Adam Raezler's ASMSU application almost didn't make it into the pile because of a little confusion his freshman year.

"It was the first time I'd been to that end of campus and I got lost," the political theory and constitutional democracy sophomore said.

Raezler said just as he was considering giving up, he found the building and now sits on the MSU undergraduate student government's Academic Assembly as a representative for James Madison College.

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. today for all returning members and new students who want to join the organization. As of Tuesday, only about five applicants had turned in their signed petitions, leaving more than 50 spots still open.

"It's not that hard to become a part of ASMSU," Academic Assembly Chairperson Matt Clayson said.

"I assume everyone is waiting till the last minute."

Students looking to join ASMSU as a representative of their college must fill out a lengthy application listing previous leadership roles, at least three issues they would pursue as a member and how they would implement those issues.

They also must obtain at least 15 signatures from students within their college. Candidate names will be announced on Thursday and the elections will be held March 19.

Kristen Daddow, Academic Assembly representative for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources said the low number of applicants could stem from a number of factors.

Some students received information from their student senates a few days ago, some are nervous about the amount of time they will have to spend working with the organization and some don't understand what the organization does, Daddow said.

"It's a huge commitment," she said.

Steve Lovelace, Academic Assembly representative for the College of Arts and Letters said students shouldn't be concerned if they have no prior experience with student government.

"I had never done any student government before," he said. "I really liked trying to make a difference."

But students looking to get involved should understand what they are getting into, Raezler said.

"You will be immediately thrown into it," he said. "I just remember being utterly terrified."

After a few ASMSU meetings, Raezler said he got the hang of it and finally understood how much work goes into being a member of MSU's largest student organization.

"It's so awful at the beginning, but you enjoy it so much," he said.

ASMSU's information packet can be picked up at Room 307 Student Services. For information, contact the organization at (517)355-8266.