BY RYAN COONEY, STUDENT GOVERNMENT BEAT WRITER

On Oct. 27, the Mason Student Senate met in Hub rooms three, four and five for its weekly meeting to discuss the approval of finances for the upcoming Gold Rush and to appoint two new senators.

A tradition since 2006, Gold Rush is an event prior to the first basketball game of the season where students and faculty come together for a massive pep rally with food and games. As part of this event, the senate approved an expenditure of $7,350 for t-shirts. Not all of the money came out of the senate’s discretionary fund, though, as $4,100 was raised in donations from various sources.

The senate’s university services committee also discussed ongoing legislation within the committee. Key parts included ongoing discussions to have construction alerts as a part of the Mason Alerts system, getting rid of the current tax on feminine hygiene products and having the TVs in the dining halls play Mason away games.

During the latter part of the meeting, the Senate interviewed two prospective candidates for open seats on the Senate. Both were approved following the lengthy interview and debate process that followed.

Freshman Eric Wright was first through the process. Wright cited his previous experience of serving on student government during his high school years, as well as his time participating in Virginia’s 51st Future Delegate Program. In the program, students learn about the legislative process and shadow Richard Anderson, the delegate from Virginia’s 51st House District. Wright also said that he was very open-minded when it came to discussing legislation and that he hopes to not only help the community but also create a better connection between Mason and nearby Washington D.C.

Freshman Nicholas Priebe was the other appointment of the day. Priebe also cited his previous leadership experience which included serving as captain on both his baseball and soccer teams as well as working with Habitat for Humanity, a program that builds housing for those in need. On campus, Priebe is currently associated with the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity as well as the George Mason College Republicans. He is also an intern with the Republican National Committee. Priebe stated that he is looking to help students in any way possible and hopes to make Mason’s campus the best campus in all of Virginia.

Any students that are interested in joining the senate should inquire at the Office of Student Involvement located in the Hub.