Tuesday evening marked the changing of the guard in the ASSU Undergraduate Senate with back-to-back meetings of the 11th and 12th Senate groups. The outgoing senators met briefly before the 12th Undergraduate Senate was sworn in and set the tone for next year, electing incumbent Senator Michael Cruz ‘12 as chair and Madeline Hawes ’13 as deputy chair.

In its brief final meeting, the 11th Undergraduate Senate observed a moment of silence to honor Kim Hess, the fondly-remembered manager of Late Nite at Lagunita, who died at home on Saturday.

Before adjourning, the Senate passed three last pieces of legislation. Voting 5-1, the Senate passed a bill to update its by-laws and to increase funding caps for food for green events.

The Senate unanimously approved the 2011 elections commission: Jonathan Bakke, a doctoral student in chemical engineering, as assistant elections commissioner for graduate elections; Jean Paul Blanchard ‘12 as assistant elections commissioner for undergraduate elections; and Stephen Trusheim ‘13 as elections commissioner. All funding bills for the week were approved.

Offering some final remarks, outgoing Senate Chair Varun Sivaram ’11 recognized the work of Senate Secretary Derek Lu ’11, ASSU Financial Manager Matt McLaughlin ’08 and his fellow outgoing senators. To the 12th Undergraduate Senate, he said, “Try and stay engaged. If each and every one of you stays engaged through the end of the year next year, you will have a fun and productive year.”

Outgoing Senator Shelley Gao ’11 echoed Sivaram’s message, describing the Senate as “a tremendous opportunity for you to participate in the shared governance movement.” Wishing next year’s senators good luck, she urged them not to take themselves too seriously and to care about the process as much as their objectives.

“Stay young,” said outgoing Senator Zachary Johnson ’10, telling the incoming senators to remember why they joined the Senate and not to get lost in the process.

“It’s been real. It’s been good. But it ain’t been real good,” said Senator Adam Creasman ‘11 via Skype. “Stick with the issues, forget the petty politics, don’t waste time and you’ll be fine.”

During a recess, Gao said she is excited to retire after three years of service (two as a senator) and stressed the value of student input in University decision-making and the “tremendous potential for what student government can do.”

In reference to the transition, Sivaram said, “It’s a bit overdue, honestly. I hope the new Senate can get on their feet quickly.”

The 12th Senate did just that after the recess, with a lively meeting following its members’ swearing-in by ASSU Vice President Kelsei Wharton ’12.

The only senator remaining in office, Michael Cruz ’12, received the only nomination for chair and was elected in an open roll call, with 13 in favor and two abstaining. In a prepared speech, he emphasized his experience and outlined his plan to work closely with the three branches of the ASSU and to increase communication with the student body by making Senate meetings more accessible and offering office hours for students to meet with senators.

Cruz responded to questions from his fellow senators on committee selections, accountability and improving the image of the ASSU. When asked to choose between following what he believes in and building consensus, Cruz said he would follow his own beliefs, though he also said “there will be no executive orders from the Senate Chair next year,” stating that he sees the role as that of a facilitator.

Cruz suggested the Senate reach out to freshman dorm governments and use an e-mail list to inform the student body. He also promised full Senate oversight for all discretionary Senate funds.

Also in an open roll call, the Senate elected Madeline Hawes ’13, who was also unopposed, as deputy chair, with 14 in favor and one abstaining. Hawes spoke about her plan to improve the Senate Associate program, which she participated in this year as a freshman. In particular, she talked about improving the mentorship aspect of the program by encouraging senators to be more active and keeping freshmen engaged throughout the year.

Hawes echoed Cruz’s enthusiasm for the three branches of the ASSU working together, saying she was impressed to see Cruz interacting closely with graduate students at a recent GSC meeting.

“We’re hitting the ground running,” said new Graduate Student Council co-chair Justin Brown, a fourth-year graduate student in geophysics.

“I thought it went well and I look forward to working with the 12th Undergraduate Senate,” said ASSU President Angelina Cardona ’11.

Wharton said it was “heartwarming” to see the new Senate come to consensus in electing chairs.

Next week the Senate will vote on confirming the 2010-2011 executive cabinet.