Hartz lists advising, faculty retention among top concerns

ASUA officers were sworn in May 1 in front of Old Main, allowing a chance for outgoing executive officers to reflect on their terms and for new officers to anticipate the coming year.

Incoming Associated Students of the University of Arizona President Doug Hartz accepted the key to his new office from outgoing President Ray Quintero, becoming the 2002-2003 student body president.

ãDoug is passionate, witty and capable,ä Quintero told spectators, later shedding a tear as he presented Hartz with a plaque reading, ãYou will be the best president this fine university has ever seen.ä

In his inaugural address, Hartz listed his top concerns for the coming term as advising, serving the student body and faculty retention

ãWe have people who work so hard and so long for relatively low pay,ä he said.

ãIâm concerned that weâre going to continue to lose faculty,ä Hartz later added.

The official swearing-in ceremonies of Hartz, Executive Vice President Jennifer Reece, Administrative Vice President Jered Mansell and 10 senators took place after 15 minutes of handing off keys, banners and other ASUA paraphernalia.

Quintero recalled the past year and listed what he considered successes. Topping his list were tuition negotiations, the ãNo more than 4ä campaign and a three-year advising reform plan.

In the wake of a string of campus sexual assaults late last month, he also mentioned expanded SafeRide service and next yearâs Student Lifeline, which will provide students with rides home from bars.

ãASUA is a group of 80 dynamic individuals,ä Quintero said. ãThey have passion for what they do.ä

Quintero presented Hartz with a hard hat in anticipation of the completion of construction on the Student Union Memorial Center next semester.

Former Executive Vice President Sam Chang gave Reece the official ASUA gavel to use during senate meetings.

ãSlam it down,ä he said, turning to the future senators sitting behind him. ãCall these guys out of order.ä

Mansell was given a UA Barbie doll from outgoing Administrative Vice President Tricia Williams.

ãAdministrative vice president is usually a girlâs position,ä she said, as she jokingly recalled seeing Mansell at UA games in girlâs shorts with his body painted red.

Hartz said after the ceremonies that he has already appointed several people to his cabinet and staff for next year.

Already, he has started working on next semesterâs CatFest and begun planning for legislative lobbying, which include a plan to increase voter registration and turnout on campus.

ãWe want to bring legislators down to campus,ä he said.

Senators had their first meeting later that afternoon.