On Monday, April 12, the newly elected Associated Students of NMU (ASNMU) representatives were sworn into their new positions by the chairman of the All Student Judiciary, Joseph Gonzales.

Lucia Lopez and Courtney Russell attended their first meeting as the new president and vice president of the organization. Upon becoming the new president, Lopez appointed Andrew Foster as the new treasurer of ASNMU. The treasurer doubles as the chair of the Student Finance Committee.

“I’m excited to start the new year and the new administration,” said Lopez. “The personal feelings and the drama (within ASNMU) have to be put aside.”

Three former members of ASNMU spoke out against the appointment of Foster at the meeting and called on the new board members to vote against his appointment to the treasurer position.

“I urge you all to vote against Andrew Foster for treasurer,” said former ASNMU president Jason Morgan.

No vote took place on Foster’s appointment. The constitution states, “The treasurer shall be appointed by the president.”

Drew Janego was elected as the new chair of the assembly over Michael Skrobeck by the new board members.

Lopez discussed plans on to use up to $4,000 of ASNMU funds to open a 24-hour study lounge in the bottom floor of the LRC. The money would be spent to hire Public Safety student officers to work in the LRC from 3-7 a.m. when the building would normally be closed. Some board members raised concerns about whether the cost of the study lounge was too much.

“It’s just not reasonable,” said representative Zach Fix. “It’s a good idea to have it open, but it’s not a wise way for (ASNMU) to use our money.”

Foster said that the program would be beneficial, because it would pay both student employees and give students a place to study at all times, something he said would be positive because the money ASNMU is allocated comes directly from students.

“When you spend money on students, it’s a return on their investment,” he said.