Editor’s Note: The article has been updated to clarify Bare’s position.
Amid an unexpected leadership change, the Associated Students of Oregon State University Senate met Thursday to finish voting in nominees for executive staff positions, this time under the leadership of ASOSU Senate President Pro Tempore Dawson Yang.
The first order of business was to swear in new Senator Avery Lucchi. However, Lucchi was unavailable for the meeting, so their oath was given by proxy by Anthony Juarez.
Unavailable last week, Thanh Nguyen was confirmed as the new International and Cultural Advocacy Coordinator.
In a statement attached to the meeting agenda from former ASOSU President Kayla Ramirez, “(Nguyen) has demonstrated a clear dedication to uplifting international students and ensuring they feel supported within the OSU community. Their commitment to advocacy and their proactive approach to centering student needs make them well-prepared to serve under our administration.”
Franklin Weeks, the Graphic Design Coordinator nominee, was absent from the meeting for the second time, so a motion was passed to table their vote for confirmation until the next meeting.
The new Campus Outreach Coordinator will be Sophie Buchanon.
“Sophie’s passion for public service and support for the OSU community truly demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the student body,” Ramirez’s statement read. “Alongside their prior experience coordinating outreach efforts for philanthropy, their values reflect the mission of ASOSU.”
Along with these confirmations, Isabelle Bare was confirmed as Performing Arts Student Fee Committee Liaison.
“Isabelle brings a strong and principled commitment to student advocacy, responsible stewardship and inclusive leadership,” the statement read. “Her thoughtful approach and dedication will help guide decisions to reflect the priorities of our community.”
There was no new or old business at the meeting.
In the President of the Senate Announcements, Yang reminded the Senators to try to agree on a consistent time and day to meet for the upcoming meetings.
Yang acknowledged the termination of President Ramirez from ASOSU, but said he “was not going into details” about it.
He further said the firing of Ramirez is indicative of the student government’s rights being “continually infringed upon” and that he doesn’t want to serve as Senate President forever.
During the Gallery Comments, Provisional President Masha Mogylevsky thanked Yang for presiding over the meeting and said they are leaving the position of vice president vacant for the time being.
When Senator Theon Abbott asked why Ramirez was terminated, Student Government Advisor Keri Simonet said, as an advisor, they can’t share protected personal information about students as per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
In an email from Mogylevsky, they said, “Senate meetings will likely switch to a different day of the week starting next week.”
