With its first official Senate meeting drawing near, Student Government Association is facing some major changes.

Collin Wherenberg, who was elected to the position of treasurer by the student body last spring, has stepped down from the position after not returning to Southeast for the fall semester.

SGA President Matthew Rolwing said Wherenberg’s last minute departure was due to unforeseen and personal reasons, but he did leave the organization with some recommendations for his replacement.

Rolwing said a selection committee consisting of experienced senators and a former treasurer was formed to review five candidates, and ultimately selected Caleb Ellenburg for the position.

“Caleb really gets along with everybody that’s already on our executive board,” Rolwing said.

Rolwing said Ellenburg was expected to fill a new executive position this year’s administration has introduced: Diversity and Inclusion chair.

With Ellenburg filling the treasurer position, SGA will need to find someone else for the chair.

Approval of Ellenburg as treasurer will be at SGA’s first meeting Sept. 10.

As for the new position, Rolwing said, its goal is to bring more cultural awareness to campus, and to let all students know they have a voice and representation.

In addition to the new position, Rolwing plans to challenge all members of SGA to hold office hours regularly at the Center for Student Involvement at the University Center.

“We can’t be the voice of the student body without knowing what’s going on in the community,” Rolwing said. “We want to hear from everyone.”

Rolwing said 12 to 14 Senate seats remain open.

Applications for Student Senate open Aug. 16 and will remain open for two weeks.

For more information on Student Government Association, visit semo.edu/studentgovernment.