SGO rounds up new faces

by Melody Gustafson
SALEM – Members of the Student Government Organization (SGO) are appealing to students to get involved and become members next year.

On Nov.16, Anthony Underwood, director of student enrollment, introduced Lucian Clewell, SGO president, and Nang See, vice-president, to a group of students with the hope that new faces may be persuaded to step forward and run for office in elections that are coming up in April of 2008. They were accompanied by Jonathan Boley, senator, and Brad Heckathorn, active member.

“They have real authority to represent you, and they have a budget,” said Underwood. He also mentioned a stipend of $1000 is awarded toward the tuition of the elected president.

Clewell explained that the meetings happen once per week and the group operates according to Robert’s Rules of Order. Although SGO officers do all of the voting on issues, they vote with the “constituents” desires in mind. “The benefits outweigh the little bit of work you do,” he said.

See pointed the importance of the SGO, and how it makes the school aware of the students’ concerns. “We need to keep this going,” he said. “We need to do our best to set the foundation for the future of the student government.”

Officers aren’t the only active participants in the process, however. Boley explained his role as senator, representing Students for Professional Nursing; he serves as a liaison and helps with fund raising.

Heckathorn attends meetings and readily provides input to the group about student feedback, sometimes offering proposals that affect the entire student body.

Students who want to offer their help or leadership to the benefit of the student body may contact Clewell at lclewell@kent.edu or See at nsee@kent.edu or drop by the SGO office in the vending lounge. Meetings are held on Wednesdays in room #135 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. and are open to anyone.