SUSA to hold elections on December 6

The Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) is holding its annual elections Dec. 6, to replace all its top positions.

While SUSA experience is recommended for anyone who wants to run for a position, some positions are open to anybody.

SUSA is a student-run organization that supports the Robert H. Smith School of Business' 24 undergraduate clubs, runs the SUSA assembly and puts together different events for anyone and everyone at the school. The SUSA assembly is a meeting held twice a month that allows students to propose formal solutions to problems and create opportunities at the school.

One of the more recent proposals, or "bills," presented by an executive board member, asked the school to provide more opportunities for students who specifically want to work in New York.

The five executive board positions are available only to students who have had previous SUSA experience. These include the president and the vice presidents of finance, events, marketing and administration.

Four committee chairs are open to anybody. The community service, fundraising, social programming and new student involvement chairs are all responsible for putting together events in their respective categories.

The community service committee chair, Pratik Dixit, said of his position, "it's an awesome way to combine community service and leadership." Being part of a leadership team gave him invaluable experience.

The Dec. 6 elections will take place at 5 p.m., in room 1330 of Van Munching Hall. Applicants will be required to make a two- to three-minute speech for each position they're running for, in addition to answering two questions from the audience.

Each person in a current position, excluding the president, each of the 24 club presidents and SUSA assembly representatives, constitutes the voters. Sixty-two people total are eligible to vote.

New Student Involvement Committee Chair Girish Chaskar said students could gain a lot of experience from these positions. "Once you're in a leadership position, you learn [the kinds of skills future employers may look for," said Chaskar.

He also reminded students that the committee chairs are great entry-level positions for people looking to eventually earn the top spots.

SUSA President Chris Corragio said that, because the elections take place in the middle of the school year, students planning on graduating next year might face problems. "Having an entire summer just sort of gets rid of any momentum we have," Corragio said. The monthlong winter break keeps new elects ready for the busy semester ahead.

Applications for SUSA positions are available online.