For first-year students, the transition from high school to college can be difficult, especially when moving to a new city where they may not know many people. Serving as a first-year representative for the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) provides an excellent opportunity for new students to get involved on campus, meet new friends, find new mentors and more. 

The role of USG is to continuously improve the Case Western Reserve University undergraduate experience through representing student interests to the university and the community. Some of the functions of USG include recognizing and funding student organizations, collaborating with the administration, publishing legislation in the form of resolutions and issuing official statements to promote positive change at CWRU. First-year representatives have the opportunity to get involved with one or more of USG’s five committees: Academic Affairs, Communications, Diversity and Inclusion, Finance and Student Life. Upperclassmen positions were filled in spring 2021 to represent the school of their respective majors. For example, students with a major in the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Nursing could have run as representatives for their school. Upperclassmen with more than two majors were eligible to run for either school of their choice if their majors come from different colleges. 

Considering COVID-19 restrictions, first-year students can campaign by posting flyers around campus, promoting themselves on social media, giving announcements in class and more. There will be 16 or 17 open positions. USG plans to email first-year students a link to the election ballot, where they will have the opportunity to vote for first-year representatives between Sept. 4-5. In previous years, first-year students were given a list of all candidates running and were able to choose the top 16 or 17. 

Individuals interested in running must attend one of two candidates’ meetings on Thursday, Aug. 26, or Friday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. in Thwing 201. Those unable to attend either meeting should email Ethan Deemer or Megha Dalal, Co-Commissioners for fall elections, to declare their intent to run. 

Regardless of the outcome of the election, or if they choose not to run at all, students are still able to get involved in USG. Members at Large do not need to run or be elected. They can be just as involved as elected members, with the exception that they cannot vote in the General Assembly (GA). Examples of their responsibilities include attending GA, committee meetings and assisting with USG initiatives. Additionally, the Member at Large program was revamped this year, providing individuals more flexibility and power than before. 

Irrespective of their role, being a part of USG is a great opportunity for first-year students to learn more about CWRU, get involved in extracurricular activities and meet new people. 

In their second-year, students are also able to run for college representatives, such as for the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Engineering, though students do not need to have served as a first-year representative to be eligible. 

Irrespective of their role, being a part of USG is a great opportunity for first-year students to learn more about CWRU, get involved in extracurricular activities and meet new people.