With just over a week left before the deadline for special elections to be held by Student Government Association and only two applicants, SGA has created a call to arms. President of SGA Peter Jacobsen recommends students to participate and apply for any aspect of university operations.

"I think the primary reason that a person should join student government is that it allows any student to help the student body while pursuing their passions. Whether it be social issues, student organizations or academic affairs, there is always a way for a motivated senator to make a real and lasting impact on Southeast". Jacobsen said. "With the means of our budget and our good relationships with the Southeast faculty and administration, SGA offers the opportunity to have the duty to serve your fellow Redhawks."

SGA is set up to represent Southeast students and is the voice for the student body. Its senate meetings on Mondays are open to students for discussion for all their concerns. SGA works collaboratively to help students talk and work out differences, and no organization is left out.

"It's about encouraging people that are looking for an opportunity to serve other students on campus, and interested in helping make decision and inform policy and procedure" Michelle Irby SGA Advisor and director of campus life and event services, said.

Irby said it takes a person who wants to know what is going on on campus and who generally wants to improve their college. According to Irby, a lot of time spent with SGA is with students and helping them with life decisions and majors. The organization works as a stepping stone to other organizations and can help students make great connections and gain personal leadership skills.

Requirements for this position include having Monday evening open and being available for meetings.

One seat is available for a first-year senator in the College of Science, Technology and Agriculture, the School of University Studies and the College of Business. Two seats are available in the College of Health and Human Services, and three seats are open in the College of Education.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 4. Interviews will take place Feb. 6. Other arrangements can be made if students are not able to interview that day. All interested parties should come to University Center fourth floor for an application.

Executive and senate applications for next year are open as well, including positions for president, who will speak on behalf of the student body and have the power to appoint student representatives to the faculty senate; vice president, who will serve as the president of the senate; and treasurer, who will be the chief financial officer of SGA. All positions are held for a year. Once April rolls around, the general elections will commence and all the senate and executive positions will be open and available to vote on. The voting will be the first Wednesday and Thursday of April.

Denia Peacock is a first-year senator for SGA, and she said being an active member of her student government organization in high school made her interested in the organization at Southeast. One benefit she found from being a member of SGA was the chance to meet and become friends with upperclassmen. Next semester she is planning to run for a seat in the College of Liberal Arts. Peacock has already put in her bid to be in the interviewing session.

To apply for senate positions students must apply for a seat in the college that includes the department of their major. For more information or for applications, go to semo.edu/studentgov/.