The array of events that student groups put together each term varies from culture nights to the simple act of hosting general meetings. Each event has the goal of solidifying and advertising their presence on campus. Behind each active student group is a strong leadership team that works together to pull the group forward.
Though all students groups have their own president or co-directors, the process of finding the right one varies from student group to student group. They all share one goal — striving to bring the essence of family and community onto campus. As the end of the year is approaching, student groups are preparing for the process of choosing their 2014-2015 leaders.
For the Saudi Student Association the process of choosing their president is crucial. Last year SSA’s leadership was absent on campus. It’s one of the reasons current president Abdulrhman Aljaafari ran for president. He knew he wanted to change that and reconstruct SSA again. In order to ensure the survival of the group, the SSA needs to find a strong candidate for his replacement.
“I feel very satisfied with what the association did with the community, and it all stems back from the people I worked with,” Aljaafari said. “I worked with some intelligent and creative people that helped me apply ideas to real life.”
SSA’s process for choosing its president is based on a presentation by candidates, followed by a Q&A from members. Each candidate has the opportunity to choose who they want to work with as part of their management. Aljaafari believes that the candidates should choose who they want to work with, so that they can avoid disagreements. SSA will host elections May 31, but Aljaafari will not be running for president again.
SSA’s process for choosing the next president is similar to the method the Black Student Union’s uses. The BSU gathers a panel of judges varying from current co-directors, past co-directors and faculty. They look at the applicants interest in each position and try to find the best qualified person who fits the job description. One of two co-directors Godwin Nwando, is proud of BSU’s success this year and is proud to have served as co-director.
“I think our awareness is more out there and people know we exist,” Nwando said. “I think in order to have a successful student group there needs to be a combination of bonding and community. It’s important to acknowledge what went well and what can be improved.”
As for Kultura Pilipinas, the process for choosing their co-directors are based on nominations and presentations. Kultura Pilipinas hosts two board meetings where members can nominate potential co-directors and from there, those that are nominated can either accept or decline. If they accept their nomination, they present a speech and interact with members, then it’s up to the members to vote.
Current co-director Demiliza Saramosing has enjoyed the opportunity of serving as co-director and finding her identity within Kultura Pilipinas.
“KP has helped me understand my identity and it’s served as a home away from home,” Saramosing said.
Though methods of hiring new leaders vary from group to group, student groups from all parts of campus are gearing up for a new year of leadership, each with a common goal in mind: to ensure a lasting future.