The Student Association’s meeting Monday night focused on democracy between new member elections and a change in the organization’s presidential candidate requirements.

A bill brought before the general assembly sought to remove an amendment that states SA presidential candidates must have at least six weeks of SA experience. After a debate where members expressed their thoughts on removing the clause, the bill passed. The clause was removed from reports, meaning now no experience is required to run for SA president.

SA President Marlene Goldenberg defined democracy for those who had an issue with removing the clause, and she made it clear that students should not be limited because their experience. Goldenberg said every student should have the opportunity to run, and experience should not be the deciding factor because there is a training period after a student is elected to learn processes and procedures.

‘By closing ourselves off to the student body, we are certainly not reaching our potential,’ Goldenberg said.

A few members opposed removing the clause. Reasons included the idea that ‘the president is the face of this organization and they should have familiarity with the organization.’ Another perspective argued was that the definition of ‘experience’ was vague in the first place.

Seven other bills were presented to the general assembly, all of which had to do with special programming funds. One bill centered on organizational computer software called Symplicity.

This was the second time the bill was brought forth rejecting the Student Assembly’s request for the funding of the software, which totals $9,500. Goldenberg said it is not often the same bill fails twice.

Still a supporter of Symplicity, Goldenberg took part in the debate.

‘This software saves the finance board a tremendous amount of money,’ Goldenberg said. ‘It facilitates a more cohesive relationship between groups that are fragmented here on campus.’

SA Comptroller Sacha Forgenie said it isn’t a question of whether it’s a good program, but the request for the software doesn’t belong in special programming.

Also on the agenda at Monday night’s meeting was a short presentation by Andy Latchem, assistant vice president of SU’s Alumni Relations. She spoke to SA about formalizing their relationship and increasing collaboration.

Latchem also stressed the importance of student ideas brought to alumni relations.

mequalte@syr.edu