Student Association leaders spearheaded a senator orientation session before Sunday night’s first official meeting, hoping to acquaint new members with regular procedures.

SA Vice President Anastasia Criscione said this was the first time any type of training session was offered to new senators.

“I thought it proved to be very effective,” she said. “They got a chance to get a feel for everything that went on tonight.”

Criscione said 24 senators attended the session. There they participated in a mock SA meeting and several icebreakers to get to know one another. The SA’s overall goals also were discussed.

Newly-elected SA Senator Mouneer Ahmad said he enjoyed the orientation. “I didn’t know what to expect, but after this morning I sort of knew what was going on.”

Ahmad said the session taught him how to get involved with committees the SA offers.

SA Recreation Adviser Steve Pryor said he was a senator last year, so he could compare how beneficial the orientation was.

“It was informal, which made everyone less nervous,” he said. “I think it was pretty worthwhile.”

Public Relations Adviser Anna Bicanic said the idea first came about at the SA’s summer retreat. She said there was some concern that the new senators should be given some special treatment.

Bicanic said all in all, the session was to everyone’s benefit.

“Toward the end, the new senators started to jump in and ask questions, which was encouraging,” she said. “We had some veterans from last year at the session, which took some of the pressure off of the new people.”