Debate over the confirmation of Brent West as president pro tempore arose during the Student Association Senate’s first meeting Sunday.

West’s qualifications were called into question as the Senate voted on his confirmation. Senator Aaron Funfsinn was the only member present to oppose West’s appointment as pro tempore.

“Prior experience says a lot about competence,” Funfsinn said, objecting to West’s confirmation due to concerns over his tenure as information technology manager. “Although Mr. West’s position this year is different from that of last year, I believe that it is important to look at the successes or failures while holding previous positions to determine whether or not someone should continue being a part of an organization.

Last year’s Web site had information that was outdated; documents that had been unchanged; and pages that weren’t very helpful.”

Several individuals came to West’s defense. Speaker Robert Batey said updating the Web site was not the responsibility of the manager. SA president Jarvis Purnell also endorsed West’s appointment.

“I would like to point out that Brent West, as IT manager, laid out a lot of the foundation that had brought forth the success of our current Web site today,” Purnell said.

West’s knowledge of parliamentary procedure was challenged during the meeting, over which he stumbled several times. West said he would improve on his ability to run the Senate meetings and that he is familiar with the Senate’s bylaws and procedures. He also expressed a desire to be deeply involved with all aspects of the Senate throughout the year.

“I plan to make it to every committee meeting at least once each semester,” West said. “I want to know what’s going on in the Senate, and I want to see if I can help.”

In other business, Rebecca Doxtater was confirmed as Senate clerk, and the Senate approved its committee appointments.