Laurier student senator resigns

Student senator Nik Mookerji officially resigned from his position on the Wilfrid Laurier University Senate on August 10, according to a press release from the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union.

The press release, posted August 11 on the Students’ Union website and social media says Mookerji resigned and Colin Aitchison, chair of the board and chief governing officer, will be working with the university to find a “cost-effective way to fill the vacated seat.”

According to Aitchison, the school is looking to avoid having a full-on election where the university will have to spend money.

“We’ll accept nominations and then the board will service proxy for students and be able to fill that vacancy by casting votes,” Aitchison explained. “So if there [were] like eight people nominated for the vacant position, the board will be able to vote for the candidates on behalf of students to fill that one spot.”

Aitchison and the university are coming up with a condensed version of a typical nomination package that would be used for elections. Shortly after, the board will call an unscheduled board meeting. They hope to have the student senator position filled by the first Senate meeting on September 16.

“We’ll probably call the board meeting at some point and we’ll advertise that to students so they’re more than welcome to come and attend,” Aitchison said.

When asked if he believes a lot of students will be interested in running for the position, Aitchison said some individuals already seem eager to acquire the job.

“I’ve already gotten about four emails from people just inquiring about [the position] so maybe, it depends if after we come up with the nomination procedures how many of them sign up.”

Any undergraduate students are able to apply for the student senator position. Nominations will be open in the coming weeks.