The Student Government Association released its schedule of important election dates on its Web site. Here’s a breakdown of the big events for the election period next semester.

- Claire Miller

January

Jan. 9 – SGA will hold an informational meeting for all interested in running for office in room 101 of the Student Learning Center at 8 p.m. Students will receive a Statement of Intent “saying they are planning on running for office” and a petition they must get signed “that acknowledges their classmates are aware they’ve decided to run,” said SGA Attorney General Justin Shepherd.

Jan. 16-17 – Students planning to run for office must attend one Candidate Seminar in room 401 of the Journalism building.

“Essentially we will be going over the rules of campaigns and elections. We put everything out on the table so everyone knows our expectations and we can ensure a fair process,” Shepherd wrote in an e-mail.

Jan. 25 – Students’ Statement of Intent sheets and petitions are due by 5 p.m. to the SGA Office in the Tate Student Center.

February

Feb. 1 – SGA will inform students if they are eligible to run. To be a senator, students must be enrolled in the college they wish to represent, must be full-time students and must have a 2.25 grade point average. Those running for president, vice president or treasurer must be full-time students and must have a 2.50 GPA.

Feb. 4-15 – Candidates have two weeks to campaign.

Feb. 6-7 – These days will be devoted to Executive and Senatorial debates. Candidates will answer questions from current SGA members, Shepherd said.

Feb. 11-15 – Students vote on OASIS for senators and executive positions.

Feb. 19 – Election results will be announced at 4 p.m.

Feb. 26 – Candidates must submit forms that show how much they spent on their campaigns.

“The financial disclosure forms are a way to ensure fairness in regards to money,” Shepherd wrote. “(They) ensure that everyone is staying within their allocation. If you go over, you may very well be disqualified. We’re really serious about this so that everyone has the same opportunity on this campus as anyone else.”

Feb. 28 – Inauguration for senators and executive board members.