NE student government makes plans

By Andrew Smith/reporter

A motion to switch from cardboard recycling holders found in many classrooms to industrial-sized blue bins passed without objection during the March 5 NE Campus Student Government Association meeting.

Student representatives also voiced their opinions on the group’s 2012 agenda.

The recycling issue arose when some representatives said students confused recycling bins with trash bins.

SGA president Peter Salas said he planned to speak with NE president Larry Darlage this month to address the topic.

The group also discussed installing brighter lights in older buildings, providing more electrical outlets for student use and replacing some of the smaller desks in classrooms.

NE re-established its student government program this semester and currently has 20 to 25 people representing about 16,000 NE students.

“With more students, the ideas that we present to Dr. Darlage will have a much greater impact than they do now,” vice president Alex Alatorre said.

For the time being, the SGA board asked the representatives to set realistic goals for 2012 and hold off on motions some had made to abolish the mandatory attendance policy that took effect this semester.

But as more students become aware and take an active role in student government, tackling similar administrative issues will be easier in the future, Salas said.

The SGA officers said they want to expand the organization’s growth with students around campus, and it plans to hold elections for new board members soon.