Approximately twenty-four first-year students are running for eleven Student Government positions as voting opened for first-year student elections today.

After attending an open house, an informational meeting and, for some a three-hour optional meeting, first-years are working toward joining SG during their first semester at the University.

Though first-years are often new to campus and to the procedures associated with Student Senate, Sen. Ariel Crabtree said she feels freshmen have the same privileges and challenges of any senators involved.

Crabtree, a sophomore majoring in applied sociology, said only a select few first-year senators decide to step out of their comfort zone and make a difference.

“The freshman senators have more of an advantage over upper classmen,” Crabtree said. “Their passion carries them a long way.”

Crabtree said while the new senators often are inexperienced, there are many resources to learn the ins and outs of the Senate.

“The only disadvantage freshman may experience is unfamiliarity with how different departments in Student Government work,” Crabtree said. “Upperclassmen offer support and answer any questions [new senators] may have.”

Emily Tucker, a freshman in mechanical engineering, said first-year senators exist mostly to represent their peers.

“The primary goal of the freshman senators is to represent the freshman class,” Tucker said.

First-year senators are assigned to committees which focus on topics like academics, financial problems and university affairs.

“The purpose of the various committees, is to provide specific help for different areas on campus,” Tucker said. 

The committee is presented with relevant issues where it debates propositions before bringing it before the full Senate to be voted on.

Sam Daughtry, a sophomore majoring in applied sociology, said first-year senators aren’t treated any differently than older senators.

“Freshmen are not at a disadvantage, they are at an advantage because they bring new ideas,” Daughtry said. “Freshmen are advocates and bring a bulk of fresh ideas.”