Last semester, members of the Undergraduate Council cleaned house. But this time, the broom stayed in the closet.

At their first meeting of the semester yesterday, council members retained their entire executive board, and only one race was contested.

Council President Robert M. Hyman '98-'97 retained his office by defeating challenger Wesley B. Gilchrist '98 by a vote of 53-18.

The council gave Hyman nearly the same support this semester as last. Hyman's vote total was one more than his total last fall, when he defeated Jonathan P. Feeney '97 to become the youngest president in the council's 14-year history.

Hyman stressed his stable leadership and commitment to the council over the past four months.

"A vote for me this term will continue our success," Hyman said. "We can not lose our momentum."

During his presentation, Gilchrist promised "change" and said he would pursue Core reform, popular elections and shorter meeting lengths.

The other members of the executive board, vice president Brian B. Blais '97, secretary Lamelle D. Rawlins '99 and treasurer Edward B. Smith III '97 ran unopposed.

This is the first time that all four executive officers have been re-elected, according to Hyman.

"It indicates that council representatives have heard and like the new direction of the council we're taking," Hyman said.

The Kirkland sophomore added that he has high expectations for the council, which he said is beginning to regain respect among the student body after being mired in controversy in previous years.

"I think students are beginning to expect a lot from council," Hyman. "I think that we'll be able to deliver."

Following the elections, the council passed a resolution of support for a petition being circulated by Students for Core Reform.

The petition would "amend the guidelines that define the Core to let appropriate departmental courses count for core credit."

The resolution was the only proposal not tabled by the council yesterday.

Noah R. Freeman '98, the bill's sponsor, said core reform is an issue on which most students agree.

"This is a measure on which the [council] should be first in supporting," said Freeman.

Clay M. West '97, who was last semester's finance committee chair, said the council is preparing to take applications for financial grants to student groups for the new semester.

The applications are available at the council office in Room 8 of the Holworthy Hall Basement. They must be completed and returned by Tues., Feb. 20 at 5 p.m.

Grants are available to any undergraduate organization recognized by the University.