James Zanayed was re-appointed the Student Association (SA) Senate speaker at its meeting Sunday.

Zanayed was contested by Stephanie Wiggins, SA senator and senior political science major, for the speaker position. Wiggins said her experience in the Air Force helped her gain the leadership skills for the position.

“I’ve worked with the two police chiefs and created relationships with senior officials on campus,” Zanayed said. “We’re in a prime position to improve the Rec Center. I was a chef for six years, so I’ll explain it like this: All initiatives are on the stove, the ingredients and spices have already been added. We’ve got to put it on a plate and serve the students.”

Zanayed said one more year will allow him to get everything done that he has been working for this past year.

“James has done an astounding job,” said Jack Tinberg, SA senator and sophomore corporate communications major. “He’s done exactly what he said he would do this past year.”

Zanayed said the biggest goal he wants to accomplish this year is to be able to interact with students more and improve the Recreation Center.

A bill to amend the current constitution’s activity fee stipulations was vetoed after much discussion. Brian Troutman, SA senator and junior political science major, suggested all students pay a student activities fee for residence halls.

“It’s complete ludicrous,” said Brandon Wayne Phillips, SA senator and sophomore history major. “That’s the word that comes to mind. Why still pay for activities and additions if you cant use them?”

SA President Delonte LeFlore said the SA has been working with the campus administration on the Recreation Center. LeFlore said though they cannot obtain funds for campus recreation at present, they should be able to within the next three to five years.

At the meeting, LeFlore said the SA is financially set and ready to make progress.

“We’ve had a trying year,” LeFlore said. “The university faces challenges both financially and administratively. We’ve made it through, though. We’ve balanced our budget and we won’t have to cut anything out.”

Seth Peritz, director of mass transit and senior political science major, said the transit system saved $120,000 this semester. Next year, Peritz expects to save $150,000, not including fuel costs. Peritz said one bus will be cut next semester.

“We’re restructuring routes, but all areas will still be serviced,” Peritz said. “The routes will be 30 minutes, and will go until 8 p.m., up from 7 p.m. this semester.”

SA Senate approved the increase of its GPA standards, as well.

“The president is concerned that freshmen don’t have a high enough GPA,” Zanayed said. “If they had a bad semester, before someone takes a senator position, they’ll have to have a minimum 2.5 GPA.”

Zanayed also took a five-minute recess to allow attendees to download the new iWatch app. The app was released on Thursday by the DeKalb Police Department. The Police Department intends to reduce crime by allowing local residents to submit texts, photos and videos of criminal activity anonymously through the app.

Sophomore communications major Terrell Washington was appointed SA senator after other discussions were finished. He said the first issue he plans to tackle is the low student enrollment.