Matthew Johnson and Milan Chatterjee were elected to represent the freshman class in the AUSA Senate in a special election Wednesday.
Voting took place online. The Senate was somewhat disappointed with the low number of voters, however.
“It was encouraging to have such a wide field of candidates running, but turnout was lower than expected. The fact that rush coincided with campaigning probably contributed to that,” said John McMahon, off -campus senator and director of first year elections.
“We are very happy to have Matthew and Milan joining us on Senate, and as an entire Senate look forward to collaborating with them throughout the course of the year,” McMahon said.
Both new senators will take their seats this week.
“I am excited about the upcoming year, and I am looking forward to making a difference at the University of Denver. This is a very exciting opportunity,” said Chatterjee.
Chatterjee, Johnson and nine other hopefuls began campaigning last Friday under the AUSA Senate’s clean campaign guidelines.
They chalked campus sidewalks, posted flyers and talked to their classmates about their plans and goals for the class.
Milan plans to work with local businesses to create a way to provide DU students with college-life necessities, such as food and office supplies.
He also wants to work with all of the residence halls to unite the student body and have the highest quality social events.
“I want to make sure every single person, organizations and walks of life get an equal voice,” Milan said.
Johnson plans to use his position to improve life on campus for freshman by giving them more freedom and flexibility.
He said he based his plans on the opinions and ideas of his classmates.
His plans include, “Improved assistance and availability for freshman as far as course selection and academic advising is concerned and more activities and ways to meet new students.”
“With only a few activities, it is very difficult for freshmen to meet other freshmen outside of their floor/first year seminar the first week of school and try[ing] to match roommates according to a detailed questionnaire rather than randomly.”
