Ruth Brown

Students who are interested in being involved with SDSU decision-making and practicing leadership may now apply for a position with the Students’ Association (SA).

“Being a senator has many benefits,” said Eric Hanson, vice president for SA. “You learn useful skills like communication and teamwork. Almost everything is done through working together.”

A student needs no prior qualifications to be eligible to apply. If a student would like to apply, they need to go to the SA office, located in room 140 of The Union, and pick up the required packet. A student needs to obtain a minimum of 35 or 50 signatures, depending on the college they are in, from students that belong to that college.

“We encourage students to get as many signatures as possible, just to make sure there is no chance of being disqualified,” said Hanson.

“I would advise anyone interested to fill out an application and start attending meetings with an open mind,” said Brandon Bausch, a senior software engineering major and a senator at-large. “Even before you are elected, you may attend the open meetings and see how everything works to alleviate any hesitation you may have.”

SA senators get to take part in decisions that affect current and future students at SDSU.

“My favorite part about being a senator is having a truly active role in making SDSU a better place for current and future students,” said Susanna Marking, a mass communications graduate student and an at-large senator for SA. “It’s an amazing feeling knowing that your voice and opinion has a direct impact on university decisions.”

Once elected, all senators are required to attend the SA meetings, every Monday at 7 p.m. in the Lewis and Clark room of The Union. Senators also take part on university committees, attend at least one Board of Regents’ meeting and serve at least two office hours a week.

“I enjoy being well-informed on all issues surrounding our school, while having the opportunity to work for desired change,” said Bausch. “It is also an incredible way to meet people on campus and around the state.”

Through being a part of the SA senate, students get the opportunity to meet people in administrative and leadership positions.

“Being in SA is a great way to learn how the university works and meet its administration,” said Hanson. “I have also gotten to meet some members of the Board of Regents and the Legislature.”

“SA is a great way to see how all of your student fees are being used,” said Matt Tollefson, a junior agricultural education major, senator and SA presidential nominee. “There’s over $2 million dollars in student fees, so it’s nice to see how those are used.”

For students who wish to run for SA president or vice president, there are two ways they can get started. The first option for them is to be nominated at an SA meeting. The second is to receive 5 percent of the student body’s signatures.

“[SA] is a really great experience for anyone who is interested in applying,” said Michael Kendall, a senior political science and business economics major, SA senator and vice presidential nominee.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 20 at 10 p.m. Applications are to be submitted in the SA office.

“One of the greatest parts of SA is that it really is a lot of fun,” said Hanson.