Senate supports university students
Tailors services to fit needs of working adults, diverse student populations

-- Valerie Novak

Student Senate elections have come to a close. Check out the winners at http://senate.metrostate.edu/.

In March, you learned about Metropolitan State Student Senate. Now it’s time to learn about how students, like you, become senators—just in case you would like to run next year.

Elections generally begin in mid-March. Students can visit http://senate.metrostate.edu/ for an application and details about the election. The application includes a brief bio where you summarize why you would make a good senator and what attributes or experience would be beneficial to senate. You also may want to include a picture with the bio, as this makes it more personable and students will be able to match a face with your name

Once you have applied, it’s a good idea to campaign. You can do this in many ways. You can first start by talking to your friends and classmates; word of mouth is one of the best ways to campaign. Whether you speak in class, talk individually to people or simply walk around campus intermittently speaking with students, it’s good to get your name out. When you talk with students, have an idea of what you would like to speak about ahead of time. Be brief, and don’t take up too much of the students’ time. Remember, we are all very busy. Of course, be polite and thank them for their time.

When you speak to people, give them a card or flyer with your name on it, a professional and concise statement explaining why you would make a good senator, and the Web address and dates to vote. You can also hang flyers on open billboards around school or pass them out around campus. Save an electronic copy of the flyer and email it to friends and encourage them to pass it on. Lastly, you could team up with a friend or fellow Senate candidate. Many hands make light work. We have three campuses, and if you have three people, you’ll reach a lot more students.

Does this sound simple? It should, because it’s not difficult when you make an effort. It can be as time-consuming as you want. You can decide, but the more people you reach, the better results you will see.

Elections are over, but there are many ways in which you can become involved without having to make a definite commitment. Get a head start by attending senate meetings and events so you have a good view of how Senate is run. If your time is very precious, this is an opportunity to see if you will be able to allot time for next year’s election. Get to know the senators, ask questions and find out what they think of being a senator.

Beyond that, I would encourage students to attend Senate meetings and events. Remember that you do not have to be a political science major to be involved with senate. There are many areas within senate that one can choose to get involved. For example, the Daycare ad Hoc Committee is ideal for students with children or in the Urban Teacher Program. There is a PR committee for communications students, or a SAFAC committee for accounting, math or economics students.

I implore you to get involved with Metropolitan State. Help to build and maintain what Metropolitan stands for: working adults from diverse backgrounds. If you feel Metropolitan needs to change, you want to simply be involved, or you want the experience, join Senate.

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