Zelaya denied confirmation by Student Senate

Immigration status a worry for several senators. Michael Apple confirmed as VP of finance.

The Battalion

Published: Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Updated: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 20:07

Corry Dobson — THE BATTALION

Student Body President John Claybrook introduces his nominees for vice president of diversity, Jose Zelaya (right), and vice president of finance, Michael Apple, at the Student Senate meeting Tuesday in the MSC ballroom..

Corry Dobson — THE BATTALION

Students who attended the meeting to support Zelaya react to the announcement that he was not confirmed by Senate.

Corry Dobson — THE BATTALION

Zelaya presents his case for why he should be confirmed as vice president of diversity while senators and students observe.

Corry Dobson — THE BATTALION

Zelaya responds to Student Senate questions about his immigration status, vision for SGA and qualifications Tuesday in the MSC ballroom.

Claybrook declined to speculate about the reason senators denied confirmation to Zelaya.

“This is a rough start, but I still think we’re going to have a great year.”

Drew Barber was denied reconsideration for internal vice president during Tuesday night’s Senate meeting. However, Michael Apple was confirmed for the vice president of finance by a large margin.

During a question and answer period before the Senate, Apple was asked his opinion on the “Student Success Fee” that has been recommended by University President R. Bowen Loftin and will likely be considered by the Board of Regents later this week. Loftin previously indicated the fee would be used to improve student success, reduce bottlenecks limiting degree progress and retain employees

Apple compared the fee to administrators “asking students to write them a blank check,” and that the students need to know where that money would go.