Last Thursday, the University of Alberta’s Student Union appointed Zach Fentiman, VP Operations and Finance, as president after former president Kory Mathewson resigned due to personal reasons. In an in-camera meeting, Council decided to avoid the costs of a by-election and elect Mathewson’s replacement by secret ballot.

Two candidates were nominated, Arts councilor Jon Mastel and Fentiman. After presenting their platforms and answering questions, 21 votes gained Fentiman the presidency.

“I do appreciate the faith that Council has placed in me, and therefore the faith students have placed in me,” Fentiman told The Gateway, “[Over] the next four months, the SU is going into some critical discussions and negotiations for students. We do have a series of obstacles we need to overcome, but I’m confident that we can.” Fentiman will serve until the end of the term on April 30 when the position will be filled by the candidate selected in March’s general election.