ASMSU has been advertising to create a competitive mid-March election, but has only received 14 applications.

Undergraduate student government representatives said they’ve received an average number of applications, and are expecting more next week.

This year, there are about 50-elected open seats on Student Assembly and 24 on Academic Assembly. Last year, 32 students ran for 63 available spots. About 9,000 petitions were distributed, but few were returned.

“If you’re the only person running for a seat, you feel complacent,” Academic Assembly Chairperson Matt Clayson said. “But if there are five people running for a seat, it’s going to force candidates to get more people to vote for them.”

Every student has the opportunity to represent his or her college on a student government assembly and vote in the elections. Clayson said he hopes students become proactive and turn in applications this week.

“Get them in, so you’re not scrambling around to get 15 signatures at the last minute,” he said.

Each application must include 15 student signatures from the candidate’s college.

Adam Raezler, Academic Assembly representative for James Madison College, attained his seat last year through an interview process because there weren’t any other candidates for the elected position.

But this year, several people are expected to run for the James Madison seats on Academic Assembly and Student Assembly. Raezler said he supports the competition. He is planning on turning his application in this week.

“It brings out the best of the best at ASMSU,” Raezler said. “It shows that people are very interested.”

Raezler said being a part of the organization is beneficial because representatives get to meet with deans and students from other colleges.

Andrew Schepers, Student Assembly representative for the College of Engineering, said being a part of the organization has its advantages.

“ASMSU is a big steppingstone,” Schepers said. “I’ve got to meet with the city council of East Lansing, and they know who I am now.

“I’ve got to meet with state legislators, and they know my name now.”

As chairperson of the finance committee, Schepers said he turned in his application early so he would be able to devote his time to upcoming budget issues.

Schepers said filling out an application could be difficult if people don’t give themselves enough time to complete it.

“Students should take their time, and go out and talk to students,” Schepers said. “They should have fun with it, and be sure to get it in on time.”

All applications are due by 3 p.m. Feb. 18 to 307 Student Services.