Student government officials are working this week to transition ASMSU's organization into its next term, which begins today.
ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government.
The group is introducing new assembly members to the organization and preparing old members for their new positions, among other things, as this week is labeled "Orientation Week" by ASMSU officials.
"We're going to have to get the organization functioning with the new positions that have opened as a result of the tax increase, integrate them and do that as quickly as possible," said Roger Ludy, vice chairperson for internal affairs for ASMSU's Student Assembly. "We have to continue moving forward on all of our major outlets, our external affairs with the city and increase our involvement so that we are relevant to the city and they include us in decisions they make."
A $3 tax increase was passed by student voters in ASMSU's election last month, and as a result, student government officials project $237,000 in tax-related revenue.
The additional funding allowed ASMSU officials to expand the organization's positions to lighten the workload for other positions.
Lauren Doherty said this will be her first time as a College of Natural Science representative for ASMSU's Academic Assembly.
"They were telling me how they were trying to get a minor or have our tuition cut," said Doherty, who currently is on Freshman Class Council.
"That sounded like something I wanted to help out with," she added. "I wanted to know what more they can do for students."
Doherty ran for both Student and Academic assemblies in the March election and won both seats.
She said she chose to be a member of Academic Assembly because she felt she "could do more" for the assembly.
Brandon Sethi, a returning College of Education representative for Academic Assembly, said he ran again to expand communication within the organization, develop stronger relations with administrators and get more people involved.
"I want to push forward with the developments of the 14th session of Academic Assembly," Sethi said. "It would be awesome to see every seat in the house full."
Sethi said he plans to run for external vice chairperson later this month and wanted to get re-elected to show the support he receives from his college.
"I have a much greater understanding of how things work," Sethi said. "It's such a big learning curve between your first year and your second year. I feel much more comfortable having been elected, and I'll be a stronger representative."
ASMSU is a way to get more involved with students, said Payal Ravani, a first-time Academic Assembly representative for the College of Arts & Letters.
"I want to be able to talk to my fellow students and get an idea of what their opinions are about things … that definitely affect us, and I know ASMSU is a start," Ravani said.
