Senator Chelsea Smith resigned from the position of President Pro Tempore Jan. 16 at the AUSA Senate meeting.

Smith said she did not feel she had the time to fulfill the required duties. “Instead of doing a mediocre job, I am going to hereby resign from the position,” said Smith.

Smith will continue to serve as AHUM-SOCS Senator for the remainder of her term. Discussion of a new President Pro Tempore will be held at next week’s meeting.

Available Senate includes an off-campus senator, an NSME Senator for science majors and a Board of Contingency member. Applications are being accepted until Jan. 21. Positions will be filled by way of election at next week’s meeting. Interested students can e-mail Senate President Stacy Porto at sporto@du.edu.

AUSA Senate passed a funding proposal to purchase a replacement computer for the Student Involvement Center. The computer is used for student organizations. The total cost is estimated to be $1,462. Costs will be covered by the Senate capital expenditures account. Senators Kimberly Kirven, Chris Sivavajchaipong and Diane Covington sponsored the proposal.

Senator Ben Brooks secured a deal with Sodexho’s general manager for meal plan donations to food banks. Each student will be able to donate one meal per quarter and can donate goods purchased at dormitory stores. Brooks is still working with Sodexho to facilitate donations.

The Chancellor’s dinner was held Jan. 15 for Senate members to discuss concerns and projects with Chancellor Daniel Ritchie.

“It was a good chance to get to know and talk to [Ritchie] on a personal level,” said Senator Jessica Owens.

The diversity committee allotted $2,000 to the Office of Multi-cultural Affairs and $1,000 to the Russian Student Union.

Vice President Marcus Hansen said excess funds are available through the Senate. Applications for funding are located in the Student Involvement Center, on Driscoll Bridge or online at http://www.du.edu/orgs/senate/orgs.html. Applications are due by 12 p.m. on Jan. 21.

A conference room in the former Student Media office is available free of charge. Contact the Chair of Records, Emily Nystrom at enystrom@du.edu.

Senate meetings are held every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in room 1864, located on the second floor of Driscoll North. They are open to all students and visitors.