Michelle Bradley, the president of Student Senate, resigned on Thursday, Sept. 25, during a closed caucus meeting.

She resigned after physical and mental stress, related to injuries from a car accident, hindered her ability to fulfill her responsibilities as president, Bradley said.

“I debated with it on and off,” Bradley said, in reference to whether or not she would resign.

The car accident occurred before the start of the fall semester and left Bradley with a broken collarbone and multiple pelvis fractures, which put her in a wheel chair for weeks.

“I didn’t fully anticipate how long it was going to take to heal,” Bradley said, who is still not entirely recovered. “I don’t want my personal misfortune to limit the new senate.”

Olivia Straka, the vice-president of Student Senate, is currently the interim president until the position can be filled.

The executive rules committee, which is made up of the treasurer, secretary, vice-president and president of Student Senate, are sharing the responsibilities to accommodate for the empty position, Straka said.

Bradley sent out an email to the student body on Sept. 30 explaining that she stepped down the previous week due to her accident, and outlined the election process in the email.

“I believe that I can better serve you, the students, by being directly involved with the student body and academic committees than through the office of president,” the email said.

Bradley is currently the chairperson for the elections committee, which organizes the current election. She plans to help with the process and get as many students involved as possible.
Bradley anticipates spending at least two weeks helping the new president get acquainted with the responsibilities of the office.

“I still feel a duty to the senate and the people,” Bradley said.

Katherine Deane, a junior, said she is happy how Bradley decided to manage the transition and is satisfied with how the transition is taking place.

Students had until Monday to fill out and turn in the necessary paperwork to declare their candidacy. At least six packets were taken.

Eligible students must have completed one year of school at Shippensburg University. Those running had to acquire 125 signatures from their undergraduate peers.

No prior experience in Student Senate is required. According to Straka, current members of senate are permitted to run.

The candidates will be giving speeches and answering questions on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Mcfeely’s. Everyone is welcome to attend the event.

Voting will take place over fall break. Student Senate is hoping to get a new president as fast as possible.

Student Senate created a temporary committee to figure out the procedures for the election. The current election rules and regulations do not outline detailed plans for an election occurring as a result of a resignation.

“It doesn’t really specify in theory when the next election should be,” Straka said, “When you can put something in stone it would be beneficial.”

Straka has a positive outlook for Student Senate, especially since there are many new senators to bring ideas to the table.

“We should keep our eye out because the future is going to be pretty awesome,” Bradley said.

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