By Paul A. Anthony, Editor in Chief

Just hours after their election was confirmed, the five freshman class officers were sworn into the Students’ Association Congress Wednesday night. Several academic and residence hall representatives were confirmed, and the ISA Amendment created a new voting seat.

President Jason Knight, vice president Dustin Tallent and senators Melanie Booker, Jenna Lucado and Jared Williams all kissed the chicken in the traditional initiation ceremony that saw the full Congress meet for the first time this year.

“We want this to be a great year,” said senior class president Brandon Carter in opening remarks. “This is going to be a great year. We have some great people in here.”

In runoffs for the freshman class officers, Knight beat Kasey Spain by almost 50 votes; Tallent edged out Jeff McCain by seven votes; and the three senators won a tight race where just six votes separated Williams from the two last-place challengers.

The ISA Amendment, which creates a voting seat for a liaison representative from the International Students Association, passed overwhelmingly, 205-18. Kirit Chandran is now the ISA liaison

Congress confirmed 10 appointments made by president Jeremy Smith this week, which, together with building elections, filled all but eight positions on Congress. The women’s slot in the Social Club Presidents’ Council also remains vacant. Smith said he expects to fill that next week.

Congress finished its new business by confirming committee head appointments made last semester.

In other news, Spring Break Campaigns committee co-chair Rachel McGuire announced that applications for SBC leaders will be released Monday.

The Students’ Association Congress meets each Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Room 114 of the Biblical Studies Building. All undergraduate students are members of SA and are invited to attend.