Next Monday, students will go to the polls to elect Student Government Association leaders for the next year. While the presidential campaign between Nancy Hogan and Grant Cochran has gotten the most attention, students can cast more than just a presidential vote.

Dozens of students are vying to represent their colleges in the Student Senate. Mostly freshman and sophomores, many of these candidates bring the fresh energy and new ideas we need to truly renew student government.

With the new constitution that was ratified last month taking effect on inauguration day, the Student Senate will finally be its own, independent branch of government. The institution will have the authority to compel the executive branch to take action towards resolving the issues the student body struggles with everyday. Senators will also be able to work on their own projects and initiatives.

What are these initiatives? They are plans to make the University’s Wi-Fi system more reliable and consistent.  In a 21st Century academic environment, reliable Internet access is essential both in class and in the dorms. Yet, the UA wireless system is notoriously unreliable and incapable of supporting the growing student body. We must work with the administration and other students within the SGA to address these deficiencies.

They are plans to place ACT card readers outside of Hardaway and Houser Halls, so that engineering students can have access to their labs 24/7. They are plans to bring more groups into the student organization seating process, so that we can continue to give more students the opportunity to spend game day with the groups with which they have become most involved.

Some candidates have even campaigned on simple, yet unconventional ideas like bringing Dippin’ Dots vendors to campus.

Having senators who will work on these issues and truly take advantage of their resources as elected members of the SGA can lead to a better campus environment for all Alabama students.

As a senator for the past year from the College of Engineering who is running for reelection, I have learned that the SGA truly does have the capacity to bring about changes on campus. Some of the projects I have worked on have been small but useful things, like the effort to bring a Blockbuster DVD rental machine to the Ferg. By working with organizations within the College of Engineering, we have been able to increase the amount of FAC funds going to those groups.

However, the Student Senate will only reach its maximum potential when we have active representation from every college. This means senators who will reach out to students, visit their organizations, and help them take advantage of the many resources the SGA offers.

So, as you read about SGA elections in this newspaper, go to debates and decide whether or not to join the multitude of campaign Facebook groups that are popping up, think about who you want to represent you and your college in the newly empowered Student Senate. Talk to the candidates, visit their groups or websites, and read their flyers.

The changes coming to the Student Senate this year make this one of the most important senate elections in campus history. Remember, your vote for your senator is important. By taking an active roll in helping elect good candidates to serve in this institution, you can play an important role in helping the institution serve the student body more effectively. And by getting involved in Student Senate elections next week, you can ensure your voice will be heard for the next year.

Ryan Flamerich is a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering who serves in the SGA Senate.