Dan Leitao/The Mirror
“Every word is up for grabs,” Constitutional Chair Charlie Knights ‘12 told the committee as it had its first preliminary meeting for the upcoming Constitutional Convention. The 3,066 word Constitution controls every aspect of FUSA. It details the overall structure of the government as well as the functions of each branch on a daily basis.
“I started the Convention because I think there are some changes that need to be made within our student government, changes that are deep-rooted and have been covered up by amendments for years.” Alyssa Amarain Senator for the class of 2012 explained to The Mirror.
Charlie Knights followed up saying, “I believe that this convention was brought about in response to a certain level of ‘disconnect’ felt in regards to FUSA as an organization, both by those students serving and those served by the student association.”
Knights has high hopes that the hard work of the Committee, “By parsing out what is and has been working, as well as finding solutions to those aspects that have not, my ultimate goal is to come out of the convention having ratified a revamped Fairfield University Student Association; one that promotes itself and carries itself as a more transparent, open and clearly defined organization, not only by the students, but for the students.”
The meetings will be in Town Hall fashion and students are encouraged to come to observe and give input. The committee members want to keep a low-key open atmosphere in which students can come and voice their opinions and what they want to see changed in FUSA.
The Constitutional Convention, which usually occurs every four years, was called early after Matt Morrissey ’13 and Alyssa Amarain ‘12 proposed the resolution earlier this semester. “We had a good group of senators that wanted to see change and I think there are a lot of issues that we need to handle now rather than later,” said Morrissey. The first meeting will be held December 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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