The Student Association oath of office has become somewhat of a standard feature at senate meetings after seven new senators have been sworn in in the past two months.

According to SA bylaws, the president, senate speaker and minority relations adviser must interview candidates wishing to fill a senate vacancy, and the senate must approve them with a two-thirds vote.

“The main reason people resign is because they didn’t understand the commitment,” SA Vice President Steve Coloia said.

Those who have resigned from the senate include: Jon Bloomberg, District 1, Lynn Cozzi, Diane Shelton and Foria Younis, all from District 2, Anat Tisch, District 3, Dave Gomel, District 4 and Jason Gough, District 5.

New senators include: Dave Noe, District 1, Tom Harmening, Karl Krutsch and Jim Mertes, all of District 2, Paul Meyers, District 3, Ed Grasse, District 4 and Kevin Schramek, District 5.

The influx of members might cause concern, but Coloia is optimistic. “It’s definitely not helping, but I don’t think it has had an effect on the senate. Things are running pretty smoothly lately,” he said.

Frequent vacancies can be avoided by informing candidates about time requirements and the function of the SA, Coloia said. A strong election process helps select well-qualified senators, he said.

The 1989 fall senate election was the first time a 45-seat senate was elected. The SA Supreme Court declared the previous two-district, 32-seat senate plan unconstitutional last January. After examining several districting plans, the senate decided to use the five-district, 45-seat senate plan.

“I think we need adequate input, as well as enough people on committees,” Coloia said. The SA has about 13 committees, ranging from academic affairs to recycling. Although many committees are open to students who are not senators, Coloia said the SA tries to have as many senators as possible on the committees.