There is one organization at Iowa State that probably affects students more than any other — the Government of the Student Body.

Despite the importance of GSB, some students do not even know it exists or the functions it performs.

GSB “was formed by the students of Iowa State University to legislate and administer student policy and to provide many student services,” according to an informational brochure.

GSB-funded student services include Student Legal Services, Office of Adult Learner and Commuter Student Programs, Financial Counseling Services, Instructional Technology Center and DPS/GSB Safety Escort Services.

Like the U.S. government, GSB consists of three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch and the judicial branch.

The student-elected president and vice president, Bryan Burkhardt and Jamal White, respectively, are the chief administrators of GSB. They also have a cabinet that is chosen by the president and approved by the senate.

The executive branch directs and carries out the affairs of the government.

The senate makes up the legislative branch. At weekly meetings on Wednesday nights, the senate debates and votes on bills to enact laws, allocate money and make resolutions.

The senate also establishes committees, councils and task forces. There are about 35 senators, and each represents either a residence, a college or a special interest. Senators are elected to their positions by the student body.

The GSB supreme court is the judicial branch. The court handles cases involving grievances filed by students against other students, and those filed by registered campus organizations. Constitutionality issues also are ruled on by the supreme court. Members are chosen by the president and approved by the senate.

Elections are held every February for the following year’s GSB members. The elections held for the 1998-99 school year had the highest voter turnout in several years, but some students still do not see GSB as a credible or respectable organization.

Burkhardt and White hope to challenge student apathy and increase student involvement.

“When word gets out about things being done, [GSB’s] reputation rises, and it gets better,” White said.

Communication and information are the methods the executives hope will improve the image of GSB.

“I really think that when you try to build alliances, everybody succeeds with it,” Burkhardt said. “Ultimately, we can be the best.”

White feels the negative image GSB has adopted may have come from some of its past senators.

“At times, it seemed like students’ best interests weren’t in mind,” White said. He said now fewer senators act on personal agendas and most seem more concerned about students’ needs.

Burkhardt believes GSB can achieve a good reputation if the senators have the right attitudes.

“Don’t hold grudges … or find enemies within the senate,” Burkhardt said. He hopes the returning senators will set a good example and keep in close communication with their constituents.

But improving senate/student communication is not a one-sided issue, he said. Burkhardt wants students to know who their senators are, and to let the senators know about concerns.

“Not all students report concerns to us,” he said.

White sad he believes their goals are attainable, and that this year will be promising.

“The positives are outweighing the negatives,” White said. “I want that to continue.”

But the most important factor in obtaining their goals relies on the involvement of the student body.

“By getting more people involved, the word will spread,” White said. “I want everyone in GSB.”

To get involved, the GSB brochure suggests students read the Daily, take part in activities, communicate with GSB representatives, serve on GSB committees and run for a GSB position.