Senate began its weekly meeting under the direction of a new president.

Former Vice President David Reed assumed the presidency following former President Hector Amaya’s withdrawal from school and Senate.

“I had a lot of things in life I had to deal with,” Amaya said.

Amaya said he will be returning to Southern next semester. Reed will be running the Senate with newly elected Vice-President Tim Fischer. Both hope their prior knowledge of the legislative process will aid in the Senate’s productivity.

“I’ve been over a few legislative bodies before, so I’m familiar with that position,” Fischer said.

The Senate defeated a tabled resolution requesting a dollar amount for the price of the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition and calling for its end.

Next week, new Senator Julie Ebbesmeyer, sophomore biology major, will be joining the group. Ebbesmeyer was elected to fill one of the vacant spots after participating on Senate last year.

“It was a really valuable leadership experience,” she said.