BEN WHITMER resigned from his post as senator-at-large Thursday. photo courtesy of STUDENT SENATE

Organizational Council co-chair Senator Ben Whitmer resigned from his position at last Thursday’s Senate meeting. The sophomore’s resigna­tion will take effect next semester.

“I have been struggling to under­stand what my role is here at Drake,” Whitmer said. “I have been conflicted in what direction to take and where I should concentrate my efforts.”

Whitmer said he had carefully considered his role in Senate.

“I don’t have the same passion for Student Senate as other senators do,” he said.

Whitmer said he felt his time at Drake would be best served redoubling his efforts in other or­ganizations he was more passionate about. He is the president of the Residence Hall Association, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and a participant in the Donald V. Adams Leadership Academy.

Whitmer said that his resignation had noth­ing to do with any of the actions of Senate or his fellow senators.

“I believe Senate has dealt wisely with many important issues this year,” Whitmer said.

The senator’s resignation was the last issue brought up at Thursday’s meeting.

“We have not yet determined how we will replace Senator Whitmer,” President Ben Olson said.

In the past, Senate has offered the position to the next senator with the most votes from the spring election.