EVAN CARAVELLI/Arizona Daily Wildcat Alistair Chapman is formally inducted as ASUA president yesterday on the UA Mall. J.P. Benedict, the former ASUA president, presented Chapman the traditional emblems of that office, including a large wooden plaque engraved with the names of past presidents.

New officials ready to tackle student apathy issues

ASUA President Alistair Chapman took office yesterday, pledging to tackle the problem of student apathy.

Amidst parents, friends and students, Chapman, Executive Vice President Sara Birnbaum, Administrative Vice President Jordan Miller and 10 senators were inducted into office at the Associated Students of the University of Arizona inauguration ceremony on the UA Mall.

Chapman said he would like to increase student involvement in ASUA and get students "civically active."

Next fall, ASUA plans to lead one of the largest voter registration campaigns ever on campus, Chapman said. In addition, about 18,000 voter registration packets will be distributed at the freshman orientation in August "to show the Legislature that students care," he said.

Chapman hopes the new marketing director positions will keep students well-informed and decrease apathy.

All three student leaders said they look forward to beginning their terms in office.

"ASUA offers hope and potential for a positive change," Chapman said.

J.P. Benedict, former student body president, presented Chapman with the traditional gifts of a hockey stick, spirit stick, office keys and Arizona Daily Wildcat punching toy, citing an "interesting love/hate relationship" with student media.

He also praised Chapman, saying his confidence, experience, passion and concern for the students will make him an "excellent" student leader.

"It's the chance to affect students' lives," he said. "It's difficult to leave behind."

Benedict said one thing he didn't expect from the position was the difficulty of maintaining a public image and the number of day-to-day meetings and activities that consumed his time.

"You're going to be grabbed from all sides," he said. "Just remember you are there for the students."

Chapman thanked Benedict for his "undying passion and excellence," adding that Benedict always listened to his directors and students. Along with verbal advice, Benedict demonstrated how to be a good leader through example, Chapman said.

Melanie Rainer, former executive vice president, passed on her position to Birnbaum and offered her and the new senate encouragement.

"Keep a positive work ethic and attitude the entire year," she said.

Rainer also commended the 2003-2004 ASUA Senate and said it set a precedent by tripling club attendance at the Club Olympics, working with campus organizations and passing more resolutions than any other senate in 20 years.

She gave Birnbaum a plaque, a UA flag and a parking plate that read "Wildcat parking only." This is to deter any Sun Devils who want to get into Birnbaum's new office to "stink it up," Rainer said.

Victoria Ruan, former administrative vice president, gave Jordan Miller a UA flag, baseball and bat for "playtime," a box of quotes and a UA Cheerleader Barbie, saying Miller would have to be the cheerleader for the students.

"I have no doubt your leadership will take (ASUA) to a whole new level," Ruan said to Miller. "I am proud to call you my successor."

In his inaugural address, Chapman said he looked forward to working with "the best and brightest" students at the UA.

He added that new officials are already working on child care, adviser contracts, implementing a voter poll on campus and creating a constituency council to serve as a direct link between ASUA and the more than 400 organizations on campus.

"I was not elected into a position of power but a position of representation," he said.