The Associated Students of WSU held their first Senate meeting of fall semester on Wednesday in the Compton Union Building. 

ASWSU President Tania Henriques welcomed back all 19 Senators with a quick overview of what she, and ASWSU Vice President Brian Kim, were busy with over the summer, including meeting with administration and preparing for the upcoming school year. 

When meeting with administration, Henriques said they discussed ways to offer support for refugee students who are interested in coming to WSU. 

“The WSU foundation now has an option to donate money for refugee support, and with this the goal is to provide financial aid to bring undergraduates from other countries to WSU,” she said. 

Even though ASWSU is a non-partisan organization, meaning they take a neutral stance on issues surrounding race, gender, religion and political ideals, Henriques said they still wanted to do something to provide support for refugee students. 

She also pointed out that applications for four vacant Senate seats, including two freshmen delegate positions and Senators representing The College of Education and The Honors College, were sent out on Monday. 

She said an application for the Director of Community Affairs position was also sent out. 

Senate Pro Tempore Anusha Bose then reminded the Senators that they will be meeting with Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Wash., on Aug. 31. 

Senate Advisor Josue Zuniga wrapped up Wednesday night’s meeting encouraging the Senators to get excited for fall semester and to remember why they chose to join ASWSU. 

“This upcoming year, think about how you want to connect with your peers so that you can make a difference here because that really does start with the legislative body,” he said. “I charge you with doing a lot of that work and figuring out within these first few months how you can make that difference for your students.”

ASWSU meets at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday in CUB 204.