The ASWSU 44th Senate has made its final preparations for the next school year, selecting a pro tempore and executive staff to accompany the incoming ASWSU presidency.

At a meeting last night, the senate also approved the ASWSU budget for the 2014-15 school year. This was the last meeting of the new senate until next semester. The 43^rd held its final meeting shortly beforehand.

ASWSU Sen. Samantha Kieling was elected as the pro tempore for next year.

“All three candidates (for pro tempore) were very qualified,” said Vice President-elect LaKecia Farmer, who currently serves as pro tempore. “The two stood apart because of their goals they had for the next year. As a pro tempore I know exactly what goes into this position, and Sam has a little more experience.”

After holding almost a half-hour executive session, the senate was split on two of the three senators, Kieling and Dakota Renz. The third candidate was Aurelio Guevara.

The public vote was tied 6-6 with one abstention, leaving Farmer, the chair of the senate, to make the final vote. Farmer voted in favor of Kieling.

“I feel great,” Kieling said. “Ever since I was a freshman delegate I’ve wanted this position. We were all very qualified, and I think any one of us would have made a great pro tempore.”

Kieling said the split senate showed that she may have to work a little harder to earn the full trust of the senate.

The senate’s other order of business was to confirm the individual members of ASWSU President Jared Powell’s and Farmer’s executive staff. After the staff gave their introductions and backgrounds, the senate confirmed the entire group unanimously.

“That was the smoothest (confirmation) I’ve seen,” Farmer said.

Finance Sen. Amita Jain discussed additions to the new budget that includes the newly paid chair positions.

The senate also added two new senators to the undeclared and arts and sciences seats.

Farmer said she is excited to get to work with the new senate and executive staff for next year.