The countless campaign yard signs across campus mean that Student Government election season has arrived.

This year, the election is being held a few weeks earlier than past years to ensure a more efficient transition period between the outgoing and incoming administrations. Students will be able to vote for their elected representatives April 1 – 3 by logging into their myWSU account.

My successor will assume office April 22. The newly elected Student Senate will also be sworn in and will be responsible for confirming the new administration’s cabinet.

There are a few reasons why we thought moving up the election process would be best for the transition period. First, having the election near the end of April made our election one of the latest out of our peer student governments in Kansas.

I believe that places the newly elected students at a disadvantage in planning and collaborating with the other Kansas Board of Regents universities.

Second, it is important that the newly elected students form a cabinet of executive leaders and appoint senate leadership so work can be accomplished over the summer.

It would be more effective for the new administration to enter the summer with a fully appointed team rather than waiting to appoint interim positions until the fall semester begins.

Lastly, it is important that the newly elected student senators are aware of the expectations and responsibilities of the position before leaving for summer break. We want to eliminate the turnover experienced by past administrations that had to replace senators who became uninterested after the election. The new Student Senate will have at least one official meeting before the spring semester concludes.

I encourage all students to become educated about what each candidate promises to do for the student body. Whoever is elected will represent your voice and interests to the university’s decision makers, so it is crucial you make an informed decision.

Elect student leaders who you believe will best represent yourself to university and state officials, students who will advocate for the interests of the entire student body when confronted with challenging situations. Above all, elect students who you believe embody the Student Government ethos of “Students Come First.”

As always, feel free to reach me at [email protected] or 316-978-7060.

­— Matthew Conklin, Student Body President