MSU students now have the opportunity to voice their campus concerns to administrators and the MSU Board of Trustees.
The Academic Council of the university's governance has 26 seats available for students to join. Any MSU student can apply before Tuesday for a seat on the council.
Last semester, a restriction that stated only Academic Assembly representatives could sit on Academic Council was removed from the Academic Governance's bylaws.
"Students now have the opportunity to have a say in academic issues and policies," said Vinay Prasad, Academic Assembly external vice chairperson. "Students are able to pass legislation with the assistance of faculty."
Students on Academic Council sit on a group made of two-thirds faculty and one-third students. Council members pass policies and legislation for the campus community.
The council's policy suggestions are reported to and can be made into university law by the trustees.
Jessica Hancock, Academic Assembly internal vice chairperson, said students interested will be picked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hancock also said an application process does exist, but ASMSU is trying to give students the benefit of the doubt.
"Most of the people who apply are good leaders," Hancock said. "These people are really interested and they're looking out for the best interest of the students and university."
The MSU Bylaws for Academic Governance outlines student participation in governance bodies as equal to that of faculty members, except in business affairs.
Students are not able to actively participate in matters surrounding faculty or staff pay, the professional stature of the university or the promotion and demotion of faculty.
Student representatives are able to provide the council with evidence regarding faculty performance, which will be considered in decisions and are involved in the issues stated above.
Zoology junior Shaun Howard was uncertain about the application process and authoritative position "some random student could be placed in."
"I find it interesting that a student can (be a part of the governance) without (restrictive) proceedings," he said. "It's weird that someone could have that amount of power."
Unlike Howard, hospitality business senior Yolanda Arnold sees it as a chance for students, whom Howard said are upset about not having a voice on campus, to have a positive impact in the university's governance process.
"For students and their peers who are complaining, this is the opportunity," she said. "This is the opportunity to state your case."
Arnold said the university is in need of diverse opinions and the new seating opportunities give anyone a voice.
"If you want to make a meaningful impact, you may want to join," she said.
Secretary for Academic Governance and Associate Professor of nursing Jacqueline Wright encourages students to apply for the vacancies.
"You can lead a horse to the water, but you can't force it to drink," she said.
"They have the opportunity to participate. The door is open."
