Leadership skills gained in student government

By Kelly Lucas
Summer Reporter

Purdue Student Government, one of the largest student organizations on campus, can help students make a difference on campus and make long-lasting friendships as well, according to student body president Jim Vaca.

"I believe PSG is the best way to make a difference on campus; no other organization has the capability to reach all 36,000 students on campus as well as the surrounding community," said Vaca, a senior in the School of Management.

Vaca said Purdue Student Government allows students to meet people they wouldn't otherwise meet in a classroom setting.

He said he has seen many friendships born within Purdue Student Government.

"It also allows for students to make a large impact on campus," said Vaca. "If you have an idea of something that needs to change on campus or a new program that you want to implement, PSG allows you to do just that."

The organization is divided into three main branches: executive, legislative and judicial.

The executive branch is divided into the executive junior board, academics division, issues division, public relations division, services division and revenue division; and is led by the elected student body president and vice president.

Each April all-campus student body elections are held and all students are allowed to vote for the candidates they would like to see as student body president and vice president. Vaca and Patrick Mondi, a senior in the School of Technology, are the 2000-2001 student body president and vice president.

However, the 15 executive departments are the core of Purdue Student Government. Each department has positions for all students who would like to get involved in student government.

"PSG allows students to take an idea and run with it from beginning to end. This really builds a students' leadership, communication, and time management skills," said Vaca. "It also gives students great examples when interviewing for jobs. I have never been asked about a classroom experience in an interview — they always ask me about what extracurricular activities I have been in and what I have done. PSG gives students the answers to those questions whether they be 'How did you act under a pressure situation?' or 'How did you resolve a conflict with another person?'"

Unlike the executive branch, the legislative branch is made up entirely of the student Senate. The Senate consists of roughly 50 student senators. Student senators are representatives of various student organizations, housing organizations, the University Senate and much more.

The Senate serves as a forum for discussing student opinions, concerns, problems and issues. According to the Purdue Student Government Web site, the Senate represents the needs of the students, makes recommendations to the University administration, works toward appropriate actions in the University Senate, and enacts legislation that shapes the student government.

"One of the best parts of PSG is meeting administrators on campus and getting the inside scoop on what happening on campus," said Vaca. "When you get to know so many people it makes Purdue seem like a much smaller place. PSG also allows you to find your niche on campus."

The third branch of Purdue Student Government is the judicial branch, which deals primarily with the student court. The student court includes a Chief Justice, six to eight justices and investigators.

The student court works with Parking Services and handles traffic violation appeals. The Court has also heard appeals of decisions involving the student body presidential elections and cases of conflict between students and student organizations.

For more information, contact the Purdue Student Government office at 494-7201.