DAVID HARDEN/Arizona Daily Wildcat Former UA student body president Doug Hartz breaks down while handing his position over to J.P. Benedict yesterday in front of Old Main. Benedict and the rest of the ASUA student staff were officially sworn into their positions.

New president Benedict looks to increase spirit on campus, has high aspirations for ASUA next year

Amidst tears and smiles, former ASUA student body President Doug Hartz presented newly elected president J.P. Benedict with the keys to his office yesterday, during the inauguration of ASUA elected officials.

"It's been an amazing ride," Hartz said of the past year.

Hartz spoke highly of Benedict, adding that Benedict has many late nights in his office ahead of him. In addition to presenting Benedict with the keys, Hartz gave him the ASUA field hockey stick, the ASUA spirit stick and a bit of advice.

"This you have to guard with your life," Hartz said of the spirit stick.

In turn, Benedict commended Hartz for his actions during the past year, citing the largest tuition increase UA has ever faced and the Nursing school shootings as very stressful events for the president.

"He's been a role model," Benedict said.

Benedict, who has shadowed Hartz for the past month, said he was excited to finally have the opportunity to be in the position.

"Ahead of us, we look forward to some of the same issues," Benedict said in his inaugural address.

Benedict spoke of his new vision for ASUA in which students' school spirit and pride would be reinvigorated. As part of this new direction, Benedict has created the cabinet position of Spirit Director.

"I hope that our students can be as proud as I am to be at the U of A," Benedict said.

In addition to the Spirit Director, Benedict's plan to increase school pride involves the success of the Zona Zoo Sports Pass, which went on sale yesterday.

Along with Benedict, Executive Vice President Melanie Rainer, Administrative Vice President Victoria Ruan and 10 senators were sworn in by ASUA Supreme Court Justice Deanna Rivera.

"I think today was really special," Rainer said.

She spoke highly of outgoing Executive Vice President Jennifer Reece, saying Reece has done an outstanding job with clubs and services.

However, Rainer said her current focus is working to restructure the Senate. She has already passed two new bylaws that deal with the governing body.

The first bylaw states that at least two senators have to work in each ASUA department. Additionally, every senator must complete two projects per semester.

"I think, a lot of times, the Senate gets off kind of easy. I really want to ensure that they can serve students," Rainer said.

While Rainer said the projects do not have to be big, the new policy is intended to keep senators working. Rainer added that the main reason behind the implementation of the new policy is that, commonly, senators arrive in office and realize their campaign promises are unattainable.

According to Rainer, impeachment charges could be brought up if a senator fails to complete two projects.

The second bylaw created senate liaisons, who will work to ensure collaboration among ASUA and the Residence Hall Association, University Activities Board and Greek Life.

Already, various programs and services, overseen by Ruan, such as the Women's Resource Center and the Pride Alliance exist, and their directors have a voice within ASUA.

Ruan also said that she began work the day she was elected, adding that the inauguration served to motivate her further.

"It was a nice confirmation. It's made me really excited and more confident about next year," she said.

Ruan said that she has worked closely with former Administrative Vice President Jered Mansell and current program directors to lay a strong foundation for next year's programs and services.

In addition to being a resource, Ruan said that Mansell has also provided a great deal of support to her.

"He really has faith in me. His support gave me a lot of confidence," she said.

Mansell said that he has confidence in all the new officers, adding what he thought to be the best advice possible for the new executive officers.

"They'll be times when you just want to throw in the towel because there are so many things stacked up against you. You can't do that because (the students) put you there and they put their faith in you," Mansell said. "You just try as hard as you can to make this campus a better place for everybody."

ASUA interviews for appointed positions are currently underway. The official appointments will be made Monday.