Student Government, serving Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College, recently announced the winners of the spring 2012 election. New officers are Jess Nardo, president; Stacy Shulman, vice president; CassAndrew Kelly, treasurer; and Chris Hansen, secretary.
According to Meagan Gibson, who recently completed her term as Student Government President, having elected officers is essential to the campus community.
“Elected positions allow different abilities and diverse students the opportunity to affect and shape campus life. If these posts were appointed, the position would become less about public service and more about self-image. It would be less likely for the true voice and opinion of students to come through with someone handpicked,” Gibson said.
Officers can expect to have a very busy term and a lot of responsibility, she said. “All executive officers serve as chairmen of various Student Government initiatives and events; they must serve as freshman counselors, operate as the master of ceremonies for various student activities such as the Annual Leadership Conference, serve on campus committees and oversee student concerns,” explained Gibson.
Because of the immense responsibility of officers, Student Government sets out specific criteria for students interested in the positions. In addition to being a full-time student carrying at least 12 credit hours, candidates must have been an active member of Student Government for at least one year, and must not be student teaching, in a practicum or participating in an internship during their term.
“One no longer is just a student going to class and doing things at leisure. As an officer, you are now representing both institutions in a very big way. By going to dozens of meetings, spending long nights and early mornings working on not only homework but campus policies and initiatives, you become an integral part of campus,” Gibson said.
For more information on Student Government visit www.fairmontstate.edu/stulife/student-government.
President Jess Nardo, French and History major
“As the president, my goal is to do the best I can to address current student concerns. As a resident assistant, I am familiar with the concerns of residents and now I'm working on expanding my reach to off-campus students as well.”
Vice President Stacy Schulman, Marketing/Business Management major
“My goal this year is to chair an amazing Homecoming, help to promote events on campus, Student Government, student involvement, provide support for President Nardo and to provide leadership and guidance to new members of Student Government, as well as the student body.”
Treasurer CassAndrew Kelly, B.S. Business Administration-Finance, Marketing major
“My goal is to go above and beyond in addressing student issues on campus as well as furthering the mission of Student Government while increasing the participation and effectiveness of our members.”
Secretary Chris Hansen, Business Information Systems Management major
“As the secretary I am excited to provide optimum organization throughout Student Government and further give a voice to fellow students. “
