And you thought the elections were over...

The 2012 Election Day has finally passed, and for those of you who voted, thank you! There are many today still fighting for the right to vote, and yet these rights are often underutilized by many Americans today.

There is, however, another opportunity coming soon for GSU students to cast a ballot for individuals to represent them.

In the spring semester, elections will be held on campus for new members of the Student Senate. We have many intelligent, creative, and hard-working students on campus who are assets to our educational community.

I encourage you to participate in our local academic affairs by selecting those who you feel will represent and support your student interests.

Many of you reading this article are actually some of the very students we believe should be pursuing these positions.

The fact that you are reading this paper demonstrates your interest in your institution and its community. We are looking for current and future leaders to become active and more involved on campus.

If you enjoy making things happen to benefit your environment, taking on challenges and initiatives to improve campus unity, or connecting with other motivated scholars, this is the opportunity for you.

If you are unsure of what GSU's Student Senate actually does, simply consider its recent accomplishments and current endeavors. At the beginning of the semester, the Student Senate organized a "Rock the Vote" campaign, which focused on student involvement in the voting process.

Voter registration was held in the Hall of Governors, and over 300 students registered on campus to vote.

On November 15th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., GSU's Food Pantry will be re-launched by the Student Senate.

The Food Pantry, located next to the Student Commons, accepts donations of nonperishable goods to offer to current students.

Students invest a lot of time and money into their education, and sometimes it can be difficult to make ends meet. All that is needed to receive a bag of goods from the Food Pantry is an active GSU student ID - no questions asked.

After the Food Pantry Re-launch, normal operations will take place every other Monday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Many Student Senators are seated on campus committees, and the Senate has direct contact with our Student Trustee representative, Erin Fletcher.

Student Senate President, Lisa Wallace, has monthly meetings with our GSU President, Dr. Elaine Maimon, and is present at GSU Board Meetings to communicate student projects and developments.

Also, look out for the Annual Student Senate Celebration over the holidays, as well as senate surveys to evaluate student opinions and concerns.

All in all, the Student Senate's main objectives are to represent the student body and to create a link between students, staff, faculty, and the Board of Trustees.

The university runs for the students, so it is in our best interests to contribute to university engagements.

Please friend us on our Facebook page, and if you are interested in becoming a candidate for the Senate, please pick up an election packet from Student Life located in D1429.

We look forward to meeting the new student pioneers of GSU!

Kayla Randolph-Clark

Senator at Large

On Behalf of the GSU Student Senate