Student Government Association Senator Nathan Lamb has serious doubts about two University of Massachusetts administrators, and he doesn’t think he’s alone.

This Monday’s SGA meeting kicked off with a “straw poll” aimed at gauging the student confidence level with Executive Director of Housing and Residential Life Edward C. Hull and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Campus Life Jean Kim. Although members of the SGA participated in the straw poll, the results cannot be known as the paperwork documenting the votes was lost during Monday’s meeting.

“I get the feeling that people are becoming less and less confident in the administration,” said SGA Senator Nathan Lamb. “It was a feeler to see how the group felt as a whole.”

“I haven’t had confidence in Jean Kim since last year,” said Lamb.

Lamb described his feelings towards the administrations as ones that rose gradually during his years at the University.

Lamb said he feels most adversely affected by Kim’s role in altering the Good Samaritan policy last year. The policy’s goal was to protect students seeking help for friends in medical trouble as a result of alcohol or drugs. The policy originally stated that neither the person calling the police nor the injured student would be subject to disciplinary action, regardless of levels of intoxication. According to Lamb, the policy enabled students to prioritize their health and the health of their friends during moments of crisis without fear of disciplinary repercussions.

Changes to the policy were made and then rescinded last year, essentially reverting the policy to its original form.

Lamb also took exception to the manner in which the administration has addressed last April’s proposed tobacco ban on campus, changes to Residential Life, including the initial eradication of peer mentor positions, as well as the challenges to the constitutionality of housing’s solicitation policy, which was reported on in the Collegian Sunday.

Even though members of the SGA lost the straw poll during the meeting, Lamb feels “confident that most people in the student government don’t have confidence [in the administration].”

If the numbers indicate that most senators do not have confidence in the administration, Lamb intends to formulate a plan to send a message to the administration about the body’s supposed discontent. He has currently no firm plans of action.

He said that it could possibly result in a Senate resolution or a letter to the Collegian.

Lamb said he feels it is important to document student sentiment on whether confidence in administrators exists among student leaders.

According to Lamb, this is important because once Chancellor Robert Holub steps down at the end of this year, his successor will have the power to appoint new administrators and reorganize the administration as he or she sees fit.

Lamb hopes that whoever the new chancellor, who will start this summer, is, he or she will hear the grievances voiced by the SGA and take them into account when forming a new administration.

Zachary Weishar can be reached at [email protected].