DAVID HARDEN/Arizona Daily Wildcat ASUA Executive Vice President Melanie Rainer has been one of the more active vice presidents in recent history, said ASUA senators. She has created a Senator of the Month award, encouraged senators to write letters to state legislators and initiated one-on-one meetings with senators to discuss their plans.

Melanie Rainer is beginning to wonder if ASUA senators see her as a mother figure.

In the first few months of her term, Rainer, ASUA executive vice president, has initiated monthly one-on-one meetings with each senator, has started up Senator of the Month and has requested that senators complete various assignments, like writing to legislators.

"I think in past years, people haven't taken such an active role," Rainer said. "Some senators probably think I am Mom."

Rainer said these actions are necessary in order to make sure senators aren't wasting time and energy on projects that can never be done.

Senators agreed that Rainer's actions have had positive results.

"Personally we've had the most productive first three months as a senate because Melanie keeps us on track," said Senator Ben Weiss. "We become more focused and actually do stuff."

Many of these actions go beyond what the ASUA expects of its executive vice president.

"It's not explicitly stated that I have to have one-on-one meetings; it's just the way I operate," Rainer said.

However, Rainer faces the difficult task of encouraging senators to be proactive without stepping on their toes.

"Her job is hard because she needs to meet the students' needs and individual senators' needs," said Senator Sara Birnbaum. "It is hard to not be our boss and still be responsible. If we choose a project she doesn't support, there is an interesting conflict because she advises but is not the boss; there is a power struggle."

Senators are quick to say that Melanie's job is not to be their boss.

"Some say she's our boss, but I don't like that term. We're all officials, she's definitely an adviser," said Senator Matt Harris. "She tells us when a project is unreasonable, gives us a heads up, trains us on our roles, I'd almost call her a senate trainer."

He said that Rainer has an advising role. She can suggest that senators take on certain tasks when they need to be done.

Weiss agreed saying that even though Melanie offers advice, senators still have the final say.

"Melanie does provide an opinion to the senate, and it's taken as such, but the senators maintain their opinion separate from Melanie's; we still keep our own convictions," Weiss said.

Though senators are sensitive to protecting their positions, they do appreciate the extra attention.

"It helps motivate us and makes us feel appreciated," Birnbaum said.

Rainer said that the one-on-one meetings have benefited the senators since they allow them to redirect, refocus and set goals.

"It's important to sit down and evaluate yourselves continually throughout the year," Rainer said. "I'm already seeing this month that more of them are taking higher initiative that is a positive result of the meetings."

Senators agreed that the meetings have helped them shape their ideas.

"When you have a fun idea, it's good to see what she has to say. One time I had a stupid idea, and I didn't realize it until I talked to her," Harris said.

Rainer has also trained senators, given assignments and made sure to reward the senators when they do a good job.

Senators are requested to write letters to the Legislature and practice memo writing.

"It's surprising the number of people who don't have basic business and professional skills," Rainer said. "I'm teaching them the way to represent the students well."

When senators do a good job, Rainer said she is quick to recognize them.

"It's really important anywhere to let people know they are doing a good job and that they are important," Rainer said.