Being a college student is something that applies to us at all times, not just when we’re on campus. The Student Government Association serves students at all times and seeks to maximize each student’s college experience. This includes working for student interests on and off campus. Because I feel strongly about this and want the students’ voices to be heard beyond the perimeters of campus, I am running for vice president of External Affairs.

For two years, I have been in the Senate representing the College of Arts and Sciences. This past year, I have served as president pro tempore. My two years in the Senate have been extremely eventful years. We have worked on monumental legislation, such as a new Constitution and streamlining the Code of Laws to ensure that SGA remains transparent, functional and accountable in all of its actions. It has been an honor to serve the student body in the Senate and work on so many projects that have direct benefits for students.

Aside from my extensive involvement in SGA, I have been the vice chairman of College Republicans and a fellow with the Parker-Adams Living-Learning Community. My involvement on campus has given me the opportunity to work with various groups, administrators and elected officials throughout the city and state.

If elected, I hope to maintain and strengthen the relationships with student leaders, administrators and elected officials I already have, as well as make new ones. I will work with the city of Tuscaloosa to ensure that student opinion is taken into consideration when making decisions. We are here for at least nine months out of the year, and the decisions our city officials make affect us directly.

I want to work to continue the Student Discount Program, which provides student discounts at local businesses and restaurants for using their student ID card. I would also like to extend the use of Bama Cash. I also want to reach out to off-campus students to make sure they feel connected to University life by creating an off-campus ambassador position.

This election is important and all students need to participate in this process. SGA serves you, but you have let us know what’s on your mind. Please vote on Monday on mybama.ua.edu from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To learn more, please visit my website, jeffelrod.com.

Jeff Elrod is currently serving as the president pro tempore of the SGA Senate. He is running for the position of vice president of External Affairs.