Every year members of the Student Organization of Kean University must make way for a wave of prospective student government officials. Applications for several Student Organization positions became available on Friday, February 5, 2016, via The Office of Student Government’s Cougar Link profile under forms. The deadline for all applications is Friday, March 4, 2016, at 2 p.m.

Positions available are President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Funded Groups, Vice President of Programming, Vice President of Kean Ocean, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and in addition, the role of class president for each class year.

The purpose of Student Organization is geared towards hearing out and helping the student body of Kean University and advance students forward.

“Student Organization of Kean University strives to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and personal growth of those it represents, by acting as the voice of the full-time, undergraduate, student body. The organization is dedicated to maintaining an environment where the ideals of diversity and free expression can flourish through scholarly opinion, debate, and education,” reads its mission statement via Student Organization’swebsite.

After four years in Student Organization, current President Nigel Donald is graduating this spring thus putting an end to his journey at Kean University. He believes that his experience in office has been worthwhile and educational, stating that after all this time, he understands life at a greater magnitude. Donald spends his days going to meetings, answering emails, offering guidance to students, overseeing the other eight members of the executive board and the hardest task of all: remembering everyone’s name.

“What drew me to [this position] is the idea that you can make a change,” said Donald, reflecting upon his early on decisions to get involved.

As for the campaign process, Donald advices those interested to utilize social media and that it was a “complete social media attack” via Instagram and Twitter that took him from underdog to president in a matter of months. Being an executive member of Student Organization is not just a matter of keeping up appearances – it’s hard work and initiative every step of the way. In recent years, Student Organization has accomplished bringing a variety of dining options to campus, coordinating events and upgrading technology.

“I take a lot of pride in being the voice of the students,” said Donald. “Give it your best and do it because you care and want to see change.”

Responsibilities vary from position to position. For example, the Executive Vice President oversees multiple committees and class presidents and works closely with the Secretary. Vice President of Funded Groups deals directly with all of the university’s funded groups and board members. The Vice President of Programming is in charge of all event and program management, including the programming committee. While the Treasurer manages all budgets and issues of finances, the Secretary works closely with the Assistant Secretary and groups to maintain agendas and documentation.

All executive board members of Student Organization are compensated for their work and time with an annual stipend. Those who encompass the skills of listening, analyzing, thinking clearly and creatively and working well with people individually and also in a group are encouraged to apply for a position in Student Government.

For more information on the upcoming elections, contact atstuorg@kean.edu or 908-737-5190.