Welcome back! I have been waiting in intense anticipation all summer to be able to say those words to everyone who is a member of our Mississippi State University family-a family I have the privilege of serving as Student Association president.
My fellow executive officers and I began our official duties in April. We, along with my faithful and fearless cabinet, have spent the last five months working to ensure that this year will be the best that any student body has ever experienced at MSU.
Over the course of the past week, many freshmen have approached me with one question-what is the Student Association?
This question has been difficult to answer concisely because the SA’s responsibilities are broad. Our work permeates every facet of life at MSU.
A few long-winded responses left my audience wishing they had not asked. Now I simply state our motto: In the SA, we are in the business of “Leading through serving.”
Through the different branches of the SA, we are able to fulfill the charge that is set before us in our constitution-to better the overall quality of life for every student who steps foot on this campus. We serve the student body in a myriad of capacities.
The executive officers are in charge of the overall operation of the SA.
The cabinet is the programming arm responsible for events such as Bulldog Bash, Homecoming activities, the Downtown Music Festival, Rick’s Rowdies, Miss MSU, Bulldog Benefit and countless other activities and programs on campus.
The Senate is the policy-making arm elected by the student body from individual residencies and colleges.
Finally, the Judicial Board is responsible for upholding university policies.
In our pursuit of better student life, we worked tirelessly throughout the summer to bring the best events possible to campus this year.
We are excited to announce that, in October, we will be hosting one of four gubernatorial debates in Mississippi.
This is the first time in MSU’s history that candidates for governor have met here to debate. We here at the SA are proud to bring you this landmark event.
We have been working since May to prepare for what has become the SA’s signature event-Bulldog Bash.
This year, Bulldog Bash will be held in the Cotton District on Sep. 26 (the Friday before the LSU game). It will include events for alumni, kids and, of course, students.
There will be a fanfare on University Drive starting at 5:30 p.m., culminating with a pep-rally at 8 p.m.
At 8:30, we will kickoff the night portion of the event, which will feature seven bands playing on three different stages in the Cotton District. One of these bands is a nationally known act that will be announced at the Oregon game this Saturday.
This is just a preview of what your SA has in store for this upcoming year. Do not miss out on your opportunity to make a difference on this campus.
Please come by the SA office, which is located next to the State Fountain Bakery, to see how you can get involved.
SA committee applications and Senate forms of intent are currently available. You can find copies of these forms in the SA office, the Union or on our Web site at www.sa.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions, complaints or ideas for the SA, please feel free to come by the office anytime.
My door is always open. You also can call me at 325-7930. A detailed list of more of our events and programs are on the Web.
The students at MSU are some of the best you will find anywhere, and your SA will not rest until students here have the type of student life that we deserve.
Josh Blades is a senior political science major. He can be reached at [email protected].