The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

Student Senate confirms parliamentarian

Michael DeRamo says he has a knack for history and an eye for detail. Many of his colleagues in the Student Government Association (SGA) seem to agree.

DeRamo, a former vice president for academic affairs, has participated in several of the organization’s committees, including four semesters with Nominations and Elections and three semesters on both the Academic Affairs Committee and the Co-op Advisory Council.

Now, with the prospect of direct elections on the horizon, DeRamo will face his latest challenge: as parliamentarian, he will be at the helm of the governing board leading the charge.

“In the end, I wound up choosing someone who I feel is not only extremely qualified for the position, but who also exhibits sound leadership traits and a powerful vision,” President Rogan O’Handley said during DeRamo’s nomination at Joint Senate Thursday.

DeRamo’s primary responsibility will be to “serve as an advisor to the president on parliamentary procedure,” O’Handley said.

The role of the parliamentarian is not new, but the selection process has changed. Previously, the parliamentarian was solely appointed by the president, but the policy was amended in the spring to allow the Joint Senate to confirm a presidential nomination by a majority vote.

O’Handley said he received two applications for the position. Senator Michael Benson confirmed he also applied for the position.

DeRamo’s duties include chairing the Rules Committee, which is responsible for overseeing and conducting direct elections, and helping coordinate new senator orientations to train the future leaders of the organization.

DeRamo will also be working alongside Vice President for Administration and Public Relations Krystal Beaulieu to document the history of the organization and possibly publish it on the Internet.

“He has an incredible vision for the Rules Committee, a strong grasp of grassroots outreach, and he understands the importance of this year’s direct elections and how it has to be really hit out of the park,” O’Handley said in an interview with The News.

Despite the uncertainty that comes with a new position, DeRamo said he is confident he can get the job done.

“It’s going to take so much hard work,” he said of direct elections, “but I know that we’re going to get it done and it’s going to be a great success.”

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