Duke Student Government legislators approved appointments to the University's most powerful committees and elected the student who will allocate more than $300,000 in activities fees next year during the last meeting of the 1994-95 academic year.
DSG approved all eight appointees and alternates to trustee committees and two powerful presidential advisory committees. Trinity freshman Rohit Khanna was chosen over Trinity sophomore Husein Cumber to chair the Student Organizations Finance Committee
During his two minute speech before the legislative body, Khanna said that he intends to make the SOFC a more proactive institution next year. "The SOFC needs to demand fiscal responsibility," Khanna said.
As part of an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, Khanna said that he would limit fee increases to the overall rate of inflation. Last semester undergraduates passed a referendum giving the DSG legislature the power to make "cost of living adjustments" to the activities fee.
During the election process, legislators questioned Khanna's lack of experience. Khanna responded by emphasizing the value of his fresh perspective. "I will bring fresh energy to the SOFC and enough idealism to carry out my goals," Khanna said.
Some legislators voiced support for Khanna. "I am very happy that [Khanna] had the guts to run as a [rising] sophomore and was elected," said Trinity junior Peggy Cross, DSG president elect. "I have been impressed by his intelligence and dedication and know that he will make an excellent chair."
Trinity juniors Pernell Brice and Kieren Morrow, as well as Trinity sophomores Inhi Cho, Husein Cumber and Edrienne Mason, were elected to serve as members of the SOFC.
Trustee committee appointments include Trinity junior Lex Wolf for Business and Finance, Trinity junior David Zimmer for Academic Affairs, Trinity junior Richard Boykin for Student Affairs, Trinity junior Jed Silversmith for Buildings and Grounds, Trinity sophomore Jed Stremel for Institutional Advancement, engineering freshman Fouad Bashour for Medical Center Affairs, Trinity junior Peter Rahbar for President's Advisory Committee on Resources, and Cumber for Committee on Facilities and Environment.
Legislators also elected Fouad Bashour as the new Chief Justice of the DSG Judiciary and engineering freshman John Shadle as President Pro-Tempore.
IN OTHER BUSINESS: A $1,000 gift was made to the Harry Rainey Scholarship fund. The money was collected from students through food point drives by DSG during three different basketball games this past year.
Several amendments were also made to DSG bylaws. Among the changes made was a provision that re-expands the size of the Standing Committee on Community Interaction, allowing it to function with less support from the SOFC, said Trinity senior Brett Busby, DSG chief justice.
In addition, the rules for voting by proxy were changed in response to problems that occurred during the election of Trinity senior Sarah Dodds as young trustee. When legislators gave their votes by proxy, they made no provisions for a runoff vote, Busby said. Under the new rules, legislators will be able to rank the candidates so that their votes may be counted in a runoff.
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