Wichita State students voted in new student senators, and approved amendments to the Student Government Association’s constitution, along with a new student body president and vice president.

The SGA general election ended Wednesday evening. The results are unofficial and will be finalized Friday. 

Constitutional amendments passed

All three constitutional amendments on the ballot were approved by the student body. 

Senate Bill 68-119, which alters the freshman senator eligibility, was approved by 88.1%. Going forward, any student entering college for the first time — with exceptions to dual credit hours earned in high school — is eligible to fill the seat. 

SB-69-144 passed by 91.7%. The bill aims to “clarify language” around what the Judicial branch of SGA has authority over. The Judicial branch is in charge of interpreting the SGA bylaws whenever someone appeals a decision made by SGA or any entity funded by student fees. 

Passed by 68.1% was SB-68-158, which changes the title and eligibility of the underserved senator. That seat will now be the at-large senator, and the senators in the seat no longer have to be part of underserved communities as defined by the university. The change came after the Kansas State Finance Council designated student governments “quasigovernmental,” meaning student governments must follow state budget provisos, including the proviso eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion language and initiatives. 

22 senate seats were filled in the election, with 26 seats that may be filled by write-in candidates. 

The 26 write-in candidates will receive notification Wednesday and must accept by Friday at noon in order to take their position in the Student Senate. Those who accept will be announced Friday.