New members bring different outlooks to IUSA Congress

When freshman Emily Edkins’ Kelley Living-Learning Center liaison approached her about joining IU Student Association Congress, Edkins jumped at the opportunity.

After applying, Edkins interviewed and was approved to fill one of the nine congressional seats left vacant after March’s IUSA election.

During the election cycle, some congressional candidates represented the University Division or schools they have since left.

As those students matriculated to other schools, their eligibility to represent specific constituencies was withdrawn.

In some instances, elected representatives didn’t wish to serve in congress at all, and that’s where Edkins entered.

Along with eight other students, Edkins was sworn in Sept. 21. She and the other new members will represent McNutt Quad, Collins LLC, Foster Quad, Eigenmann Hall, off-campus constituencies, the School of Library and Information Science and the School of Social Work.

Edkins, representing McNutt Quad, said she is quickly learning her way around congressional meetings.

“I’ve definitely been very impressed by the level of professionalism and the high level of groups we’re working with,” Edkins said.

Edkins said she hopes her work on the finance committee will tie into her business major. One of her goals, she said, is to write or co-author a few bills.

“You have to take the initiative in congress,” she said.

Freshman Alexis Foglia, a Foster representative, is also new to congress.

“It was an opportunity that presented itself to me, and I jumped on it and wanted to take advantage of it,” Foglia said.

Foglia said she thinks the freshmen perspective is an important one within congress, especially because new students often live in residence halls and deal with campus concerns on a daily basis.

“We’re the ones who are confronted with a majority of the issues IUSA addresses,” Foglia said.

Foglia also said she is constantly thinking of issues she wants to address, even as she continues to adjust to life on campus.

Co-Director of Congressional Affairs and junior Farihah Hossain said including freshmen was an important part of IUSA’s strategy when filling vacant seats. Hossain said the organization looked to residence hall leaders and professors when seeking out qualified candidates.

Now that the spots have been filled, Hossain said she is enjoying the opportunity to help new members learn the ropes in congress. Hossain was involved in congress her sophomore year as speaker of the house.

She said her involvement gave her an inside perspective on student leadership.

“I never realized there was so much stuff that went on in student government before I joined,” Hossain said.

Hossain is no longer a member of congress, but helps the iUnity executive administration deal with congressional issues and is present at all congress meetings.

“From what I see, I have a lot of faith in this year’s congress,” Hossain said.