Members of Eastern’s Student Government are trying to fill the Vice President of Student Affairs opening after former VPSA Tyler Stoklosa resigned.

In addition to the VPSA opening, there are currently 27 openings for student senators.

Current members did not comment on why Stoklosa resigned, but following the resignation, Executive Vice President Zachary Cohen assumed the duties of the position.

He was the elected VPSA during the previous school year in which he ran uncontested.

Some of the duties Cohen took on include organizing the upcoming Pantherpalooza.

Pantherpalooza is an event on Eastern’s campus in which registered student organizations have the opportunity to showcase their organization to students. According to the Eastern’s Student Life Office there are over 200 RSOs currently registered with the school.

“It hasn’t been too bad because I was in that position last year,” Cohen said. “So since I’ve already done two Pantherpaloozas … I know everything I have to go through. I just have to actually do it.”

Having the knowledge of VPSA duties, he said, “I think I kind of have an advantage.”

Cohen is also currently acting as the Student Speaker of the Senate.

“Hopefully within the next couple of weeks we should have those (positions) filled,” he said. “As soon as we have Senate going on a new Speaker will get elected and when we have the new election we’ll have a new VPSA.”

The VPSA election packets are currently available and are open to all students.

Student Body President Rebecca Cash said anyone can run for the position.

“They can be a grad student, transfer, freshmen, super-duper senior … doesn’t matter, anyone can run for it,” Cash said.

Election packets are due on Aug. 31.

On Sept. 4 a VPSA candidate meeting will be held for those who choose to join the race. Voting will occur on Sept. 10 and 11.

Unofficial results will be announced on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m., and candidates will have a week to express any grievances they may have.

Official results will be available on Sept. 19.

The individual voted into office will receive a $2000 stipend during the fall semester and $2500 during the spring semester.

Student Vice President of Academic Affairs Carson Gordon said there are a lot of opportunities for students to get involved.

“I think a lot of people think that it’s just like a game and we don’t really do anything, but I think it’s really awesome because each senator represents over 300 students on campus,” Gordon said. “As an exec … there’s only four of us, so if you split that up we’re representing quite a few people.”

Applications for student senators are currently available and are due on Aug. 29.

Senate interviews will be held on Aug. 27, 28, 30.

Candidates who are elected will have the opportunity to apply for grant-in-aid scholarships that vary in award amount.

Corryn Brock can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].