Through an executive order signed by Student Body President Tim Vela, Audra Thurman was sworn in as Chief Justice of Student Government on May 12.

The original motion failed at the May 2 senate meeting due to a disagreement in the way the application process was conducted. A second meeting on May 5 was called to rectify the issue, but due to a technicality with Robert’s Rules of Order, the motion could not be made to reconsider the vote.

Without a Chief Justice, the Student Government would have been considered unconstitutional because it would not have filled all three branches of government.

“There won’t be any student voice in any judicial matters until a full judicial board is seated,” Dr. Don Albrecht, Vice President of Student Affairs, said at the May 5 meeting.

The judicial board is responsible for not only the appeals process for Greek organizations and Rec Sports, but also the elections for Homecoming court and freshman and graduate senators.

“It’s not a violation of the constitution, but it’s certainly going to be an image problem for the senate if [they] can’t get [their] act together to vote for Homecoming king and queen, a very important ceremonial event,” said Albrecht.

After the events of the past week, Vela decided that the issue of not having a chief justice outweighed the initial misgivings of appointing Thurman to the position, thus creating and signing the executive order. Vela hopes that the controversial appointment process was a learning experience for the senate.

“I hope that next year’s senate learns how important it is to get jobs done in a timely manner,” said Vela. “I hope that they’ll work together rather than apart.”

Rebecca Graves, a junior musical theatre major and former senator, said that despite the conflict, the senate had good intentions.

“Some things weren’t handled right, but at least they’re not letting anyone pull anything over them,” she said. “It’s important to not just accept the things that you’re told, but to make sure that they’re accurate.”

Newly appointed Chief Justice Thurman said she is ready for the new school year to begin.

“It was a long process, but I’m excited for this upcoming year and everything that is going to be happening with the Student Judicial Board and student government as well,” she said.