DeKALB | After winning the Student Association presidential election with just more than 58 percent of the 1020 votes, Jarvis Purnell is laying out his plans for after he is sworn in May 4.

The Northern Star sat down with the president elect to discuss those plans.

Northern Star: What got you involved in student government?

Jarvis Purnell: Sophomore year, I was looking to get involved on campus, and looking into how I could use my spare time in a positive way to effect the individuals around me in a positive manner.

I saw The Voice [discontinued SA paper] and found out about the SA. Some of my friends were involved with it, and they told me, “If you aren’t serious, then don’t bother.”

I decided to step up to the plate, take some action and get involved. I became director of Student Life, moved up to treasurer, then finally ran for president.

NS: What made you decide to run for president?

JP: Being a part of the senate, and then the executive cabinet, I wanted to experience each degree of the SA. I still have some time at NIU, and I want to continue to serve students as a peer and active voice for them. I figured I would be a good fit; I could apply what I learned in other positions to this one.

NS: What are your top goals for your administration?

JP: Talking with student organizations, I found they were really concerned with bus routes, and I’d like to work with [the Residence Hall Association] to see if we can [negotiate] reduced prices for events at the [Holmes] Student Center since [hosting and catering] in that facility can be quite expensive.

NS: What are your thoughts on Internet voting and adding polling places for SA elections?

JP: I think that adding a voting station would be a benefit. The Rec was proposed, and a lot of students frequent it. This would give them an opportunity to vote, but we have to look at other statistics: Would it be more men or women voting, what time of day would students be there, and so forth. I’m neither for nor against Internet voting; more research needs to be put into it. I’ve seen mixed reviews of it. Our current system has been effective, but there’s always room for improvement.

NS: How do you plan to improve relations between the student body and the SA?

JP: One way will be through effective forums where students can come in and voice their concerns or give suggestions on how things could be better. I really want to bring The Voice back. As an alternative to the Star, the Daily Chronicle, the BSU Lifeline, this would be another option.

NS: There have been some concerns during your administration as treasurer about your availability. Will you be more available to the students, the SA and the public than you have been as treasurer?

JP: I’m always busy; I try to work with the office manager and group-wise, to have a strict schedule. As far as availability, during office hours I’m always here, and people can always e-mail me. I think its about a process of time management and staying true to your schedule. It’s a large responsibility being treasurer and a larger one as president, but I have made efforts to be more available.

NS: In my time as reporter, I can’t recall a single staff report before the SA Senate.

JP: Well, you can’t fight the tangibles, but that’s what I aim to produce: tangible [results], student directors reporting on goals and the SA being proactive. Not that the current [administration] hasn’t been, but there’s always room for improvement.

NS: Have you picked any of your appointments?

JP: I just set the schedule for the appointment process. Ads will be placed in the Northern Star this week. Students will need to turn in a resume and a letter of recommendation, if they have one. All the positions will be open to the public – anyone can apply. Turn in a resume, and possibly a letter of recommendation. If any staff members would like to reapply or apply for different positions, they can. I haven’t picked any positions yet, because I don’t think that’s fair. I think everyone should follow the same process, so I haven’t made any selections yet.

I want to appoint the best person for the job, but if you don’t take care of the responsibilities you are in charge of, you have to suffer the repercussions of the Senate possibly removing you.

I believe all of [the current staff] are qualified; if they weren’t, I don’t think they’d have gotten their positions.