NSGA is an important part of addressing student concerns and ideas on campus. The organization is composed of a traditional chain of power.
The Northeastern Student Government Association is a student ran organization responsible for discussing issues facing Northeastern State University. The elected officials meet and determine relevant plans of action to remedy problems and concerns found on campus.
The overall goal of NSGA is to serve as a liaison between administration and the student body. Students can express concerns and comments on campus policies to the organization to be used a medium. Once administration is aware of problems or issues, they can then work to remedy them.
“I feel like student government is an important facet in making a college communicate successfully on all levels,” said Kaleb Niles, Broken Arrow Junior. “Giving students an outlet to share ideas or opinions helps the university grow.”
NSGA is composed of several executive officers, namely a president, vice president, secretary of state, treasurer and attorney general. Under these positions reside a multitude of elected senatorial positions, each contributing to NSGA’s purpose.
“NSGA to me is an organization that is a great way to network with other students and administration, make important decisions for the students, and to help give the students a voice,” said Josh Owen, Attorney General. “NSGA is and always will be a huge commitment in my life.”
Due to a recent restructure of the organizations constitution, NSGA now has 40 senators in total. Four senators from each college are elected to serve on the NSGA council. Students currently in elected positions also include four freshman senators, two senators from the college of optometry and two graduate senators.
“NSGA has definitely been the organization I’ve been most passionate about since coming to NSU in the fall of 2011,” said Taylor Melone, President. “Aside from all the organization does for the students and betterment of our university, it has greatly assisted in my growth as a student leader.”
While NSGA is primarily tasked with creating and modifying legislation pertaining to student life and academic policy, NSGA is also in charge of disbursing funds to recognized student organizations. These funds can be used for event planning or applied to conference fees.
Several events are organized and sponsored by NSGA throughout the school year. Events included are Traditions Day, homecoming elections, an annual chili cook-off and Mr. NSU. NSGA is also responsible for National Day of Service and Remembrance events as well as Read Across America Day.
NSGA serves as a platform for students hoping to enter politics upon graduation. The organization isn’t used for just this purpose however. Any student aspiring to make a difference on campus is encouraged to contact NSGA or apply for candidacy when positions become open.
Halloween Carnival provides community outreach
The NSGA Halloween carnival gives the community an opportunity to celebrate the holiday in a safe environment. Entry and participation is free.
NSGA will transform the new parking lot in front of Jack Dobbins Fieldhouse into a Halloween carnival Oct. 29. All in attendance are guaranteed a spooky good time.
“I am excited for the carnival,” said Sara Adams, Jenks sophomore. “It will be fun to see all of the costumes.”
The carnival will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. allowing children and students to participate in a variety of activities including a ring toss game and pumpkin bowling. A costume contest for children will also start at 7 p.m. with prizes for each gender group.
“I always have a blast at Halloween events,” said Shane Reynolds, Muskogee Senior. “This just gives me another opportunity to celebrate the season.”
The carnival and all goodies received are free of charge to the community. NSGA has stated they expect approximately 500 attendees throughout the night.
(Image and video are courtesy.)
NSGA urges voter registration
NSGA encourages students to vote by easily registering through TurboVote.
On Sept. 23, 2014, NSGA participated in National Voter Registration Day by informing students how to register to vote. With the creation of TurboVote, registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot or being informed on elections has never been easier.
“I registered to vote because I feel my voice deserves to be heard,” said Kaleb Niles, Broken Arrow senior. “It’s a right we have as Americans that we shouldn’t take for granted.”
NSGA has become a dedicated beacon of civic engagement within the NSU community. For this occasion NSGA partnered with the Office of Greek Life & Community Engagement and the Division of Student Affairs.
“It is important that everyone votes,” said Corey Fabian, Muskogee Junior. “If we don’t have a majority opinion we won’t have an elected official that works for our passions.”
Voter registration forms must be postmarked by Oct. 10, 2014 in order to be validated for the upcoming election. The next election will be Nov. 4, 2014.
(Image and video are courtesy.)
NSGA encourages democracy
Students vote for a senator during the NSGA election period.
The Northeastern Student Government Association began the electoral process on September 15 in search of new senators to be representative of the various colleges of study around campus.
“In the past, Senate has been comprised of a representative from each student organization. Now we have 7 representatives from each college, 4 Freshman Senators, 2 Optometry students, 2 Graduate students, and 4 At-Large,” said Joshua Owen, NSGA representative.
Students were encouraged to make their voice known by voting for the individuals that they thought would be represent them and their college best. The voting took place in the University Center in front of the Barnes & Noble Bookstore.
“I think it’s important for students to vote in any election and realize they can make a difference,” said Aaron Cockrell, Warner Senior. “It’s a freedom that we are given and shouldn’t take for granted.”
The senators elected at this time will be the first to serve under the new 2014 student government constitution, which recently underwent a referendum. Votes will be tabulated when voting closes and are expected to be released the night of September 16th.
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