In the heart of the Panther Den located on the plaza floor of Maucker, Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) members mingled with students, UNI administrators, city council members and community leaders while snacking on cookies and drinking sodas.
The Open House was a part of NISG’s Engagement Week, meant to encourage students to run for upcoming student body elections while learning more about what NISG does for the campus community.
Tomorrow the organization will be hosting a destress event from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Maucker Union Coffeehouse. Tote bags will be available to decorate, and there will also be opportunities to learn about mental health resources on campus.
On Thursday, NISG will also be hosting a Senate Town Hall in the University Room of Maucker Union from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Students can learn more about what it is like to be a senator, and NISG President Micaiah Krutsinger will also give his State of the Student Body Address.
Krutsinger said joining NISG means making a lasting impact on campus, and said anyone is welcome in the organization.
“There is no bigger feeling than the feeling of seeing your initiative come into fruition on our campus and just knowing that, hey, ‘I made that change,” Krutsinger said. “Looking back, I worked with athletics to bring my Panther Mayhem and I’m so glad I did. That feeling of knowing that you’re going to be leaving a lasting legacy is special.”
Elections for NISG are on the near horizon, with voting opening Feb. 27 and 28. Those still interested in running in the election can pop by on Thursday, or reach out to Chief Justice Aaron Burger with any questions.
Krutsinger encourages students to consider running for election and getting involved in NISG, even if they may be hesitant.
“I was also hesitant about joining student government, and it wasn’t until elections when I saw the work that people were putting in their campaigns and I wanted to be a part of that.”
He also said NISG plays an integral role in the campus community, forming a bridge from students to administrators, allowing NISG members to make a real lasting impact.
“We are the ones that branch the students to the rest of the university, no other leaders around that make the big changes on campus.”
For more information about NISG, visit nisg.uni.edu, or follow them on Instagram @northerniowastudentgov.
