September 1, 1998

Jennifer Wysmuller, Staff Writer
 

Getting involved on campus is easier than some may think, according to Appalachian State Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President Christy Barrick.

According to Barrick, SGA will hold annual elections to give 77 students an opportunity to better serve their university on Sept. 9-10.

 “The easiest way for freshmen to get involved is through Senate and university committees,” said Barrick.

“Anyone can be nominated by filling out a student senate nomination form,”  said Barrick.

Senate nominations close on Sept. 8.  Additionally, mandatory Senate training will be held on Sept. 15. The first Senate business meeting will take place Sept. 22, in the Grandfather Mountain Ballroom.

Elections are being held in the Plemmons Student Union during the day, for off-campus students.  On-campus students may cast their votes in their residence halls from 10 p.m. to midnight.

The key role of a Senator is to represent the student body and their concerns.

When a concern surfaces, student Senators will write legislation and recommend it to the administration.

 “Our administration listens to us. They’re very receptive to anything we have to say and to any of our concerns,” said Barrick.

While SGA focuses mainly on projects that deal with campus life, they are also involved closely with the community.

Students can participate in programs such as Into the Street, Safety and Alcoholic Awareness Week, and the Rental Fair which involve students  in local affairs.

SGA President Ehren Meister is looking forward to  the upcoming year in SGA.

“I don’t think students realize that SGA will really work for them. We are the student government. We represent every concern of every student,” said Meister.

“SGA gives students the tools they need to be  campus leaders,” said Meister.

“(SGA) lets students work with the administrators, thus gaining valuable people skills” said Meister. “Personally, I think it’s helped me through college. I started off as a freshman  Senator and worked my way up the ladder,” said Meister.

For more information call the SGA office at 262-6254.