For anyone contemplating running for student government, now is a good time to do so, Student Senate President Sarah Schuh said.

Schuh foresees the Senate dealing with issues of major importance this year. One of those issues, she said, will be “making sure that in these tough economic times for the state, the budget doesn’t get balanced on the backs of the students.”

Anyone with an opinion on this issue, or other issues affecting students, can take a proactive step by running for office in student government.

“(Senate is) a great forum where one can make change,” Schuh said.

In the upcoming elections, there will be 10 on-campus and 20 off-campus senator positions contested, as well as the positions of student body president and vice president. To be eligible for any of these positions, students must have at least a 2.0 G.P.A. and be enrolled with no less than six credits.

Students who want to get their name on the ballot for senator must get 50 students to sign a petition endorsing their candidacy, while those intending to run for an administrative position must get 100 students to sign. The petitions can be picked up in the Student Senate office and must be turned in by Wednesday. The elections will take place March 3-6.