Many students have little or no idea what student government does here at University of Alaska Southeast and with Student Government elections coming up and seven senator seats, plus student body president available, it’s time to find out.

CJ Reeves, this semester’s vice president, and Lorena Phillips, a senator during the 2009 spring semester, took some time to explain what student government is and what it means to them.

What does it do?

With plans to get more involved with students, Reeves has high hopes for Student Government this year. 

“We hope to represent student body; be a voice to what student body wants. We’re going to be doing surveys, we’re going to be asking what kinds of programs, clubs, and activities that the student body, our peers, want. Basically we want to bridge the gap between the chancellors, the legislators and others to bring the voice of student body to all those groups that may not be able to do that without us. We’re like a sounding board for what students want and need and we’re here to fulfill a lot of those wants and needs. And for what we can’t do, we’ll take it to the next level to someone who can do it,” Reeves said. 

 Student Government supports a wide variety of programs and activities that give students a chance to improve their leadership and organizational skills in a positive learning environment.  The clubs offered at UAS are an important part of getting students together and involved in activities that interest them. Clubs include the Dancing Club, the Marine Biology Club, Alpha Phi Omega, and Ultimate Frisbee, all approved and encouraged by Student Government, which is a club itself.

How you can get involved

There are different ways you can join Student Government, including running in the next election.

“We have seven senator positions and we have a president position,” Reeves said. 

It is highly recommended by Reeves and Phillips that you read the constitution (available online) to understand the requirements and workload students will be faced with in the Student Government positions, especially that of president. 

“I would caution anyone who wants to run for president to really think about what the job description is and read the constitution and realize it is a lot to handle,” Reeves said. “But at the same time, it’s good and for the right person it’ll work.”

If students are interested in running for a student government position packets are available in the Student Government office. Candidates are required to obtain 25 signatures from peers who think they would do a good job in Student Government. After that there will be about two weeks of campaign and then the elections will be held on from Sept. 28, 29 and 30.

Even if you don’t become an actual member of Student Government, there are meetings students can attend to catch a glimpse of what Student Government is up to.  Meeting times and locations are usually posted online at the Student Government website. 

“All of our meetings are open to everyone and I strongly encourage everyone to come to the meetings because that’s what we’re here for. We’re here for you to come and tell us what you want, what you need, or even just to sit there and listen to what we are doing.” Reeves said. 

Who they are

Reeves initially joined Student Government to find out more about it. “I decided to do student government because I didn’t know what student government did. I am the type of person that when I see a need I want to fill it. So I was like ‘Ok, no. This is not the way it’s supposed to be.  Student Government needs to have an active reputation here on campus.’ So I wanted to be one of the people to kind of pioneer that.” 

Reeves is very active person and getting to be the head of many different committees suits her wonderfully. 

“I am the chair of basically every committee. It’s good because I’d rather be out there getting my hands dirty than sitting behind a desk, typing papers and stuff,” Reeves said.

 Phillips thought about joining Student Government as a club and was convinced by Ricky Tagaban that she should run for a senator position. 

“He (Tagaban) was persistent enough to where I did end up running and I got my 25 signatures. I was like ‘Wow, I can do this. This isn’t that hard.’” Phillips said about running for the senator seat. 

She said it was a great experience that taught her a lot about leadership and making a stand.  “Before student government I didn’t like to step up and share my opinion. After I became a senator I had to do that. Even if they didn’t agree with my opinion or what I had to say, I had to say ‘This is not what I believe in.’ Being a senator, I felt like I was empowered and they gave me a fair vote in things. Student Government is something I would love to do again. I would totally recommend (Student Government) to anyone who is interested in politics or interested in what is happening around campus, or just to be involved in an activity, club or just as an extra-circular activity,” Phillips said. 

For additional information about the requirements for running for a position in Student Government and packets on running for a senator seat or for president, drop by the Student Gov. office located on the first floor of the Mourant Building, across from the Whalesong office.  Information and the Student Government constitution are also available online at www.uas.alaska.edu/gov/student.