In a special meeting last night, the members-elect of the University Judiciary Committee selected their executive committee. Third-year College Rep. Paul Gigante, who ran uncontested, was elected chairman.
"I think [UJC is] probably the most important student self-governing body on Grounds," Gigante said. "We maintain a community of safety and well-being ... we're really trying to help people."
Gigante currently is finishing his term as vice chairman for sanctions.
"I don't know what I would have done this past year without Paul," current Committee Chairwoman Lissa Percopo said. "I can't imagine any other outcome for that position ... he is very prepared."
Gigante said he hoped that, with the support of the Board of Visitors, the new Committee would be able to pass its changes to the Standards of Conduct, which would include revising Standard One relating to sexual assualts. He also said education and an efficient turn-over of cases were among his top priorities.
Before serving on the Committee, Gigante also served as a first-year judge and a counselor.
During elections, 14 of the 15 Committee members-elect listened to speeches, asked questions, debated and voted to elect their four new executive officers.
Fourth-year Engineering Rep. Carter Sheffler was elected vice chairman for first-year students.
Sheffler, who is a returning member of the Committee, said he would work to recruit, train and oversee an enthusiastic pool of first-year judges.
Third-year Education Rep. Mary Ellen Bizzarri will serve as vice chairwoman for trials.
Bizzarri said her main goals are to schedule trials efficiently and foster a sense of community among the judges. She also is a returning member of the Committee.
Third-year Engineering Rep. Kathryn Szeliga, who has no previous involvement with the Committee, was elected vice chairwoman for sanctions. Szeliga said she hoped to use her experience with other educational organizations to develop better educational sanctions.
This position "is the greatest opportunity to positively influence someone's life," Szeliga said.
"I am so pleased - not only with the executive committee, but the entire Committee," Gigante said, stressing that he hoped to include everyone's ideas.
"These four are absolutely incredible ... I'm going to be okay with handing this Committee over," Percopo said.
The Committee-elect and its newly elected executive members will begin their terms April 1.
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