Part-time students may be able to vote in future Students’ Association elections.

In the final SA meeting of the semester, Executive President Rebecca Dial introduced two bills to Congress. The first bill sought to make two changes to the SA constitution, allowing for part-time students to vote and for freshmen to run for academic or building positions in Congress.

Part-time students have never been allowed to vote in SA elections, though the congressional bylaws indicate that they are considered to be SA constituents. Additionally, though it has not been practiced in recent years, freshmen are not officially allowed to run for any position but representative residence halls in Congress.

Dial, senior political science and finance major from Lexington, SC, said the Students’ Association is supposed to represent all ACU students.

“We do think that those part-time students should have a voice in elections,” Dial said.

The bill was passed unanimously by Congress, but, as a constitutional amendment, will need to be approved by a vote from the student body.

Dial’s second bill was an amendment to the bylaws dealing with how executive and administrative officers are paid. Previously, officers have been paid an hourly wage and lump sum at the end of the semester, which bumped heads with scholarship money. Dial’s bill would allow for officers to complete hours and receive payment like other student workers. The salary total will remain the same. Congress also passed Dial’s second bill unanimously.

Wednesday’s meeting was Dial’s last as SA president. The new president is Dylan Benac, junior political science major from Beorne.

Absent members:

Brad Hall, Mabee Hall representative

Emily Dosa, Gardner Hall representative

Elizabeth Cansino, Rec Center representative

Alex Falcon, Hardin Administration representative