The application deadline for the Associated Students of Madison spring elections is Monday, according to Clara Janis, ASM student elections commission chair.
The ASM Student Council is open to all UW-Madison students and there are a number of seats available, including two seats on the Student Services Finance Committee, Janis said.
\It's a really great opportunity, and a good way to just get behind the scenes,"" Janis said. ""You feel more connected to life here in Madison through your involvement with the university.""
ASM's current campaigns involve promoting diversity on campus, linking tuition and financial aid, moving the University Health Services building to a more centralized location, promoting campus safety and supporting tenants' rights.
""The things that we're pushing for in ASM ... are also very overlooked,"" Janis said. ""I think this is an important thing that people miss.""
Janis said ASM is looking for all types of students. The application process is very easy, requiring one's name, class level, slogan and a statement of fewer than 35 words, she added.
Candidate declaration forms are available on the ASM Web site (http://www.asm.wisc.edu) and are due to the ASM office by 5 p.m. on Monday.
Every student representative elected to the student council also plays a part in one or more of ASM's committees, which include Campus Relations, Shared Governance, Diversity and Legislative Affairs.
Spring elections for ASM representatives are on April 8-11. Until then, students can view candidate information online at the ASM Web site.
Voting can be done from any computer with Internet access at the ASM Web site or at Memorial Union.
Eleven percent of UW-Madison students voted at the last ASM elections, but Janis said, ""We're hoping this year with a lot of hard work in the next weeks coming up to have a 15 percent turnout.""
""I think it's important to emphasize how important it is for students to vote because it makes you feel like you're a part of something,"" Janis said.
