By By Judy Feder

In addition to discussing upcoming events and budget issues, the Student Government Association inducted four senators on Tuesday.

According to SGA Vice President Olin Grant Parker, the senate is almost full.

“Delegates are now fighting against each other [to get in],” he said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, only 15 of the 47 senatorial seats were available.

Extra senatorial positions opened during the meeting after 12 senators were dismissed for making absences and lateness a habit, said Parker.

The senators up for dismissal were given the chance to defend themselves, if present, but not one stood forth.

Since none of the senators chose to defend their actions, the rest of the senate voted as a bloc to decide whether the members should retain their positions.

The bloc voting process involves each senate member voting once for all 12 senators as a whole, rather than voting separately on each one’s future.

The voting was done by secret ballot; and it was decided that none of the 12 senators would be reinstated.

After announcing the result of the vote, Parker prepared to induct the new senators, Edith Richiez, Cristal Kayel, Christin Thankachan and Angela Sanchez.

Before being sworn in, the delegates had to explain their reasons for wanting to become senators to current members of the senate.

Richiez said she had been trying since last semester to become a senator and would like to see “more integration of minorities.”

Another delegate, Angela Sanchez, said she wanted to make a difference at the University.

“I want to participate in something that could change the life of the students,” she said.

The four delegates were then asked to step out of the room while senators spoke on their behalf.

“She’ll get the job done,” said one senator about Richiez.

“I’ve never seen anyone this enthusiastic about something,” added another senator on Sanchez’s behalf.

The senators decided to vote on the four delegates as a bloc and by secret ballot.

After voting was concluded, the delegates were called back in and were told that each one of them is now an SGA senator.

The four new candidates were then sworn in, raising their right hands and repeating the official statement.

Once induction was concluded, the new senators took the coveted seats around the senate table.

Concluding the meeting, Senator Lisa Giunta was awarded the title of “Senator of the Month” for her work with the Katrina Fundraiser Benefit and Alumni Charter Fund, among other projects.