In September, the Office of Student Government and Student Organization of Kean University held their freshman class elections information sessions via Zoom to encourage students to run for the Freshman Class Executive Board and Senate. Elections will take place from Monday, Oct. 19 to Wednesday, Oct. 21, when the election announcements will be posted as a news article on Cougar Link.

During the sessions, guests were shown a presentation about everything Student Government has to offer, along the responsibilities that come with each position on the board.

The Student Organization freshman class of 2024 executive board consists of the following positions:

• President (also serving on the Executive Board of Student Organization)
• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Nine freshman class senators

Applications for each position were due by 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2.

Criteria for the application process included that all candidates must be full-time students at the university, and they cannot be full- or part-time professional employees of the school. Candidates must serve the entire terms of their positions and maintain student leadership criteria. Each applicant must have anywhere from 0 to 28.5 completed credits. Candidates who do not meet this criteria will be notified of their ineligibility.

Each position has its own set of responsibilities:

The class president manages the student body's areas of concern while working alongside the class executive board to meet the programming needs of their class. Presidents will also develop the executive board, delegate responsibilities to the board and representatives and set goals for the class throughout each academic year.

The vice president works with the president closely to delegate tasks on the executive board. They also ensure the class's Cougar Link information is up to date, while making sure the class recruits effectively and facilitates retention.

The treasurer fills out the paperwork associated with class programming, ensuring timeliness and thoroughness and makes it a priority to keep the board appraised of the budget at each meeting.

The class secretary updates member information on Cougar Link while assisting the president by taking minutes, or detailed notes by time, at meetings, documenting votes and maintaining structure.

Lastly, senators are the bridge between student government and the student body, as they work in conjunction with the executive board to ensure students' voices are heard. They also stay aware of everything happening within the Kean community.

Students are encouraged to utilize their vote and elect those who they wish to represent the Class of 2024.

More information about Student Government can be found on Cougar Link. For any questions, comments or concerns, they can be reached via phone by calling (908) 737-5190 or emailing stuorg@kean.edu.