Eastern Michigan University’s Student Leader Group is providing ways for students to become more involved in campus life.
Formally known as the Student Affairs Advisory Council—which began in 1976 through the coordination of then Student Body Vice President Larry Smith—the SLG is in the process of restructuring its organization. It not only plans to change the name, but is also seeking new representatives for the five following groups: LGBT, students with disabilities and non-traditional, transfer and commuter students.
Allison Barkel, chair of the SLG, has been a member since May 2011. She said that being involved as a representative is an interesting privilege because the representatives get to be involved in many important activities.
At last Tuesday’s Student Affairs Committee meeting, Barkel discussed the SLG’s restructuring agenda and top priorities.
Barkel also discussed the importance of the SLG. The main purposes of the group include: representing student voices and concerns, fostering change, having open communication between administration and students and creating sustainability of priorities.
“It’s a really neat opportunity,” Barkel said about being a representative.
Representatives will also serve as advisers to the provost. During the Board of Regents meetings, representatives come together to form the Student Affairs Committee, fusing as one with the rest of the board.
Barkel shared some advice for those students seeking to be representatives.
“Be willing to be a strong leader and a strong voice,” Barkel said.
“Be willing to stand by your ideas and really understand that you’re there for the students.”
The deadline to submit an application to be considered as a representative for the five remaining groups is March 15, 2013.
For more information, contact Allison Barkel at abarkel@emich.edu or visit the Campus Life suite in the Student Center for details.
