The legislature of the student government convened Wednesday night to begin its first year under a new constitution.
The meeting laid the groundwork for the academic year, swearing in representatives and discussing issues.
Duke Student Government replaces the undergraduate community's old student government, the Associated Students of Duke University. In April, students voted overwhelmingly in a referendum to replace ASDU with DSG.
The executive branch oriented the legislature to the rules of the new student government at the inaugural meeting of the legislature.
Perhaps the most significant change will be the way in which legislative meetings are conducted, DSG officials said. Many students had criticized ASDU's meetings for being inefficient.
DSG executives hope to correct that complaint by writing legislation differently and limiting debate.
To improve legislation, Trinity junior Scott Keane, DSG executive vice president, said he wants to eliminate the "legalese" in proposed legislation. For example, a piece of legislation will no longer be written in the form of "whereas...be it therefore resolved", but rather, will be written more like a memo, Keane said.
Debates will also be limited by DSG's house rules. Sponsors of legislation will have two minutes to present. Speeches given in support or opposition to legislation will also be limited.
DSG executives also introduced legislators to the new committee responsible for allocating funds to student groups, the Student Organizational Finance Committee. In the past, many student groups complained about ASDU's method of distributing funds.
SOFC will appoint advisers to each student organization. The adviser would act as a liaison between the group and DSG, which ultimately decides how funds are distributed.
IN OTHER BUSINESS: DSG members discussed a variety of issues, but the one that drew the most attention was the announcement that weekend hours for West Campus dining facilities will be rescheduled. (See related article, page 3)
The decision by dining services to change dining hours was attributed in part to DSG's new student hotline, 684-DUKE, Keane said. Created this year, the hotline received about 50 calls from undergraduates critiquing the new dining changes since it was activated at the beginning of the month.
Trinity senior Kevin Mullen, vice president for facilities, environments and athletic affairs, addressed the future of East Campus. The construction of new dorms is underway, but other projects are being considered such as improved gym facilities, an arts facility and a jogging path.
Hudson said he was pleased with the meeting.
"This was a good start. We have a lot more experienced people back this year than usual. I'm excited to get things going."
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