization will run. This change makes it so URA has a set number of voting representatives at their meetings.
An amendment similar to the one signed off on was proposed at the end of the 2006 winter semester. Its failure to pass was partly due to the fact that it was presented at the very end of the semester, making it nearly impossible for the proposed representative structure to be thoroughly implemented.
Last year's amendment was devised by a committee of ten students. This year's version of that amendment is quite similar to its predecessor, but was tweaked by URA President Nick Tereck and Michigan Organization Communications Coordinator Shane Williamson.
This amendment states that the number of voting representatives will be determined by the number of students living on campus, assigning one voting representative per every 100 residents of a housing complex. For example, if four hundred students reside in a housing complex, than that particular complex would have four voting representatives in URA.
The housing complex classifications are currently the First Year Suites, Living Center North, South East Community (Living Center South and University Village East), University Village West, and Pine Grove Apartments.
This arrangement could change next fall, as all of Living Center South will be reserved for entering freshman. In addition to the one per every 100 resident representatives, the presidents of hall councils will act as voting representatives.
According to Tereck, having a set number of official representatives will allow URA to be a stronger organization.
"It gives more stability to the organization to depend on people to carry out those duties [that usually fall on the executive board]."
The qualifications for becoming a voting representative include having a 2.2 cumulative GPA and being a resident of the housing complex represented.
Elections for representatives will take place at the end of the school year, but representative spots will be left open for freshmen and transfer students.
With the exception of this year only, the current year's representatives will vote in representatives for the next school year.
Despite the restriction in voting privileges, all campus residents are welcome at URA meetings.
"We still want residents who might not have the time to be part of our organization to come and still voice their opinion and talk about important things," Tereck said.
Both Tereck and Williamson seemed satisfied with the way the amendment turned out.
"I am satisfied so far, I'm nervous for next year simply because it will the first time URA has the rep structure," said Williamson. "And with myself being up for the position of president, [I see that position having] to take on a huge role in molding and crafting those positions."