The Honor Committee voted last night to place a proposal on the spring ballot that would amend its constitution by adding two representatives from the College of Arts & Sciences to the Committee.
The goal of the reapportionment proposal is to increase representation of students from the College so it is proportionate to increases in the College's enrollment. Currently, College students make up just under 50 percent of total enrollment at the University, yet comprise 13 percent of the Committee.
If passed, the proposal would take effect in next year's elections.
Vice Chair for Trials Jay Trickett noted the enthusiasm shown by the College students running for the Committee and their traditionally highly contested elections as two potentially positive outcomes of the change.
"What I think we'd be getting here is not just two extra Committee members, but two extra very energetic, committed Committee members," Trickett said.
The proposal was first brought forward two weeks ago by Honor Counsel Brian O'Neill, a third-year College student. Because of regulations requiring referenda to be submitted for the ballot two weeks before an election, the proposal will only be voted on by students for the last two days of this month's election.
"I think it's the first step in a process," O'Neill said. "The goal here is to see the College receive its share of representatives. It's a way to increase excitement in the honor system by making people feel more invested."
Several members of the Committee expressed concern over whether the proposal will affect productivity on the Committee, and whether the proposal effectively executes the Committee's goals.
"What I think is especially urgent about this is we're looking at a vote that cannot happen any other way than us approving an election right now," Vice Chair for Services A-J Aronstein said. "The criticisms have been aired, and those on the Committee can air those criticisms before the election."
A vote on whether the Committee will endorse the proposal has been delayed until next week.
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