Once every two years, a Ball State University student gets the chance to step out of the student role and into a select position.
Applications for the 2007-09 student seat on the Board of Trustees are now available for students to fill out. Applications are due Feb. 16 and can be picked up at the Student Life and Student Government Association offices.
The two-year position is a voting seat on the nine-member board, which makes decisions on everything from distribution of money to operation of Ball State.
Danielle Frazier, the 2005-07 student trustee, finishes her term at the end of Spring Semester.
"Being the trustee is a huge honor," SGA Secretary Michele Faroh said. "It is one of the biggest honors in the university. I like to tease Danielle and say 'you're a big deal.'"
Faroh heads up the six-person search committee that will process the applications, interview candidates and make a recommendation to Gov. Mitch Daniels. Although the student search committee examines the applicants, Daniels will choose and appoint the student, she said.
Applicants must be from Indiana, attend the next two school years and have a minimum 2.7 GPA, said Lynda Wiley, assistant dean for Student Affairs and director of Student Life. Other than that, anyone can apply, but Wiley said usually only students with strong interest in the university do.
Usually about 20 to 25 students apply for the trustee position, Wiley said. This year, Faroh said, several students have already expressed interest in applying and she is excited to see how many apply.
Two years ago, when Frazier applied, Faroh said the applications did not come out until mid-February. By starting the process earlier, Faroh said she hoped the selection process would be completed before April, when she finishes her term in SGA. The student trustee has power similar to the other trustees, Faroh said, but the student trustee must specifically represent student interests when considering proposals and issues.
"It has to be someone who is well-read, well-researched," she said, "someone who is going to take it very seriously and have pride in the university, listen to their peers."
Despite the responsibility involved, the student trustee has opportunities that few students experience.
"Definitely, one of the benefits of it is you get to see the much bigger picture of how the university runs," Wiley said. "You get to meet some really phenomenal people. It just gives you an experience like none other."
For more information, contact SGA Secretary Michele Faroh at mafaroh@bsu.edu or 285-8631
Board of Trustee Web site - bsu.edu/president/trustees
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