Student Leaders Look to Fill 20 Positions

The openings are for external appointment positions, which give students the chance to serve as representatives on various boards and committees.

There are a total of more than 100 appointments, which the executive branch of student government usually fills in the spring, but 20 positions still remain open.

Applications for these spots are due by midnight Saturday and can be submitted online through the student government Web page.

Student Body Vice President Rudy Kleysteuber said the external appointments are important because they allow the representatives to interact with other students, faculty and staff.

"Being a part of student government is the best way to connect with the campus community," he said.

External appointees are required to attend committee meetings, submit updates of major meeting occurrences and fill out mid-year and end-of-year evaluations.

Student government continually adds committees, so the number of yearly appointments can vary.

Some committees that still have openings include food services, which works closely with Lenoir Dining Hall, and campus security, which meets with University Counsel Susan Ehringhaus and University Police Chief Derek Poarch to tackle security issues on campus.

Some of the other student government committees looking to fill vacant spots dealing with sexual harassment, recreation, housing and women's issues.

Kleysteuber said the campus security committee is important because students have mixed feelings as far as safety issues, especially since last week's terrorist attacks.

Because there are so many committees, members of student government encourage students to apply for positions that are an outlet for their interests.

Students already serving in external appointments say the jobs allow them to be involved throughout the University.

"Student government allows me to give back to the campus community," said Chessa Huff, vice chairwoman of the Public Service and Advocacy Committee.

External Relations Chairwoman Francis Serris said the appointments give students an opportunity to be a bigger part of campus life. "If you're not involved in activities on campus, it's a good way to meet people," she said. "Student government allows you to impact the student experience on campus."

Student government members say they are interested in a diverse group of student representatives.

Kleysteuber said, "We want a wide range of applicants to fill the positions."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.