NSGA: An Introduction

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.