A group of students is beginning to try to recall the entire Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate as well as the president and vice president.

A group calling itself the Student Empowerment Alliance (SEA) is circulating petitions to call for a referendum, citing a lack of development on the part of USG Senate as well as President Ian Rosenberger and Vice President Takkeem Morgan.

"We're very frustrated by the progress, or lack thereof, of Senate and USG as a whole ... " said Andy Banducci, South Halls Senator and SEA member. "We just think the student interest would be better served by allowing them to speak [in a recall]."

SEA members said they are concerned about a lack of progress on lobbying for state appropriations.

"My preference isn't for a specific policy -- isn't really that important," said Town Sen. Adam Kennett. "It'd be nice to see them embrace something and push for something to help the students out in that department."

Morgan said he believed that five weeks into the semester is too soon to decide if the current USG is ineffective.

"Any organization that has new membership and things like that, they're just getting their plans together and they're solidifying the team," he said. "That's just the way an organization works."

Banducci said SEA has concerns about the Senate appointing students to fill eight Senate seats vacated by resignations this year.

"We don't feel students' will is being served by appointments; democracy would work better than appointment," Banducci said.

Kennett questioned Morgan's ability to lead after his court appearance last Wednesday, where he faced charges of theft and receiving stolen property.

"[Students] didn't know exactly who he was that they were electing," Kennett said.

"It's not good for our second-highest leader to be dealing with the courts right now," added Town Sen. Brian Battaglia, SEA member and College Republicans chair. "We're not trying to impeach him ... we're asking the students, 'Do you want to recall him, and if so, do you want to elect him again?' "

The recall process, outlined in the USG constitution, is a long one. The petition to have a recall must be signed by 1,000 students. Then, a majority of 25 percent of undergraduate students must agree to the recall in a referendum vote.

Morgan said he doubts enough students would vote in the referendum,

because last year's USG election had 9,148 students vote, a record high of about 22 percent of the student body.

"It would seem kind of difficult," he said. "If the student body wants that to happen, then I think that's the best thing for the student body."

Kennett said it will be an arduous process to increase voter turnout.

"It'll be tough to get that many people to vote," he said. "We believe we can do it if we work hard. It's important for these people to take these elections seriously."

Battaglia added, "If not, hopefully it will be a kick in the butt to do some work, do some real business."

Morgan said he doesn't think this recall process will have an effect on Senate meetings, over which he presides.

"Hopefully folks will stay cordial and hopefully things will move smoothly and we'll get things accomplished," he said.

Town Sen. Michael Yohannon scoffed at the process, but said the group was free to pursue the recall.

"They might be watching too much California politics," he said. "I hope they really take a close look to see what's worth spending time on."

A press release from SEA also lists Town Sen. Vicki Cangelosi and East Halls Sen. Matt Ritsko as members of the group.