Please get involved in Student Government; I said please!
Hi there, Class of 2022. Long story short, I’m the senator of the Murphree Area, and I write columns every week about Student Government. They say that dissent is the greatest form of patriotism, which is probably why I’m often writing about some sort of SG drama or unpopular action that needs explaining, but I promise it’s not all bad. There’s also good work to be recognized and, in the case of this week, a chance to get involved with our many different sub-organizations. I apply a critical lens to what I see in SG because I truly want the organization to improve. Part of improving is making sure the best and the brightest folks (both incoming and upperclassmen) give SG a chance.
This semester, the dates for executive branch applications are “conveniently” staggered across four deadlines. They include Student Government Productions applications, which were due Aug. 24 (that ship has sailed), Chomp the Vote and External Affairs applications due today and everyone else’s applications are due Sept. 5 except the Freshman Leadership Council application, which is due Sept. 7.
I went ahead and emailed all 13 of the recruiting agency heads, asking for what they were looking for or things they’d like to say to prospective applicants. Seven responded, which I think is pretty darn good.
One of the agency heads that responded was Lexie Miller for Gators Going Green. She responded that her agency is a great way to get your foot in the door with SG, and she's looking for passionate people who care about the environment, regardless of their major. Chairwoman of Students Taking Action Against Racism Ana Jazmine Mata responded that she was looking for passionate individuals eager to voice their concerns against racial inequalities in our society and are ready to educate our campus. She also noted students of all walks of life are welcome to apply, no matter if they are a first year, fourth year or transfer student; those with no prior SG experience need not worry either.
Internal Affairs is looking for motivated individuals with an understanding of the university to join. External Affairs would like anyone who is passionate about politics and government, specifically passionate about advocating for issues that affect all UF students to apply (though no experience is necessary).
I have to make a special note here for the Freshman Leadership Council. They select 50 incoming students via a competitive application. Those accepted go through personal and professional development training and learn about event planning, among other things. Those who get rejected (like me, back in the day) heave a sad sigh and go on with their lives, totally not bearing any salty, bitter grudges. But I’ll say what I said at Preview: If you can get in, power to you; if you don’t, life goes on.
Life certainly went on for me after my own rejection since the week after, little freshman me won my first election and became the senator for Infinity Hall. For those looking to get involved with Student Senate, there will be an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Reitz Union Senate Chamber (across from Wing Zone) on Tuesday. From Thursday to Sept. 4, there will be something called “slating,” which basically involves interviewing with a political party to be their candidate for a seat. In this Fall election, 50 seats are up for grabs based off residence hall/area or by ZIP code.
It’s a lot, but that’s the gist of it. I think the main takeaways are that there’s a lot of opportunities within SG for all types of people. If you’ve got a passion for public service or just making our campus a better place, I highly recommend you get involved with us.
Applications can be found at sg.ufl.edu/get-involved.
Find out more about all the different agencies and what they do at sg.ufl.edu/agencies.
Zachariah Chou is a UF political science junior and Murphree Area Senator. His column focuses on Student Government and normally appears Friday.
